Top 6 Museums in Providence, RI

Whether you’re a local or planning an exciting vacation to Providence, Rhode Island, there’s no shortage of culturally enriching museums for you to visit. Are you a contemporary art lover, or do you enjoy exhibits that describe the latest scientific discoveries? Either way, you won’t be disappointed. Here’s an overview of the top six museums in and around Providence.

The Museum of Art at Rhode Island School of Design

Image by Zalfa Imani is licensed with Unsplash License

Head to the Museum of Art at Rhode Island School of Design to check out the captivating exhibits focusing on historic design and art. The impressive collection includes over 100,000 works of art, and the exhibits feature pieces from the Middle Ages and ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, 18th-century Europe, and 19th-century America.

Whether you’re an art lover or a history buff, this museum is a must-visit. You’ll be able to browse through an immense variety of paintings, sculptures, textiles, and more. With such an array of artwork and artifacts, it’s a great place to spend time with your loved ones or enjoy a peaceful afternoon strolling through the museum halls on your own.

• Location: 20 N. Main St., Providence, RI 02903.
• Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday; 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday; closed on Monday.

The Museum of Natural History and Planetarium

Head to the Museum of Natural History and Planetarium in Roger Williams Park in Providence to check out a variety of fascinating exhibits that showcase information about scientific developments, historical events, and space exploration. The museum was founded in June 1896 and nicknamed the “People’s University” for the founders’ desire to share natural and cultural collections with community members of all ages.

It’s also the state’s only public planetarium, making it one of the best educational spots to visit when you’re in the area. Try to plan your visit around one of the planetarium shows, which take place at 1 p.m. Thursday through Monday.

• Location: 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence, RI 02907.
• Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily.

Providence Children’s Museum

If you’re looking for a fun outing for your little ones, make sure to check out the Providence Children’s Museum. This exciting museum encourages play, creativity, and exploration in young learners and creates a fascinating place for young children to interact and learn about the arts. While society may overlook the value of play, the museum enhances and encourages children’s curiosity and desire to grow and socialize through playing together and independently.

Providence Children’s Museum developed a ground-breaking three-year project, The Creativity Initiative, with the goal of connecting the children in Rhode Island to the local arts community. This initiative includes a series of rotating exhibits that allow kids and their families to engage with immersive activities and enjoy hands-on learning.

• Location: 100 South St., Providence, RI 02903.
• Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday; closed on Monday and Tuesday.

The Electromagnetic Pinball Museum and Restoration

If you’re looking for an unconventional museum, head over to the Electromagnetic Pinball Museum and Restoration, where you and your loved ones can spend the day browsing the interactive pinball exhibits. The purpose of this unique museum is to encourage a love of science, technology, art, engineering, and mathematics by restoring and showcasing these entertaining machines.

Located just outside Providence in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, the Electromagnetic Pinball Museum is committed to keeping this fun and culturally significant game alive by hosting programs and events to educate the community about the value of pinball. The admission fee for the museum is only $10 and gives you all-day access to free play pinball and arcade.

• Location: 881 Main St., Pawtucket, RI 02860.
• Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

The Lippitt House Museum

The Lippitt House Museum is a National Historic Landmark located in Providence. Come with your friends and family and step back in time into its impressively preserved Victorian-era interior, complete with exceptional American craftsmanship. Learn how Providence’s history impacted the Rhode Island you know and love today. Listen to the staff share stories about the previous residents and employees, including interesting and valuable details about the impact of industry, design, and immigration on the history and development of Providence.

• Location: 199 Hope St., Providence, RI 02906.
• Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Friday and select Saturdays; closed Sunday through Thursday.

The Clouds Hill Museum

The Clouds Hill Museum is a portal into the past. The museum is a Victorian home where you and your loved ones can explore what 19th-century life was like, along with touring the Carriage Museum and the Center for the Outdoors. In addition to its beautiful antique furniture and well-preserved structure, you’ll also learn about the historical artifacts and items stored here. It’s located just outside of Providence in Warwick, Rhode Island, and sits on land labeled the West Bay Arboretum.

You’ll find over 70 species of shrubs and trees here, so once you’ve checked out the interior of this impressive historical home, you can spend the afternoon exploring the grounds. Clouds Hill Museum is a non-profit that doesn’t have employees. It’s cared for by a dedicated team of volunteers who value its historical and cultural significance to Rhode Island.

• Location: 4157 Post Road, Warwick, RI 02886.
• Hours: By appointment only.

There you have it, the top six museums in Providence, Rhode Island, and the surrounding area. The next time you’re in the city, make sure to check out the captivating exhibits and make lasting memories with your loved ones. Bring your kids for an exciting day of learning, or explore your artistic side and visit one of the city’s art museums.

If you notice one of your local favorites is missing from our list, feel free to contact us and let us know. We’ll be more than happy to check it out and possibly add it to a future post so more Providence residents and newcomers can enjoy the art, history, and culture this area has to offer.