The College Hill neighborhood in Providence, Rhode Island, gets its name from the educational institutions that have their campuses there. At the top of the hill is Brown University, one of the Ivy League schools. At its foot is the Rhode Island School of Design, one of the country’s top art and design institutions.
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) was founded in 1877 by Helen Adelle Rowe Metcalf, the wife of a textile manufacturer. Her goal was to increase access to training in the arts, especially for women. As an art college, RISD created a museum of art early in its life. The RISD Museum opened in 1893, and its collection has grown ever since.
RISD Museum holds about 100,000 objects in its permanent collection. These include pieces from all corners of the earth, and from times dating back to ancient Egypt. The works are spread through galleries in four buildings. On North Main Street is the Chace Center, which houses the RISD student gallery and space dedicated to contemporary art. There is also the Charles Pendleton House, which was built to look like a private home, and was the countries first exhibition space built especially for the display of decorative arts.
RISD Museum is one of the largest university art museums in the country. Its wide range covers a wide range of artistic eras and styles. I hope these photos give you a good feel for what they have.
There was also a special exhibit of works by Liz Collins. Ms. Collins is a RISD graduate who works in fiber arts, blending knitted materials with other textiles.
The area around RISD is also a great place to explore. Three parallel streets offer great views of the city and historical buildings. First is the riverfront along Water and Canal Streets, with Memorial Park in between. These follow the Providence and Moshassuck Rivers. For most of the 20th century these rivers were covered by roadways. In the 1990’s, in an effort to revitalize the city’s core, they were uncovered and their courses shifted to create a wonderful place to enjoy a beautiful day.
One block east of the river is Main Street. Many of the buildings here were built originally as warehouses and businesses, including some of Providence’s oldest banks.
Walk one more block east, starting up College Hill, and you will arrive at Benefit Street. While Main Street was for business, Benefit Street is where the monied people of early Providence lived. It is lined with grand old homes along with many of RISD’s facilities.
I have always believed that Providence doesn’t get get the attention it deserves as a tourist destination. Boston, Cape Cod, and Newport all draw big crowds, but Providence has been a “drive-by” city. Don’t! It is great place to spend some time.
Nuts and Bolts
- RISD Museum is open Tues – Sun 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Thursday until 8:00 PM).
- Entrance fees are Adults $22/ Seniors $17/ Students $12. It is free on Thursday from 5:00-8:00 and all day on Sundays.
