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On the third Thursday of the month, March through November, twenty-one of the city's museums and galleries open their doors to all. Free guided bus tours are organized around specific themes (contemporary art, emerging artists, artisan shops, etc.), and are often led by special guest speakers. Tours leave One Regency Plaza, (where you can park for free), every half hour between 5:30PM and 7PM. If you prefer a self-guided tour, visit Gallery Night's website for a detailed map.
Offers a variety of exhibits to provide hands-on fun. The museum accepts cash, check, Discover, Visa and MasterCard. Park a picnic lunch and eat either in one of the 3 assembly rooms or in the beautiful outdoor picnic area. The museum is fun for all ages and includes exhibits such as a water table, an exploration of the history of Rhode Island, wind rooms, dinosaur digs and building blocks.
Presents work from professional and community artists in themed exhibits on subjects such as culture, human rights, and breast cancer awareness.
Built from 1894 to 1901. A wonder sculpted from white Georgia marble, containing the world's fourth largest self-supported marble dome. This monumental amazement is 300 feet long, 180 wide, and 233 feet high. Features inside this gigantic building are: the Bell Room, American Revolution regiment flags, a Rotunda, Gun Room, the State Library, House and Senate Chambers and Lounges, Charter room, and many other fascinating tantalizing rooms including one that houses the original 1663 portrait of George Washington by RI native Gilbert Stuart; whose painting is the same face that went on the U.S. one dollar bill. Designed by the notable McKim, Mead, and White architectural firm. Come see the State House lit up in pink to support Breast Cancer Awareness every October. Accompany this visit of the pink State House with a walk around Providence's WaterFire (See below in 'do'). Guided tours of the building are offered M-F 9AM-noon. Self-guided tours may be taken M-F 9AM-3:30PM.
The first enclosed shopping mall in America, completed in 1828. Built in the style of Greek Revival, this building has a unique twist: Due to a disagreement between the two principal architects, columns on one end are Ionic, and on the other, Doric. It has been converted to a residential building with about a dozen shops and restaurants.
Finished in 1878, the Second Empire Baroque City Hall only survives today because of former Mayor Buddy Cianci's careful restoration in 1975.
Bank of America Tower
The tallest building in Providence is an intent Art Deco impression from 1928.