
Rhode Island School of Design Museum, Providence (must see)
The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Museum isn’t just an art museum—it’s an art adventure. Ranked as the 20th largest museum of its kind in the country, it boasts a treasure trove of over 100,000 pieces spanning centuries, continents, and styles. From paintings and sculptures to intricate textiles and everything in between, each artifact has its own story to tell—complete with helpful info on the artist’s intentions and cultural context..
The museum’s seven curatorial departments ensure you’ll never run out of surprises: Ancient Art, Asian Art, Contemporary Art, Costume and Textiles, Decorative Arts and Design, Painting and Sculpture, and Prints, Drawings, and Photographs. Highlights include a jaw-dropping 12th-century Japanese wooden Buddha—the biggest of its kind in the U.S.—and a world-class collection of 19th-century Japanese prints assembled by Abby Aldrich Rockefeller.
For lovers of the ancient world, the collection of bronze sculptures, Greek coins, mosaics, and stone carvings is a must-see, featuring stars like the Hellenistic bronze Aphrodite. Also, make sure not to miss the Egyptian gallery, which houses the extraordinary Ptolemaic-period coffin and mummy of the priest Nesmin.
And that’s just scratching the surface. The European gallery shines with works by Manet, Monet, Renoir, and Picasso, while American art is well represented with pieces by Thomas Cole, Gilbert Stuart, and furniture from Newport craftsmen Goddard and Townsend.
In short, come prepared to be wowed. The bathrooms are clean, the gift shop is stocked, and there’s so much to see, you’ll want to clear your schedule. This is one of those places where you let the art lead the way and see where it takes you.
The museum’s seven curatorial departments ensure you’ll never run out of surprises: Ancient Art, Asian Art, Contemporary Art, Costume and Textiles, Decorative Arts and Design, Painting and Sculpture, and Prints, Drawings, and Photographs. Highlights include a jaw-dropping 12th-century Japanese wooden Buddha—the biggest of its kind in the U.S.—and a world-class collection of 19th-century Japanese prints assembled by Abby Aldrich Rockefeller.
For lovers of the ancient world, the collection of bronze sculptures, Greek coins, mosaics, and stone carvings is a must-see, featuring stars like the Hellenistic bronze Aphrodite. Also, make sure not to miss the Egyptian gallery, which houses the extraordinary Ptolemaic-period coffin and mummy of the priest Nesmin.
And that’s just scratching the surface. The European gallery shines with works by Manet, Monet, Renoir, and Picasso, while American art is well represented with pieces by Thomas Cole, Gilbert Stuart, and furniture from Newport craftsmen Goddard and Townsend.
In short, come prepared to be wowed. The bathrooms are clean, the gift shop is stocked, and there’s so much to see, you’ll want to clear your schedule. This is one of those places where you let the art lead the way and see where it takes you.
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.
Rhode Island School of Design Museum on Map
Sight Name: Rhode Island School of Design Museum
Sight Location: Providence, USA (See walking tours in Providence)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Providence, USA (See walking tours in Providence)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
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.
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
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 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