Robinson Hall, Providence

Robinson Hall, a striking example of High Victorian Gothic architecture, holds a prominent place on Brown University's campus. Completed in 1878, it originally served as the university's library, with a central rotunda illuminated by stained glass windows that hints at the grandeur of 19th-century design.

The building, created by the Providence-based firm Walker & Gould, reflects the Venetian Gothic style championed by John Ruskin. Its picturesque exterior combines brick, slate, stone, terra cotta, and wrought iron, all coming together in a dramatic pyramidal design. The most distinctive feature is its central octagonal tower, which anchors the cruciform layout.

The Hall owes its existence to a generous bequest from John Carter Brown, a class of 1816 graduate and son of Nicholas Brown Jr., after whom the university is named. Brown鈥檚 donation of land and funds highlighted the family鈥檚 longstanding dedication to the institution. When the hall was inaugurated in 1878, librarian Reuben Aldrich Guild placed the first book鈥擲amuel Bagster鈥檚 Polyglot Bible鈥攐n the shelves, signaling its role as a haven of knowledge.

As the library鈥檚 collection grew, Robinson Hall eventually reached capacity, prompting the construction of the John Hay Library. By 1912, the edifice found a new purpose as home to Brown鈥檚 Department of Economics, a role it continues to fulfill.

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: Robinson 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

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

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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