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RISD Museum

20 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02903 · Providence, RI

Why you should go…

The RISD Museum, founded in 1877 as part of the Rhode Island School of Design, holds more than 100,000 objects ranging from ancient art to contemporary design. It is located at 20 North Main Street in downtown Providence and is open Tuesday through Sunday with extended Thursday evening hours. General adult admission is 15 dollars, with free admission on Sundays and on Thursday evenings.

  • #art
  • #museum
  • #design
  • #history

Good to know

General museums guidance

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

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

What's around here?

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

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Providence, Rhode Island

    Free

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

    0.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Nightlife
    Iconic

    Bally's Lincoln Casino Resort

    Free

    A 24-hour casino resort in Lincoln with thousands of slots, table games, a hotel, spa and multiple restaurants.

    5.1 mi awaySwitch it up: Nightlife

  • Attractions
    Date Night

    Level99

    $25–$50

    Adults-only arcade of 50+ life-sized physical and mental challenge games, plus a full bar and restaurant.

    32 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Museums
    Local Gem

    Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

    Under $25

    A Venetian palace of art wrapped around a flowering courtyard, and home to the world's most famous art heist.

    39 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    Iconic

    John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

    Under $25

    I.M. Pei's soaring glass pavilion on Columbia Point tells JFK's story, from the 1960 campaign trail to the Cuban Missile Crisis, with harbor views to match.

    39 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    Iconic

    Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

    $25–$50

    One of the world's great art museums, Monet, Sargent, ancient Egypt and 500,000 works under one roof.

    39 mi awayMore like this