Providence Athenaeum, Providence

The Providence Athen忙um was formed by merging two early subscription libraries: the Providence Library Company, founded in 1753, and a previous incarnation of the Providence Athen忙um, established in 1831. This union gave rise to the institution we know today, which first opened its Greek Revival building on July 11, 1838. Designed by Philadelphia architect William Strickland, the structure features a temple-like fa莽ade with a prominent main entry elevated a full story above ground. Built from Rhode Island granite, the structure includes a recessed portico with a double wood door, embodying the refined style of the 19th century.

Over the years, the Athen忙um has hosted many renowned figures, including Edgar Allan Poe, who visited in 1848 while courting Providence poet Sarah Helen Whitman. Their well-documented meetings within the library鈥檚 walls lend a touch of literary intrigue to the institution鈥檚 history.

The library鈥檚 collection spans centuries, reflecting the evolving interests of its members. Its Special Collections include rare books and manuscripts with notable strengths in literature, history, travel, fine arts, and natural sciences. The Founders鈥� Collection, which survived a catastrophic fire in 1758, offers a direct connection to the library鈥檚 earliest days.

Open to the public, the Athen忙um invites visitors to explore its rich history and collections through self-guided tours. While the main and lower levels are open to all, exclusive spaces such as the mezzanine-level Art Room remain reserved for members.

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

Providence Historical Buildings 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.

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

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

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