Manning Hall, Providence

Manning Hall, perched on Brown University鈥檚 historic Main Green, stands as a beacon of Greek Revival architecture, harking back to the institution鈥檚 early 19th-century expansion. Built in 1834 and named after Brown鈥檚 first president, James Manning, the hall draws direct inspiration from ancient Greece. Its design mimics the Temple of Diana-Propylea in Eleusis, but at twice the size, bringing classical grandeur to the heart of the campus. The building鈥檚 stuccoed walls and sturdy Doric-columned portico epitomize the architectural ideals of the time.

In its early years, Manning Hall served dual purposes: the university鈥檚 library occupied the first floor, while a chapel operated on the second. As Brown鈥檚 academic community expanded, the library moved to Robinson Hall in 1878, and chapel services transitioned to Sayles Hall in 1894. The upper floor then found new life as a studio for architectural and freehand drawing classes.

More recently, Manning Hall鈥檚 first floor housed exhibitions by the Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology鈥攖hough as of 2025, this gallery has been relocated. The upper floor remains an active non-denominational chapel, preserving its tradition as a place for reflection and academic inspiration.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Providence. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: 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.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Manning Hall
Sight Location: Providence, USA (See walking tours in Providence)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
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 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

Providence Historical Buildings Tour

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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)
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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

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