The RISD Museum

Free Sunday mornings till 1:00. A stunning surprise in the lovely east side of town. The museum may be small by NYC or Boston standards, but if you're an art lover, you can easily spend 3 or 4 hours here. Superb works in every room. From Egyptian & Roman to the present day, there's something for everyone! Plus period-decorated rooms, excellent American Impressionists, furniture and more from a vast collection. And there's only enough space to display about 3% of the collection at a time. So when you return to Providence the next time, there will be new things to see. RISD expanded the museum from its original building with an ultramod addition, and both wings are treasures! Only drawback for tourists is the lack of a decent cafe to rest and revive oneself. There are sandwiches available at the gift shop, but that's about it.

Risd is a fantastic little museum. Nestled on historic benefit street, it is somewhere I take almost all the visitors who come visit me in Providence. But an update... it is not in East Providence, as listed on this site. East Providence is a seperate town. The museum is where the school is... on the East Side.

the risd museum was charming but small. There was lots of wonderful art and the atmosphere had a somewhat moderm edge. The experience was great but if you looking for a big-time city art museum go to the mfa.

A hint for all - Sunday mornings - it's free! And what's better they're changing it all the time. A mix of the known/unknown/and up-and-coming, it is a constantly fascinating place to check out. During the summer they have a small courtyard they open up which is a pleasant way to pass the afternoon doing sketches, reading, journaling what-have-you. And the rooms they have on antique furniture and art deco are so much fun! If you are in Providence on the weekend, and want to have a stimulating and pleasant Sunday go before noon and spend all day (til 6). It's free, fun & educational.