Lyman Hall, Providence

Originally built in 1891 as Brown University鈥檚 premier gymnasium, Lyman Hall now sets the stage鈥攍iterally鈥攆or the Leeds Theatre and the university鈥檚 Theatre, Speech, and Dance Departments. Designed in the Richardsonian Romanesque style, this brick-and-sandstone landmark flaunts its rough-hewn stonework, rounded arches, and sturdy symmetrical facade. Not to mention, it occupies a prime spot on campus that makes it hard to miss.

Thanks to a bequest from local merchant Daniel W. Lyman, the building sprang to life as a top-notch athletic facility. Though Lyman didn鈥檛 explicitly demand the building become a gymnasium, students at the time lobbied for the funds to go toward that very purpose. And so it did, becoming a hub of athletic activity with facilities that included a batting cage, bowling alleys, a running track, a swimming tank, and a wrestling room. At the time, it was a big deal to dedicate an entire structure to physical activity鈥攑roof that college life was becoming increasingly structured and that intercollegiate sports were beginning to take root.

Fast-forward to today, and the old swimming pool lies hidden beneath the dance studio floor, while the rest of the hall buzzes with rehearsals, performances, and the creative energy of the next generation of artists and performers. In short, Lyman Hall鈥檚 transformation from gym to cultural hub is one for the history books鈥攁nd worth a visit.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Lyman Hall
Sight Location: Providence, USA (See walking tours in Providence)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Brown University Walking Tour

Walking Tours in Providence, Rhode Island

Create Your Own Walk in Providence

Creating your own self-guided walk in Providence is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Providence Historical Buildings Tour

A beautiful city on the banks of the Providence River, Providence, Rhode Island, is nearly as old as the United States themselves 鈥� founded in 1636. As such, the city has many interesting historical and architectural landmarks worth checking out that tell the story of its past.

Among these, the Providence County Courthouse stands as a symbol of justice and governance. The Old Stone Bank,... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles

Brown University Walking Tour

Chief among the iconic landmarks contributing to the cultural atmosphere of Providence, Rhode Island, is Brown University, a prestigious Ivy League institution known for its liberal arts education and vibrant campus life. Founded in 1764, this is the seventh-oldest university in the United States, chartered before the American Revolution.

Brown's historic campus offers a classic New... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles

Providence Introduction Walking Tour

Along the banks of the Providence River sits one of New England鈥檚 oldest and most storied settlements. Founded in 1636 by Roger Williams, a bold dissenter fleeing Massachusetts Bay Colony, it initially began as a sanctuary of religious freedom. Williams believed this haven was revealed through divine mercy鈥攈ence the name 鈥淧rovidence.鈥� Over time, the city grew from its humble beginnings... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles

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