
Main Green, Providence
At the heart of Brown University's campus lies the lively Main Green, a living symbol of the university’s heritage. Known historically as “Middle Campus,” it underwent a significant transformation in the 1860s, eventually earning its current name in the 1940s. Over time, this central expanse has evolved into a multipurpose space, hosting everything from concerts and political rallies to informal gatherings and outdoor classes.
Surrounding the Main Green are some of Brown’s most notable buildings: University Hall, constructed in 1770, holds the title of the campus’s oldest structure and has served a variety of functions throughout the university’s history; Sayles Hall, dedicated in 1881, frequently hosts lectures, concerts, and notable events; and Faunce House, which stands as a hub of student activity, featuring the popular Blue Room Café and other vital campus services.
Visitors can also discover compelling artistic installations on the Green. Giuseppe Penone’s “Ideas of Stone” (“Idee di Pietra”) sculpture, installed in 2006, evokes the connection between nature and humanity. Meanwhile, Martin Puryear’s 2014 Slavery Memorial offers a poignant acknowledgment of Brown’s historical ties to the transatlantic slave trade.
The Main Green plays a central role in many of the university’s long-standing traditions, including Spring Weekend—a lively annual event filled with concerts and celebrations—and Campus Dance, held during Commencement Weekend, when the Green transforms into a magical, light-strung dance floor.
For anyone touring Brown University, spending some time here offers a firsthand experience of the campus’s unique blend of history, art, and student life.
Surrounding the Main Green are some of Brown’s most notable buildings: University Hall, constructed in 1770, holds the title of the campus’s oldest structure and has served a variety of functions throughout the university’s history; Sayles Hall, dedicated in 1881, frequently hosts lectures, concerts, and notable events; and Faunce House, which stands as a hub of student activity, featuring the popular Blue Room Café and other vital campus services.
Visitors can also discover compelling artistic installations on the Green. Giuseppe Penone’s “Ideas of Stone” (“Idee di Pietra”) sculpture, installed in 2006, evokes the connection between nature and humanity. Meanwhile, Martin Puryear’s 2014 Slavery Memorial offers a poignant acknowledgment of Brown’s historical ties to the transatlantic slave trade.
The Main Green plays a central role in many of the university’s long-standing traditions, including Spring Weekend—a lively annual event filled with concerts and celebrations—and Campus Dance, held during Commencement Weekend, when the Green transforms into a magical, light-strung dance floor.
For anyone touring Brown University, spending some time here offers a firsthand experience of the campus’s unique blend of history, art, and student life.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Providence. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Main Green on Map
Sight Name: Main Green
Sight Location: Providence, USA (See walking tours in Providence)
Sight Type: Park/Outdoor
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Providence, USA (See walking tours in Providence)
Sight Type: Park/Outdoor
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
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.
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
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 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 – 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
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
Providence Introduction Walking Tour
Along the banks of the Providence River sits one of New England’s 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—hence the name “Providence.” 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
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles