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Rhode Island State House, Providence, RI

Photo: Beyond My Ken, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

SightseeingHistory BuffFreeRainy-Day Pick

Rhode Island State House

82 Smith St · Providence, RI

Why you should go…

The Rhode Island State House is a neoclassical capitol designed by McKim, Mead & White and built of white Georgia marble, with one of the largest self-supported marble domes in the world. On top stands the Independent Man, an 11-foot gilded bronze statue. Inside you can see Gilbert Stuart's full-length portrait of George Washington in the State Room and the original Royal Charter of 1663. Docent-led and self-guided tours are offered on weekdays.

  • #state capitol
  • #guided tours
  • #architecture
  • #marble dome
  • #history

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Rhode Island State House, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Benefit Street

    Free

    Walk a street of restored Colonial and Victorian houses, churches and museums on Providence's College Hill.

    0.3 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    History Buff

    RISD Museum

    Under $25

    An art and design museum in Providence with more than 100,000 objects spanning ancient to contemporary work.

    0.5 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Providence, Rhode Island

    Free

    Rhode Island's compact capital, nicknamed the Creative Capital for its arts scene, riverfront, and dining.

    0.5 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Free

    Waterplace Park

    Free

    Stroll cobblestone riverwalks and Venice-style footbridges downtown, the setting for WaterFire bonfires.

    0.6 mi awayMore like this

  • Theatre & Events
    Date Night

    Providence Performing Arts Center

    $50+

    See touring Broadway shows and concerts inside a 3,100-seat 1928 movie palace in downtown Providence.

    0.7 mi awaySwitch it up: Theatre & Events

  • Eat & Drink
    Foodie Favorite

    Federal Hill

    Free

    Walk Atwells Avenue under the pine cone arch and eat your way through Providence's Little Italy.

    0.8 mi awaySwitch it up: Eat & Drink