Location: Providence
Top Things to do in Providence
The 10 Best Museums in Providence, Rhode Island (RI)
Years of careful urban planning and meticulous restoration have rendered this former rum and molasses trading town one of the best places to live in the United States, star of an eponymous television show and a swell place to spend a weekend. Historic sites, wonderful museums and theaters seamlessly blend with newer attractions on the block including a modern mega-mall, scenic Riverwalk, outdoor skating arena, convention center, plus new hotels and restaurants. The Roger Williams Zoo, with its updated Tropical Rainforest Building where "spunky monkeys" roam free in a constructed jungle-like environment, remains one of the city's top attractions and offers hours of entertainment for children and adults alike. Wander back in time on Benefit Street, where eminent Federal period homes recall the city's wealthy past. For a modern experience, check out the more than 100 stores at Providence Place. Or tantalize your taste buds on "The Hill," a historic area that boasts many award- winning restaurants, from the Italian and Mediterranean cuisine for which "Little Italy" got its name, to Caribbean, Mexican, Chinese, seafood and baked goods. For a different perspective, take a romantic river cruise on an authentic Venetian gondola. No matter what your vantage point, Providence sparkles.
Restaurants in Providence
1. Providence Art Club
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 22 reviews
This is said to be the oldest art club in the nation, designed to foster an appreciation for local arts.
2. ArtProv Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
ArtProv is a gallery of contemporary art that displays an evocative collection of works centered around color, texture and expression by local, regional and national artists. Please check website as weekly hours change.
3. The Art Gallery at Sprout
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
This is an art gallery in the Sprout Coworking office that is open to the public and a member of Gallery Night Providence. Shows change monthly and feature new, emerging, student and community artists. Open daily from 9-5 and the 3rd Thursday of every months from 5-9pm.
4. Federal Hill Heritage Exhibit
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Since 1886 Federal Hill in Providence Rhode Island has been one the centers for Italian immigration in the United States. Italian settlers replaced the Irish settlers We decided to undergo a campaign of collecting photos and important documents that justly represent this hub of history and culture intended for the preservation of the Italian immigration movement in Rhode Island.
5. Rhode Island Museum Of Science And Art
6. WaterFire Arts Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
The WaterFire Arts Center serves as our headquarters, production complex, and multi-purpose arts venue as well as a social enterprise platform strengthening the organization's long-term financial sustainability. One of the unique features of the WaterFire Arts Center is the Main Hall which provides 15,000 sq. ft. of uninterrupted exhibition, performance, and production space with a 40 ft. ceiling.
7. Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 946 reviews
This innovative and internationally renowned museum showcases more than 80,000 works of art from Paul Revere's silver and caricatures of 18th century Europe, to French Impressionists and the avant-garde works of recent alumni. A 12th-century Japanese Buddha has its own room with benches for meditating.
Reviewed By margatemensch2016 - Coconut Creek, United States
Recently,I returned to Providence and the delighful RIsd Art Museum.I devoted my day to studying its quality European paintings and sculpture.I did not see everything in this art museum that has a broad range of Art.Old Master personal favorites were Spinello Aretino's"Saint Anthony Abbott Enthroned",Jacopo di Cione's"Taking of Saint Peter",Giusseppe Cesari's"Perseus and Andromeda".Aert de Gelder's"Esther and Mordecai",Francisco Collantes'"Hagar and Ishmael".Marinus Van Reymerswaele's"Money Changers",and Giovanni Pannini's"Colliseum".19th Century favorites were Jean Victor Bertin's"Tivoli",Edouard Manet's"Repose",Claude Monet's"Bassin At Argentieul"(awesome French Impressionism),Carolus Duran's"Portrait of Manet",and Edgard Degas'"La Savoissiene".I also savored the fine Gothic and Renaissance Period sculptural works that were on display such as Ivory Diptych from 13th Century France depicting Nativity and Crucifixion,and Tillman Riemenschneider's "Pieta",among others..Kudos to a fine art museum in historic Providence.
8. Providence Children's Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 197 reviews
New museum located in the Jewelry District.
Reviewed By 31204 - Macon, United States
This is a nice museum for kids. There are a lot of wonderful activities for them, and even on a day when there are lots of kids around, it still was a pleasant experience. It is easy to get to, parking is free (although the lot was filling up by 11am), and for the price it’s a great 3-4 with kids. The water room is great, especially for younger kids, and my 7 and 9 year old enjoyed the upstairs rooms with the interactive ship and store. If you had to choose between driving into Boston or driving into Providence for a children’s museum, I’d say this is the better and less stressful choice.
9. Lippitt House Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
A National Historic Landmark, Lippitt House has one of the best preserved interiors in America, allowing visitors to experience exceptional Victorian design and American craftsmanship. Following the Lippitt family’s example of public service, the museum’s cultural programming promotes civic engagement, the arts, and history of Providence. August 2020 - Lippitt House welcomes guests to the Museum for a private outdoor tour experience. Private tours are offered, for free, on Thursdays and Fridays throughout August at 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM. Private tour times are also available Saturday August 8 and August 22. Private Outdoor Tours are one hour long and can accommodate a group up to 6 people
Reviewed By historytraveler19
Lippitt House is easy to find and surrounded by a quaint neighborhood. The estate is beautiful and well preserved. I went on an extensive tour and was able to ask many questions. There are tours available at scheduled times and if you contact them, you may be able to schedule a tour at a time that is not listed. I highly recommend taking a tour and spending some time on the grounds. The furnishings and wares are reflective of a late19th-century mansion, much of it from the Lippitt family. It is like a walk back in time. Worth the time to visit, better than expected.
10. Woods-Gerry Gallery
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