I feel deeply embarrassed that I lived for two years in Attleboro and never visited this Museum…read more Better late than never. I visited recently to see the exhibit: Adorned. The exhibit featured jewelry from ancient Mesopotamia to today with several ancient Egyptian and Roman pieces, Coptic textiles, Egyptian and Roman cosmetics containers and beautiful sketches from an unknown 20th century jewelry designer. Excellent interpretations of the history of the jewelry were provided by students from Wheaton College. This exhibit combined a number of my favorite things including jewelry, art and history. I spent almost two hours focusing on everything and taking photos. My only minor complaint is that some of the glass boxes housing the art and jewelry were scratched and damaged which made it hard to take photos and even see some details. If anyone is looking for more of a reason to donate, this would be it. The gift shop is also stellar and had lots of nice items for an art lover as well as some local pieces and jewelry. Apparently, they also offer classes and events. They were also super nice about returning my phone call when I called and left a message inquiring about the exhibit and whether reservations were required. Admission is by donation. Suggested $3.

A place that makes me proud to be from the 'Boro! A museum, a community center, and a place to take…read moreart classes. Admission to the exhibits is typically free/by donation. The museum has one major space that rotates fairly frequently--it seems like there's something new every month. The major annual events are a flower show and an art auction, and the museum showcases lots of great local artists. I love going to the opening receptions, where I can look at the art while enjoying wine and cheese. The museum has a small but very cute gift shop, with totally reasonable prices! (Ex. I got a cute little Xmas ornament this year for less than $2). A lot of the stuff is made by local artists.

If you love pinball, you will love this arcade Best deal in…read moretown,UNLIMITED pinball for 10,00.. So much fun for all aged

Well that was super fun…read more When we arrived no one was on the desk so we began to wander the first floor. If you just want to walk around, and check out the machines that is free. I saw someone who works there and he gave us a quick 'tour'. Pinball machines are set up here by year beginning in the 1930's! There a many from the 70's, a big collection of 80's and then further back it's a mix. The tour took up upstairs. There is a wheelchair lift here, however, you have to step over a barrier at the bottom of the doorway leading to the stairs so not really handicap accessible? Call if you need info on that. Keep that door at the bottom of the staircase open so you can get back! At the top of the steps is a private event room. (sorry no photo, a meeting was going on). Turn right after the event room and follow the hallway to the 'Blue Room' on the left at the end. Here you'll find a small, open space for a party with shelves of board games, a table and comfy couches. The Blue Room includes several racing games (seated style), shooter games, skeeball, basketball throw and other arcade games. There were a couple dozen pinball machines without an outlet to play them stored in this space. Our tour guide tells us for events up to 150 people, these games are moved out and tables moved into that space. The second floor hosts many other businesses so be respectful when in the halls. Our visit lasted about two hours playing all the games. Some of the pinball machines include information on who designed them and other info. The Star Trek machine is signed by some of the actors. Scoobydoo, Addams family, Aerosmith, Rick & Morty, Dolly Parton, on and on. Some games have hepatic feedback - like when the dinosaur eats your ball in the Jurasic Park pinball game the entire machine shakes. I love how the machines are all set to 'free play'. You just hit the start button (usually a round button on the front) and you get your three balls. When that game ends, hit start again and you get another three balls. Also, if you loose a ball quickly, you get an extra ball. Really makes for a fun experience. Admission is ten dollars per person (all ages), cash or credit, and covers playing all the available games for the whole day - come and go as you please. Parking is available next to the building in two lots. No food or drink are available for sale here. When hosting an event here, bring your own catering. Contact them/visit their website for details on hosting events. Public restrooms are on the upper level off the hallway. The museum space is more or less warehouse space. It was cold in there when we visited and we left our coats and hats on (February). When there are a lot of games being played, it gets loud, so be prepared. There are a few step stools for the smaller kids. Check next to or under the machines for those or if you have a collapsable one at home maybe bring it along just in case they are all in use. During our week day visit there were a fair amount of adults in there enjoying pinball and all the other games. Staff are knowledgeable and very easy to chat with. Definitely plan an outting to visit this fun museum diguised as an arcade. Alone, or with the kids. You might become the 'fun uncle' after a day here with the nibblings.

This was our main destination for our day trip to Rehoboth to do some family research into my Bowen…read moreancestors. They settled here in 1643 with the group from Weymouth, MA brought by Samuel Newman. While my wife browsed their collection which she enjoyed, I was aided by the lady in the genealogy research room. She helped me find what I was searching for which was the answer to my question if my Issac Bowen ancestor had served as a patriot during the American Revolution. After some searching and finding an Issac Bowen who was 30 years younger than my ancestor, we found him. He had been a Lieutenant with the Continental Army. This trip was a success. Unfortunately we got here too late for me to both do the genealogical research and see their museum collection. Next time we visit our daughter in New Hampshire, I hope to visit here again to actually see the museum. If you are passing by or live nearby, this museum is definitely worth a visit. In fact, if you live nearby, considering joining the Rehoboth Antiquarian Society and volunteering to help promote and preserve the rich history of the Rehoboth area.

First time exploring Providence, and while sadly was only here for one day, this was one of the…read morebiggest recommendations I got for an attraction to see. And coming through here, yeah, I can definitely see why. The RISD Museum has a really amazing and eclectic assortment of works from many different eras and locations, and you are certain to find something here to pique your interest. In one building, I went from seeing some ancient Egyptian, Roman, or Chinese statues, to Renaissance and early-modern paintaings, Victorian and Gilded age furniture, an assortments of modern and contemporary works, plus several rotating exhibits which had some very fascinating subject matters. The entire building has a somewhat strange floorplan, but this leads you to explore, discover, and find your path through the exhibits in different ways, almost like working through a puzzle to find some hidden treasures. And if you take your time, the museum can easily eat up half a day at least. As for a couple things to keep in mind; Parking can be a little tricky right close to the museum itself, as there are some street spaces nearby and paid parking garages. But frankly, downtown Providence is so nice that I'd advise parking further away and enjoying a lovely walk over along the canals. Admission price is very reasonable, but Sundays are apparently free entry days (or at least was when I visited). So yeah, if you only have a couple hours to kill in this town, the RISD Museum is very much worth a visit. Hope others can come and enjoy this amazing spot.

The RISD Museum in Providence is one of those places that catches you off guard with how much it…read morehas to offer, especially if you are not already familiar with it going in. I found the building spanning six floors, and the spaces were well organized throughout, giving each piece enough room to be appreciated properly without the galleries ever feeling sparse or rushed. It is the kind of museum where I could spend a couple of hours moving through it and still feel like I left things unexplored. The collection is the main reason to visit, and it covers a genuinely impressive range, from ancient artifacts and historical portraits all the way through to modern and contemporary works. The curation does a good job of making those transitions between periods feel intentional rather than disjointed, and the rotating exhibits add a reason to come back beyond what is already on permanent display. The Liz Collins exhibit drew a lot of attention during its run and was a strong example of how well the museum handles contemporary work alongside its more classical holdings. Staff were present and approachable throughout the floors, and coat lockers near the entrance were available, a small but appreciated detail on a longer visit. The building was easy to navigate even on a first trip, and the overall experience felt well managed without being overly structured. One thing worth knowing before planning a trip is that Sundays offer free admission to all visitors, which makes it an easy addition to a Providence weekend without having to think twice. Weekday visits run quieter if you prefer more space and a slower pace through the galleries. For a museum connected to an art school, it holds up as one of the stronger art museums in the region and is well worth the time.

Didn't feel like doing the guided tour, but having never been here as a lifelong RI-er I figured…read moreI'd take the plunge. Nice, historical sight with loads of history and information even without taking the tour. Just on the out squirts of the shady part(s) of the state, but right next to the police station. The water was really bustling on this day. On a day where I have more time I'll definitely have to take a more extended look.

This is a free historic site that has a really great tour. The site is just off the river and there…read moreare a few buildings on site, but not all of them are open. But there are multiple tours during the day, so after perhaps watching the intro video, you can join one. The guide took us into the mill and demonstrated multiple machines used in various stages of cotton to thread production. It was great to see the process in front of us, and it was quite a complex process that required a lot of engineering using waterpower to get completed. I found it very informative, and the guide was able to answer all of our questions, so it's a great experience for kids and adults. No gift shop though, but there is a bathroom on site. The building was described to me as "yellow" when it's peach, but I won't fault that, just saying if you're looking for it, look for peach. There is parking across the street and a small lot next to it.

It's Halloween eve and a rainy night. My 10 year old and I embarked on a Victorian mourning tour…read moreat Hearthside. When I booked the tickets I thought it was a good idea, turned out to be a GREAT idea! I grew up just a few miles away and have driven by Hearthside thousands of times (no lie I now drive by twice a day to get to work) and have never been inside. Tonight my intrigue has been fed. Beautiful house, restored and maintained nicely. The volunteers are knowledgeable and willing to answer any questions. They were well equipped with information not only about the house but also about a former resident who passed away inside and even more about Victorian mourning traditions. Our tour was 6:30pm so it added to the slightly eerie feel the night before Halloween, entering in dark. The tour group was kept small (about 9 of us) which I think was the perfect size to move about through the house but also to fit in the size of the rooms. The volunteers were all dressed in proper Victorian attire and the house was prepared for mourning and a wake. A few tips when visiting the house: 1. Contrary to my thought of it being an old house and probably a little cold, the heat was roaring inside. 2. There are stairs and touring this house requires a lot of standing 3. This specific tour does go into deep detail about embalming, not for the faint of heart 4. My daughter enjoyed the tour and understood almost everything with little explanation. I would say not suitable for kids under 10 years old. A beautiful house filled with people who very much care about the stories that lie within its deep history. Well worth visiting. RIP Simon Eddy Thornton.

This place is amazing. All the events that are done here are amazing well planned. Definitely going…read moreback for another event . Staff is super friendly and communication is great before days of the event . A must visit

Came here with little to no expectations but it ended up being one of my favorite spots in the…read morearea. $5 suggested donation /person admission Very quiet but cozy library. Feels like an amazing place to study and take a second to read. Highly recommend a visit for anyone coming out of state. Definitely would enjoy coming back for a whole day.

The Athenaeum is a historic library located on the iconic Benefit St in Providence! It's open to…read morethe public ($5 on weekends and $5 suggested donation on weekdays); memberships are available as well with other perks (events, reading groups, etc). We just walked around and browsed, but I'd love to come back to get some work done or read. There's free street parking around. 10/10 would recommend.

We went for the 250th university of the redaction, the event was free and open for 4 hours. The…read moremuseum was small but very informational. The displays prompted deep thinking about our past, both good and bad. The staff were dressed in period clothing and everyone there was friendly. The museum has stairs to get to the second floor, the building is beautiful and it holds just enough artifacts to be interesting without overwhelming.​

This site does a great job showcasing John Brown's house and his historical ties to the slave…read moretrade. The house is from the 18th century, but there are elements from later homeowners that were kept up and add a nice aesthetic touch, but it is important to know more about the Brown benefactor, both good and bad. They have his original carriage which is impressive. There is a beautiful mural in one room with George Washington, added in the 1930s but so impressive it had to stay up. The tour was self-guided, but there were staff members around to ask questions too. Gift shop was small but some good options. The hours are limited, but it's worth a stop as a historically significant site. There is also a parking lot to make your visit easier.

Super super cute!! Such a good rainy day event! They have many different ways to get discounted…read moretickets (military, memberships, ebt holder, library card holder etc). Check in process is easy and simple. Such cute fun activities for kids of all ages. Could certainly spend half a day to a full day here! Plus full price tickets aren't bad either ! (20 bucks).

We had a wonderful visit to the Museum and would definitely recommend it for families with young…read morekids. There are tons of interactive exhibits including water play, climbing structures, pretend play areas, and building activities--that kept my toddler engaged the entire time. One of the highlights for us was the special area just for ages 0-4. It's such a thoughtful addition because it gives younger children their own safe space to crawl, climb, and play without being overwhelmed by the bigger kids. My toddler loved it, and as a parent, I appreciated that it was clean, well-designed, and developmentally appropriate. The superspace jumbo magnets were another hit amongst kids and adults alike. The parents got so invested into it and were building tunnels for the kiddos. Great fun for us too! Overall the space is very thoughtfully designed, and you can tell the staff really care about creating an engaging environment. They have a new craft activity everyday as well. Everything felt safe, clean, and inviting. It's easy to spend a few hours here without the kids getting bored. Another bonus is that the museum is in a great spot--there are a few restaurants within a block or two, which made it perfect to grab lunch right after all the fun.

The collection of taxidermy was amazing, this is a phenomenal resource for RISD students and a…read moregreat exhibit for those visiting.

I had no idea the Nature Lab even existed until I wandered in one day. This is definitely a hidden…read moregem! The Nature Lab is a repository of plants, animals, and minerals, both alive and dead, which was started as a resource for RISD students. They have a pretty amazing collection, and anyone can go in and check it all out. A nonexhaustive list of cool stuff in there: trilobite fossils, live snakes and birds, at least a hundred stuffed animals, a mummified cat head, and hoards of bones and skulls - including real human skeletons. They have a lot of space to draw if that's your thing. My only wish is that more stuff was identified - the material in the lab obviously isn't rigorously curated. It could be a great resource for scientists if it were!