Van Wickle Gates and the Quiet Green, Providence
On your tour of Brown University, you鈥檒l find two landmarks that truly reflect the school鈥檚 rich heritage and traditions: the Van Wickle Gates and the Quiet Green. Serving as the ceremonial entrance to the campus, the gates were dedicated in 1901, thanks to a bequest from Augustus Stout Van Wickle, a class of 1876 graduate who became a prominent banker and coal company president. These portals feature a central arch flanked by smaller side gates, all adorned with intricate details including the university鈥檚 coat of arms and inscriptions from Cicero.
The central gates aren鈥檛 just for show; they only open for important events. During Convocation, they swing inward to welcome new students, and at Commencement, they open outward, symbolically sending graduates off into the world. There鈥檚 even a playful superstition: walk through the central gates more than twice, and you might not graduate. In fact, groups like the Brown Band have developed creative ways to navigate this 鈥渃urse,鈥� such as hopping on one foot or walking through backwards.
Beyond the gates is the Quiet Green, also known as the Front Green. Surrounded by some of the university鈥檚 oldest buildings, this peaceful expanse is steeped in history. University Hall, built in 1770, stands as the oldest building on campus, while Hope College, a dormitory from 1822, and Manning Hall, constructed in 1834, add to the area鈥檚 historic character.
The Quiet Green has also been a focus of archaeological exploration, revealing fascinating remnants of Brown鈥檚 early years, including the original President鈥檚 House that once stood nearby. In 2014, the Green became home to the Slavery Memorial, a striking sculpture that acknowledges Brown University鈥檚 ties to the transatlantic slave trade, providing a space for reflection and remembrance.
The central gates aren鈥檛 just for show; they only open for important events. During Convocation, they swing inward to welcome new students, and at Commencement, they open outward, symbolically sending graduates off into the world. There鈥檚 even a playful superstition: walk through the central gates more than twice, and you might not graduate. In fact, groups like the Brown Band have developed creative ways to navigate this 鈥渃urse,鈥� such as hopping on one foot or walking through backwards.
Beyond the gates is the Quiet Green, also known as the Front Green. Surrounded by some of the university鈥檚 oldest buildings, this peaceful expanse is steeped in history. University Hall, built in 1770, stands as the oldest building on campus, while Hope College, a dormitory from 1822, and Manning Hall, constructed in 1834, add to the area鈥檚 historic character.
The Quiet Green has also been a focus of archaeological exploration, revealing fascinating remnants of Brown鈥檚 early years, including the original President鈥檚 House that once stood nearby. In 2014, the Green became home to the Slavery Memorial, a striking sculpture that acknowledges Brown University鈥檚 ties to the transatlantic slave trade, providing a space for reflection and remembrance.
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Van Wickle Gates and the Quiet Green on Map
Sight Name: Van Wickle Gates and the Quiet Green
Sight Location: Providence, USA (See walking tours in Providence)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Providence, USA (See walking tours in Providence)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
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 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
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
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles