The Rhode Island School of Design is one of the country's leading art schools and it has a museum to match this lauded reputation. Located on colonial Benefit Street, RISD museum traces the history of art from antiquity to the present day through more than 85,000 works of art from all over the world. There are also collections showing Providence's history as a manufacturing center for silver, but the main galleries are categorized as follows: The Grand Gallery, Early Renaissance & Medieval, Ancient Greek & Roman, Contemporary & Modern and Decorative Arts & Design.
The Providence Children's Museum is a hands-on place of fun and learning for children as well as adults. Here, children can explore the awesome power of air, light and sound in the exhibit entitled Play Power or splash around in Water Ways, a wet and wild playscape of pumps and fountains. There is also Littlewoods, a whimsical woodland environment made especially for younger toddlers. Some educational exhibits include activities that investigate Rhode Island plants, trees and shrubs in the Children's Garden or little guys can go on a time-traveling adventure, solve bridge-building challenges and do much, much more!
This commanding three-floor mansion sits along the aptly named Power Street in historic College Hill. The house was built in 1786 for the premier Providence merchant of his day and early trustee of the nearby university, John Brown. Now, under the purview of the Rhode Island Historical Society, this mansion preserves original furnishings and decorations from the 18th Century, which includes a nine-shell desk and bookcase as a couple of great examples. As with many historical attractions in Providence, this one offers a glimpse into the life of Colonial America after the Revolutionary War.
This museum is located in impeccably landscaped Roger Williams Park, named after the state's founder. The museum opened in 1896 and over the last century it has collected more than 250,000 artifacts from across North America and beyond. Most of the objects are not on display, however there is plenty of taxidermy. As far as the planetarium is concerned, it features a state-of-the-art Zeiss projector with a full-dome and it has several shows daily. Some of the programs include, Our Place in Space, Journey to the Stars, Sky Views and Great Space Adventure in addition to many others. The museum hosts events throughout the year aimed towards kids like adventure tours in the vault, fossil find activities, workshops and much, much more.
All tennis buffs know that this is the place to visit while in Newport. The International Tennis Hall of Fame is truly a shrine to the sport, given its history and the well-preserved exhibits of immense significance. Found at Newport Casino, located on beautiful Bellevue Avenue amongst shops and eateries, the site is a perfect place to stop by and admire the lush, grassy tennis courts and the International Tennis Hall of Fame Museum, commemorating tennis pros from past and present.
Established in 1822, the Rhode Island Historical Society is an organization that aims to preserve and maintain the state's historical archives and landmarks. As a part of this endeavor, it manages several locations in Providence. The most highlighted ones are The John Brown House Museum, The Museum of Work & Culture, The Aldrich House and The RIHS Library, where the headquarters is located. The collections at these museums feature books, journals, manuscripts, and objects about life in both pre- and post-revolutionary America. Additionally, the society also conducts workshops, seminars and tours with many of the proceeds directed towards preserving the history of this original colony that was the first to secede from the British Crown.
Barrington Preservation Society was inaugurated in 1885 and aims at portraying the history of the town of Barrington. They collect, organize and present documents, collectibles and other data which portrays the rich history and culture of the town. The museum has on display various photographs and official documents dating back to as far 1700's which describes the life and development the town underwent over the ages.
Clouds Hill; located in Warwick, RI was built in the year 1877 and is one of the last existing large scale residential buildings built during the 18th century. The house shows prominent Gothic Revival architecture and has Egyptian themed rooms and Victorian Era designs. Currently the house has been converted into a historic house museum in 2004 and was registered under the National Register of Historic Places in 2014.
Established in 1822, the Rhode Island Historical Society is an organization that aims to preserve and maintain the state's historical archives and landmarks. As a part of this endeavor, it manages several locations in Providence. The most highlighted ones are The John Brown House Museum, The Museum of Work & Culture, The Aldrich House and The RIHS Library, where the headquarters is located. The collections at these museums feature books, journals, manuscripts, and objects about life in both pre- and post-revolutionary America. Additionally, the society also conducts workshops, seminars and tours with many of the proceeds directed towards preserving the history of this original colony that was the first to secede from the British Crown.
Hearthside House is a magnificent 19-century mansion that is located on Great Road in the state of Rhode Island. This stone edifice adorns a federal-style of architecture and was constructed by Stephen Hopkins Smith. This house was previously owned by Frederick C. Sayles. Visit the museum and learn about the area’s rich history. Visitors can opt for guided tours here. In addition to this, they can also host events like classes and workshops. This old house is part of the National Register of Historic Places.
South County History Center is located in the heart of the city and is the hub of the collection, study, and protection of the region's history and culture. Within its walls lies a treasure trove of artifacts, documents, maps, photographs, paintings, sculptures, and much more that tell a fascinating tale of the olden days of the city's residents. They also boast of a spectacular library and detailed historical records. Whether you're a local or a tourist, a visit to this museum is certainly recommended.
The Tomaquag Indian Memorial Museum is dedicated to educating people about the history and culture of the indigenous tribes. This museum is packed with exceptional artifacts, newspapers, dolls, utensils, weapons, and historical archives. The exhibits are well maintained and the staff and tour guides are passionate about what they do. They are also known to be very knowledgeable and friendly. A visit to this museum is a true learning experience and should not be missed when in the city.