Providence's signature event is WaterFire, an award-winning fire sculpture installation on the three rivers in downtown Providence. Created by local artist Barnaby Evans, WaterFire has become a must-see for visitors.

Today, many of Providence's historic landmarks are open to the public, including the RISD Museum, the state's leading museum of art and design; the John Brown House Museum, a landmark from the 18th century; and the Governor Henry Lippitt House Museum, an American National Historic Landmark.