As one of the first cities established in America, Providence has served to establish Rhode Island in the forefront of industry and culture. From its founding by Roger Williams, in 1636, to its involvement in the American Revolution, Providence has gone on to become the state's enduring and gracious capitol city.

Accessibility to excellent transportation facilities, including the Port of Providence, with its 40-foot channel and 27 public and private docks, and a high concentration of trained workers, Providence is Rhode Island's major industrial center. In fact, Providence is one of the major commercial, financial, and industrial centers in New England, with an economy based upon a foundation of manufacturing and service oriented enterprises. The manufacture of jewelry, which is shipped worldwide, establishes Providence as one of the largest jewelry centers in the United States.

In Providence, one witnesses the artful blend of the past and present--rich in architectural, educational, and social significance. Atop the magnificent white marble State House, the bronze "Independent Man" champions the cause for which Providence was founded--religious liberty and individual freedom. The fine, restored 18th century homes along Benefit Street are only a short stroll from Brown University, the seventh oldest American college. The first Baptist Church in America, a national historic landmark built in 1775, and the Arcade, the nation's first enclosed shopping mall are only part of this living story. While a more recent architectural gem is includes the Rhode Island School of Design, founded in 1877 and recognized as one of the nation's foremost art schools.

Providence, a city of over 150,000 people, is located in southeastern New England, at the head of Narragansett Bay on the Atlantic seacoast. Providence is the business, financial, government and cultural hub of a metropolitan area of over 1,000,000 persons. Providence's economic assets include accessibility to excellent transportation facilities, including the Port of Providence, with its 40-foot channel, a high concentration of skilled workers, and six colleges and universities. Providence's major manufacturing industries: metals, machinery, textiles, jewelry, and silverware were established by 1830 and helped attract the international immigrants that have shaped Providence's neighborhoods. At the turn of the 20th century, Providence boasted the world's largest tool factory (Brown and Sharpe), file factory (Nicholson File), engine factory (Corliss Steam Engine Company), screw factory (American Screw), and silverware factory (Gorham). Today Providence is one of the largest centers of jewelry design and manufacture in the United States. Major employers in Providence include over a half dozen hospitals, Citizens, BankBoston, and Fleet banks, the Diocese of Providence, state government, and a diverse range of manufacturing and service companies.

New ideas and economic initiatives flow outward from Providence's many colleges. The culinary school at Johnson and Wales University has helped Providence claim some of the best restaurants in New England. Current interfaces between universities and business include the Center for Cellular Medicine at Brown University and the Center for Design and Business at Bryant College and the Rhode Island School of Design. Providence has taken on the name "The Renaissance City" in the 1990s as new office buildings, apartments, hotels, the Rhode Island Convention Center, Waterplace Park, and the Fleet Skating Rink liven the Downcity District. The Providence Place Mall is scheduled to open in late 1999. Downcity Providence also includes an Arts and Entertainment District where artists are encouraged to combine their homes, studios, and galleries. Providence's fabric of historic architecture has been enhanced through the renovation of buildings including the Providence Foundry and the Shepherd's Building. Providence is successfully integrating its history into its future to create a dynamic, livable city.

The many interesting features in Providence which stem from a unique past and a stimulating present serve to make Providence the fascinating and beautiful city that it is today.

ANNMARY BROWN MEMORIAL. 21 Brown Street. European and American paintings. OPEN: Mon-Fri, 1-5 p.m. 863-1994. THE ARCADE BUILDING. (1828) 65 Weybosset Street. Sole survivor of many such temples of trade built in America during the Greek Revival period and America's oldest indoor shopping mall. Now, a lively marketplace with shops and eateries. OPEN: Mon-Fri, 10-6 p.m.; Jun-Aug, Sat, 10-4 p.m.; Sep-May, Sat, 10-5 p.m.; extended holiday hours; closed major holidays. 598-1199.

BENEFIT STREET'S MILE OF HISTORY. Benefit Street. The most impressive concentration of original colonial homes in America. Beautifully restored houses, churches and museums overlook the city's historic waterfront. Walking or escorted bus tours conducted by the Providence Preservation Society for groups only. OPEN: Mon-Fri, 9-5 p.m. 831-7440.

BROWN UNIVERSITY. 45 Prospect Street. A private, non-sectarian, co-educational liberal arts institution. The third oldest college in New England and the seventh oldest in the nation. Tour guide service available through The College Admission Office, Corliss-Brackett House (1875-1882), Prospect and Angell Streets, year-round. OPEN: Tours, Mon-Fri, 10, 11, 1, 3, & 4 (11 a.m. & 3 p.m. only during Christmas & Spring vacations) and Sat, 10, 11, & 12 noon, mid-Sep-mid-Nov only. 401-863-1000.

CITY HALL. (1878) Kennedy Plaza. Designed in the manner of the Louvre and the Tuileries Palaces in Paris. Imposing interior space liberally ornamented. Tours by appointment. OPEN: Mon-Fri, 8:30-4:30 p.m.; Jul & Aug, 8:30-4 p.m. Closed holidays. 421-7740.

CULINARY ARCHIVES & MUSEUM AT JOHNSON & WALES UNIVERSITY. 315 Harborside Blvd. (Off Allen's Ave). One of the best kept secrets in New England, this is a one-of-a-kind museum containing over 1/2 million items related to the field of Culinary Arts and Hospitality. The holdings were amassed by Chicago's Chef Louis Szathmary and donated to Johnson & Wales University. The collection includes rare U.S. Presidential culinary autographs; a gallery of chefs through the ages; tools of the trade from the third millennium, B.C.; Egyptian, Roman, and Oriental spoons, dating back 1000 years; original artwork; hotel and restaurant silver; and periodicals as well as documents relating to culinary arts and entertainment. Guided tours. Mon-Fri, 9-5. Sat, 10-5 p.m. Closed major holidays. 598-2805.

DAVID WINTON BELL GALLERY, BROWN UNIVERSITY. 64 College Street. Located in the List Art Center, an imposing modern structure designed by Philip Johnson, the Gallery presents exhibitions of historical and contemporary art in all media. OPEN: Sep 1-Jun 1, Mon-Fri, 11-4 p.m.; Sat-Sun, 1-4 p.m.; closed holidays. 863-2932.

FEDERAL HILL. Federal Street and adjacent blocks between Broadway and Atwells Avenue. The neighborhood spirit is alive and welcoming on Federal Hill where Providence takes on an old-world flair. Savor the nuances of Italian culture and cuisine while visiting traditional bakeries, shops, groceries and restaurants. Take part in traditions which make Providence a rich tapestry of urban life during special festivals and events. 831-7440.

FLEET SKATING CENTER PROVIDENCE. 2 Kennedy Plaza. A full-scale outdoor ice rink located in the center of the Providence's revitalized downtown area. Skate rentals available. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. 331-5544.

GOVERNOR HENRY LIPPITT HOUSE MUSEUM. 199 Hope Street. Italianate mansion. Home of two Rhode Island governors. Superb interior; decorative details from the Victorian era. OPEN: Tue-Fri, 11-3 p.m., tours on the hour, last tour at 3 p.m.; Sat-Sun & Jan-Mar, by appt. only. 453-0688.

GOVERNOR STEPHEN HOPKINS HOUSE. (1707; enlarged 1743) Benefit and Hopkins Streets. Home of Stephen Hopkins, ten-time governor of Rhode Island and signer of Declaration of Independence. Chancellor of Brown University. Early clapboard house with 18th century parterre garden. Visited twice by George Washington. OPEN: Apr-Dec, Wed & Sat, 1-4 p.m., and by appt. 421-0694.

JOHN BROWN HOUSE. (1786) 52 Power Street. Described by John Quincy Adams as "the most magnificent and elegant mansion that I have ever seen on this continent." Three-story Georgian mansion. The house celebrates many aspects of Rhode Island's heritage, including its distinctive tradition of fine craftsmanship, Providence's rise as a city and the state's commitment to preserve the fibers of its unique history. OPEN: Tue-Sat, 10-5 p.m.; Sun, 12-4 p.m. Jan & Feb, Fri-Sat, 10-5 p.m.;Sun, 12-4 p.m. 331-8575.

JOHNSON & WALES UNIVERSITY. 8 Abbott Park Place. The University offers two and four-year degree programs in business, hospitality, food service and technology. Graduate programs leading to a Master of Science, Master of Business Administration and Masters of Arts in Teaching/Certification are also offered. A doctorate of education is also offered in educational leadership. University tours are available free of charge. Guided tours are given Mon-Fri, 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., by appointment. University offices are open from 8-4:30 p.m., Mon-Fri. 401-598-1192.

MEETING HOUSE OF THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH IN AMERICA. 75 North Main Street at Waterman Street. Oldest Baptist Church in America; congregation established in 1638 by Roger Williams. An artistic triumph, featuring a magnificent Waterford crystal chandelier dating from 1792, designed by Joseph Brown. Flawlessly preserved. OPEN: Year-round, Mon-Fri, 9:30-3:30 p.m., self-guided tours. Guided tours available May-Oct and Sundays, Sep-Jun, 12:15 p.m.; Jul-Aug, 11:15 a.m. Closed Saturdays and holidays. 454-3418.

THE RISD MUSEUM (Museum of Art, Rhode Island School of Design). (1926) Benefit Street. The Museum of Art, Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) has classical art from ancient Greece and Rome, 18th-century European porcelains, Chinese and Indian works, Egyptian objects, 19th-century French art, modern Latin American works, and masterpieces from the early Middle Ages to the present. Pendleton House, the earliest example of an American Wing anywhere, features the Pendleton Collection of 19th century American furniture and decorative arts. The Daphne Farago Wing is dedicated to the display and interpretation of contemporary art in all media. OPEN: Wed-Sun, 10-5 p.m., Fri until 8 p.m. Closed New Years, Easter, July 4th, Thankgiving & Christmas. 454-6500.

MUSEUM OF RHODE ISLAND HISTORY AT ALDRICH HOUSE. 110 Benevolent Street. 1822 Federal-style house adapted for museum use and headquarters of the Rhode Island Historical Society. The museum offers changing exhibits on Rhode Island history, architecture and decorative arts. OPEN: Tue-Fri, 9-5 p.m.; closed Sat & Mon. Open Sunday, 12-4 p.m. for exhibitions only. Call for holiday hours. 331-8575.

OLD STATE HOUSE. 150 Benefit Street, between North and South Court Streets. The Rhode Island General Assembly here renounced allegiance to King George III on May 4, 1776. Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission offices are located in the building. OPEN: Mon-Fri, 8:30-4:30 p.m. Closed holidays. 222-2678.

PROSPECT TERRACE. Congdon at Cushing Street. Site of Roger Williams Memorial, statue overlooking the city. Panoramic view of Providence skyline. OPEN: Dawn to Dusk.

PROVIDENCE ATHENAEUM. (1838) 251 Benefit Street. One of America's oldest subscription libraries (1753) and cultural centers. Housed in a granite Greek Revival structure designed by William Strickland of Philadelphia, with additions by Norman Isham and Warren Platner. Stephen Hopkins, Moses Brown, and Silas Downer (who served as a librarian) were all active in the library in the 18th century. Legend has it that in the 19th century, Edgar Allan Poe and Sarah Whitman carried on their courtship in the stacks. Changing exhibitions of rare books, and local artists works are on display in the Charles and Deborah Philbrick Rare Book Library. OPEN: Mon-Thu, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri-Sat, 10-5 p.m. Sun, 1-5 p.m. Closed weekends during the summer. 421-6970.

PROVIDENCE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM. 100 South Street. A hands-on museum. Exhibit areas include: a time traveling adventure through the state's multi-cultural history; a wet and wild exploration of the ways of water; a hands-on geometry lab and more. Gift Shop. Weekly programs. OPEN: Tue-Sun, 9:30-5 p.m.; Mon, during summer and on school holidays. 273-KIDS.

PROVIDENCE COLLEGE. 549 River Avenue. Founded in 1917 by the Dominican Fathers. The only Dominican Friars college in the United States. Primarily a four-year college of the liberal arts and sciences. OPEN: Year-round, Mon-Fri, 8:30-4:30 p.m. Tours available throughout the year. Summer Hours Mon-Thu, 8:30-4:30; Fri, 8:30-2p.m. 401-865-1000.

PROVIDENCE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER. 220 Weybosset Street. Historic landmark theater built in 1928 as a Loew's Movie Palace. Rhode Island's home for Broadway, children's and other popular entertainment. Free theatre organ concerts Spring and Fall. Box Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 10-6 p.m.; Sat, 12 noon-5 p.m. 401-421-ARTS.

PROVIDENCE PRESERVATION SOCIETY. 21 Meeting Street. OPEN: Mon-Fri, 9-5 p.m. Closed weekends and holidays. 831-7440.

RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL OF DESIGN. 2 College Street. Founded in 1877. One of the nation's foremost art and design schools. Admissions office and administrative offices and gallery at Woods-Gerry Mansion, 62 Prospect St. Call main phone number for relevant information on buildings and hours. 401-454-6100.

RHODE ISLAND BLACK HERITAGE SOCIETY. 202 Washington Street. "Creative Survival," permanent walk-though museum of 19th century black life in Providence. Periodic displays of Black history and culture. Archives and Gallery. OPEN: Mon-Fri, 10-4:30 p.m.; Sat 10-2 p.m.; and by appt. 751-3490.

RHODE ISLAND COLLEGE. 600 Mount Pleasant Avenue. Established in 1854 as the Rhode Island Normal School, RIC is the state's oldest public institution of higher learning. Serving nearly 10,000 students, it is a comprehensive college offering a variety of liberal arts and professional programs for both undergraduate and graduate students. Campus tours available. 401-456-8000.

RHODE ISLAND HERITAGE HALL OF FAME. Located at the Rhode Island Historical Society, 110 Benevolent Street. Portraits and photographs of famous or adopted Rhode Islanders (stage and screen star Nelson Eddy; Broadway playwright, producer, composer George M. Cohan; baseball great Napoleon Lajoie, Good Morning America host, David Hartman, etc.) OPEN: Tue-Fri, 9-5 p.m. 222-2669.

RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL OF DESIGN LIBRARY. 236 Benefit St.. The library is a major resource for art, architecture and design information in Rhode Island. The library is open to visitors engaged in pertinent research by application to the library director or by referral from another library. OPEN: Mon-Thu, 8:30-11 p.m.; Fri, 8:30-8 p.m.; Sat, 10-6 p.m.; Sun, 2-11 p.m. during academic year. Summer and holiday hours differ. Closed in Aug. 454-6365.

RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL OF DESIGN'S WOODS-GERRY GALLERY. (1848) 62 Prospect Street, at Meeting Street. The Gallery, which is open to the public, features student and faculty work in ever-changing exhibitions. It is located in the Woods-Gerry Mansion, a three-story house designed by Richard Upjohn in 1860. The house is an important example of the city's 19th century residential architecture and houses RISD's administrative and admission offices. Mon-Sat, 10-4 p.m.; Thu, 10-8 p.m.; Sun, 2-5 p.m. 454-6141.

ROGER WILLIAMS NATIONAL MEMORIAL. 282 North Main Street, corner of North Main and Smith Street. Rhode Island's only National Park interprets the life and times of Roger Williams, the founder of the first government in the world with complete religious freedom for all. Visitor Center, exhibits and videos. Original Providence settlement (1636) was here. OPEN: Year-round, daily, 9-4:30 p.m. Closed Christmas, New Year's and Thanksgiving. 521-7266.

ROGER WILLIAMS PARK ZOO (1878) 1000 Elmwood Avenue. Nestled within 430-acres of the beautifully landscaped grounds of Roger Williams Park is the award-winning Roger Williams Park Zoo with over 156 different species and over 900 animals. The Zoo houses polar bears and penguins, a "Plains of Africa" area with elephants, giraffes, cheetah and zebra, a Tropical rainforest with canopy sky-walk, a Madagascar exhibit of endangered lemurs, and an Australasian area with an open-air aviary and clouded leopard exhibit. Marco Polo Trail features animal habitats including the Dromedary camel, the elusive Snow Leopard, and the Moon Bear. Park also features Betsey Williams Cottage, Charles H. Smith Greenhouses, Casino, Museum of Natural History and a Planetarium. Carousel Village features a vintage carousel, pony rides, miniature golf course and kiddie go-boats. Tennis Center has Rhode Island's only clay courts. Boathouse has paddle-boats. OPEN: Park open daily, 7-9 p.m.; Zoo open every day except Christmas, Nov-Mar, 9-4 p.m.; Apr-Oct, Mon-Fri, 9-5 p.m., weekends and holidays until 6 p.m.; Carousel Village open daily, Spring-Fall.; Museum open daily, 10-5 p.m. except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day; Greenhouses open daily, 11-4 p.m.; Tennis courts open Spring-Fall, Mon-Fri, 9 a.m.-dusk, weekends, 7 a.m.-dusk. 401-941-3910.

STATE CAPITOL. (1900) 82 Smith Street. Designed by McKim, Mead and White in 1891-92 of white Georgian marble. Considered to have the fourth largest self-supported dome in the world. Important architectural landmark. Building contains original Rhode Island Charter of 1663, and historic portrait of George Washington by Rhode Island native, Gilbert Stuart. Many Rhode Island treasures and battle flags on display. OPEN: Mon-Fri, 8:30-4:30 p.m., except holidays. Self-guided tours during business hours; guided tours by appt. only. 222-2357.

TRINITY REPERTORY COMPANY. 201 Washington Street. Internationally renowned, Tony Award-winning, resident theater company performs classic, contemporary and new works year-round in two theaters. Oskar Eustis, Artistic Director. OPEN: Performances: Wed-Sat, 8 p.m. & Sun matinees at 2 p.m. Selected Wed & Sat matinees at 2 p.m.; Tue & Sun, 7 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas. 401-521-1100.

WATERPLACE PARK AND RIVER WALK. Memorial Boulevard. Providence's new four-acre urban park surrounds a tidal basin and includes an amphitheater. The park is edged by beautifully landscaped riverwalks and a series of Venetian-style footbridges. Summer long concert series, Waterfire, festivals, gondola rides and paddle boats. Dawn to Dusk. 621-1992.

Population: The population count for the City of Providence as of April 1, 2000, was 173,618. This represented a 8.0% change (12,890) from the 1990 population of 160,728.

Population Density: Providence contains 47.814 square kilometers of land area (18.461 Sq. Miles) and 5.344 square kilometers of water area (2.063 Sq. Miles). Total area is 53.158 square kilometers or 20.524 square miles.

The 2000 population density of Providence is 9,363.2 persons per square mile of land area.

Age Distribution: In 2000, 128,341 persons residing in Providence were 18 years of age or older.

More Census 2000 data on Providence and the State of Rhode Island is available at the Statewide Planning Program Website.

City Hall
25 Dorrance Street
Providence, RI 02903
Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
FAX: 274-8240

**Information above provided by the Rhode Island Department of Economic Development Corporation

Web Links

City of Providence Providence Chamber of Commerce Providence Plan Bank of America Skating Center Providence Place Mall Providence Waterfire Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau