News
News
Providence Hidden Gems: 7 Must-See Cultural Sites
Author Cecilia DiAngi '26 is a Media & Communication major and works as a student assistant at JWU, contributing to JWU News.
For a city packed with college students, industry professionals tackling their careers and families enjoying the city life of Providence, it’s easy to overlook the several cultural gems that can be found hidden in its neighborhoods. Thoughtfully designed art and cultural museums, walkable city views, decades-old libraries, and historic memorials are just some of the many sites that make the city of Providence a lively choice to live in and attend school. Taking the time to explore these sites and learn about the history, culture and people of Providence will give you a lasting impression of this old New England city.
The Providence Athenaeum
The Providence Athenaeum, founded in 1836, has sat proudly and prominently above the historic College Hill area at 251 Benefit Street for more than 200 years. Housing a large collection of rare and contemporary books, local artwork, beautiful architecture and statues, the Athenaeum is a well-known literary hub where greats such as Edgar Allen Poe, H.P. Lovecraft, Helen Power Whitman and Ralph Waldo Emerson spent time. With three levels to explore you won’t have a difficult time finding a perfect nook or cranny to nuzzle into for studying or exploring centuries-old historical works, and you’ll leave with a better sense of one of Providence’s treasures. While the library has always been open to the public, memberships are available for checking out books.
The John Brown House Museum
Surrounding the many historic homes found in Providence’s neighborhoods are deep pockets of rich history and charm. The John Brown House, arguably the most memorable of all, was one of the first to be built in 1788. The house, now a museum, resides at 52 Power Street in Providence. It’s in a charming location on the city’s East Side, offering a panoramic view of the cityscape and Providence River. The Rhode Island Historical Society (RIHS) now owns and maintains the museum and preserves its integrity as a National Historic Landmark. The exhibits inside reflect Rhode Island’s history including its role in the revolution and participation in slavery and the slave trade. On view are historical sculptures, furniture, artwork, silver and other selections. Don’t miss the fully restored 18th-century carriage that belonged to John Brown and known as “Washington’s Chariot,” because President George Washington is said to have ridden in it during a visit to Rhode Island. The displays in the museum, open Tuesday through Saturday, are always evolving. Keep an eye out for updates, events and programs to experience on your visit. The cost for students is $8.
Rhode Island Irish Famine Memorial
The Rhode Island Irish Famine Memorial can be found along the Pedestrian Riverwalk, just a short walk heading east from the Downcity Campus. As you follow the Riverwalk, you’ll come across the Rhode Island Irish Famine Memorial, nestled in a park with views of trees, flower gardens and locals enjoying the area. The memorial was dedicated in November of 2007 to the two-and-one-half million victims and survivors of the Irish Famine from 1845 to 1851. The main aspect is a larger–than–life sculpture depicting three Irish people resting on a round stone base. Just beyond the sculpture is a wall with the inscribed story of what happened during the famine in Ireland and of the brave survivors who emigrated to the United States. To paint a better picture in visitors' heads, there is also an outlined map beneath the wall showing the coasts of both Ireland and the U.S.’s East Coast.
RISD Museum
Providence, also known as the “Creative Capital,” proudly celebrates the area's artists and their work (the murals showcased on the exteriors of many buildings are a good example of this). The Rhode Island School of Design Museum (RISD) takes the city’s reverence up a notch by providing a stunning museum established in 1877 that showcases, in-house and online, more than 100,000 works of art dating from ancient times to today. The museum houses several types of artwork, spanning from decades-old murals, sculptures and costumes to textiles and furniture along with works by current RISD students.
The museum’s original, unique works of art and historical collections offer much to see and learn about the world of art and culture, making the RISD museum a must-see location. Located in the heart of Providence’s downtown on North Main Street, the museum sits in an area filled with students, locals and tourists. Entry is free for JWU students (just present your school ID at the front desk).
The Players at Barker Playhouse
Calling all theatre arts enthusiasts! The Players at Barker Playhouse, one of the country’s oldest running theatres, founded in 1909, is a unique venue for exploring theatre arts.
The non-profit playhouse was created by Henry Barker to give the Providence community the opportunity to experience amateur theatrical productions. Barker left funds to keep the playhouse in Providence after he passed away and it has held many shows over the years, ranging from Shakespeare to Abbott and Sondheim to Zelig.
Tickets can be purchased for individual shows or through a membership that includes five main stage shows. As a member you’ll also have access to green room productions, movie nights and social activities. The Barker Playhouse is a fun, historical site for theatre lovers to visit and is located at the corner of Benefit and Transit Streets (now appointed as Barker Way) in the Fox Point neighborhood — about a 15-minute walk from the Downcity Campus.
AAPI History Museum
The Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) History Museum, a recent addition to Providence’s diverse cultural scene, is the first APPI history museum in the United States. The building was designed as a space for the community to come together to learn about AAPI history and culture and their impact on Rhode Island. The museum changes its displays periodically and they are often organized by themes such as identity, migration, immigration and solidarity. The exhibits can be taken in seamlessly as they are created with four learning styles in mind: visual, kinesthetic, auditory and classic learning.
The museum, located at 44 Hospital Street in the Jewelry district, is open on Tuesdays through Saturdays and is an affordable spot for students to visit. Tickets for students, seniors, teachers, the military and partner schools are $5.85 daily or $58.50 yearly. With the thoughtfully curated collection of exhibits and a commitment to teaching the public, the AAPI History Museum stands out as a lively addition to the community for cultural connections, community and learning.
Gabriella (Gabi) Nieves '24, a JWU Graphic Design alum created a brand system for the AAPI History Museum during AAPI Heritage Month in 2024. In this video she talks about her work with the museum as an important part her Design Team course as a student.
Providence Art Club
The Providence Art Club was established in 1880 by a group of professional and amateur artists and art collectors who wanted a place to gather and connect, appreciate art and create and display their pieces.
The main meeting site is at 11 Thomas Street in College Hill — a quick 15-minute walk from the Downcity Campus. Surrounding the main meeting house are elaborately designed Victorian homes that are dedicated to the club’s art studios, clubhouse and other galleries. While it is free to walk around and tour some art installations, the club also offers memberships with benefits including classes, workshops, exhibition opportunities, private events and more. Also offered are monthly social events, presentations and lectures by members and guests. The club is a great option for JWU students looking to expand their knowledge of local arts and mingle with art enthusiasts.
From famed architecture to modern museums and award-winning restaurants, Providence has art, culture and history hiding throughout its neighborhoods. No matter the time, day or place, you’ll have plenty of sites to explore and enjoy.
