We really enjoy this small, eclectic art museum and have been members for several years now (very reasonable membership price and makes it easy to stop in for a quick look when convenient or in the area). Well worth a visit to see what's new, especially the student displays which are always changing. They have a nice collection of artworks from Renaissance to Contemporary (including respectable representatives of Impressionists), as well as ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Asian, and African artworks; and decorative arts/design of furnishings, textiles, porcelains and ceramics. There's also a building whose rooms are made up to reproduce an early American home and its period furnishings and decor. My only complaint about the museum is that it's somewhat of a hodgepodge of different buildings and additions, and so can become somewhat bewildering negotiating the various galleries and maintaining your sense of location/direction. On the other hand, the warren-like rooms and wings lend themselves to pleasant surprises and discoveries of the Museum's treasures. The Museum store is also delightful, with many amusing and clever design items, tchotchkes, small household items, that are hard to resist and perfect for one-of-a-kind gifts. read more

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We went to the most awesome museum yesterday, the Rhode Island School of Design Museum. It has a fantastic permanent collection plus the visiting displays, something for everyone to love. It is a very well designed layout for such a large collection. The individual galleries weren't cavernous but were able to accommodate diverse pieces, Egyptian, ancient, modern...PLUS, my favorite part of the permanent museum, The Pendleton House . It is very well preserved collection of late 19th and very early 20th century art and life. My favorite artist in the visiting collection Painting Air: Spencer Finch. It is an experiential display. It is only at RSID Museum of Art until July 29th, 2012. I try to live my life as a pilgrimage so I am always thrilled when I can experience the transcendent in a secular setting, extremely talented artsists of the ages trying to convey their experience of divinity through their art. Here is just one photo. Check out the RSID Museum web site for a much better experience of the collection. Everything about my experience was top notch, the collection, display, the physical structure, the layout, the people and the website. My heartfelt appreciation to the Preservationists, Patrons, Donors and the Museum. Well done. read more

Pretty dang cool museum we have here in little Providence, if I may say so myself. You're thinking... RISD museum, right? How big can it really be? Pretty big! On a regular day, adult admission is $12. If you're a student, you're in for $5. If you happen to be either an adult or a student (or both) and you go on a Sunday; admission is free. The free admission also applies to the 3rd Thursday of each month. Not a bad deal if you ask me. There are a whopping 4 floors of all kinds of art your little artsy-fartsy-heartsy could ever desire. They've got it all: Ancient, Asian, Costume/Textiles, Painting/Sculpture, Prints/Drawings/Photography, Contemporary and SO much more. The RISD Museum also offers a slew of awesome Exhibitions which are ever changing; I believe there is a new one in at least once a month if not every other month. If you live in PVD, or in the state of RI... hell, even if you live in CT or MA or within driving distance to make a day trip out of visiting Providence and the RISD Museum - I'm telling you... it's worth the drive! read more

Beautifully designed museum that's a lot bigger inside that it appears. Its breadth is dazzling--from ancient Egypt to contemporary art. If its depth doesn't measure up, that doesn't make it any less enjoyable. Don't miss the showpieces: the spectacular giant Buddha, the Rodin sculpture "Hand of God," the Egyptian mummy, the Art Nouveau fireplace surround. The "Grand Salon" (16th- to 19th-century European painting) is best observed as a whole, as I found the individual works to be less impressive (and some of them impossible to see). An excellent demonstration of Japanese woodblock art in the Asian galleries explained each part of the process. The Dale Chihuly chandelier hanging over the stairs is amazing. The contemporary art was as appealingly presented as the rest of the exhibits. The Pendleton House, made up of period rooms, is not at the same level as the rest of the museum. If you're short on time, don't feel bad about skipping it. There are extremes. The modern art gallery is overflowing with big names: Picasso, Ad Reinhardt, Rothko. The African art consists of one display case (One! For an entire continent!) without explanation. The store is almost impossible to find, but do ask, as it's worth checking out. read more

One of the best college museums in the country. It is very much a hidden gem in Providence. It is a sprawling complex built into the slope of College Hill. It includes galleries in the museum proper as well as connected to a couple Victorian houses which you would never know contained museum from the outside. They have great temporary exhibits and a surprisingly good collection of early American painting as well as galleries of classic Greek and Roman art. Brown and RISD students are free. Students in general are $3 and general admission is only $8 (I think) which makes it a superb deal for a museum with that much breadth. read more

Although a few exhibits were closed, there was still so much to see! My favorite were the Asian, Egyptian, and Greek! My friend loved the modern and contemporary paintings. The prices are very affordable and I wish I lived nearby could I would purchase a membership! read more

This little museum hosts a surpirsingly varied display of art from places and times far and near- from artists, both famous and obscure! I'm not sure why I had never visited this place while I lived in Providence, but I sure was missing out. I especially enjoyed their "cocktail time" exhibit. They had a collection of dresses and clothing from the 20's through the 60's. It was a wonderful display of what the high-society folks used to wear when they were doing all that drinkin' and smokin! Since this museum is located right in the heart of the east side, it's a perfect place to visit while you're taking a walk up and down the hills surrounding Benifit st. or on your way down the river. read more

Went for the landscape photography exhibit but really enjoyed the museum as a whole. A wide variety of art nicely displayed. The house with old furnishings was interesting too. Only wish that going on Sun. free admission day worked out but at least I had my AAA card on me to save a buck. read more

This is a pretty cool museum in Providence. I wanted to go to the music video exhibit this weekend, as I love Michel Gondry's videos and was pleasantly surprised to see that the museum is free every last Saturday. So that was cool. The museum is small, and not hard to find. It has 6 floors, including the Pendelton House which is a restored 17th-18th century home featuring furnishings and linens in the period style. There is also a great Egyptian and Asian art wing, with an amazing Buddah. The Grand Gallery is not to be missed, with its bright blue walls. Very cool. When we visited, there were free snacks in the porcelain gallery, something I've never seen at a museum. The museum is undergoing renovations, so there are several exhibits closed from view. Definitely worth a visit. read more

I had gone once, many moons ago to the RISD museum, and remembered liking it, so I got my SO to make a return visit with me. The admission is $10, and I find that extremely justifiable, as the museum is an amazing collection of ancient, classic, and contemporary art. It took us about two hours to peruse the collection. Highlights include their collection of from the big name impressionists- Picasso, Renoir, Degas, et al, the giant buddha on the third floor, the exhibit of 20th Century artworks on the first floor and the main exhibit that was on display there- Painting Air, by Brooklyn artist, Spencer Finch. There's really something for everyone there, and even though it is small, you can definitely get lost in the collection. Afterwards, visit the RISD works store which features all sorts of fun things by RISD alum that have made it in the design world. read more

What a wonderful museum. I had zero expectations, but must admit that I didn't want to leave. This museum alone makes a trip to Providence worthwhile. I certainly will be back. read more

My boyfriend and I enjoyed perusing the art at the RISD museum one Sunday. We came to Providence to get away from Boston and enjoy good food and stumbled upon this museum. Thinking it was going to be a small museum with a few exhibits, we were shocked at how big it was (five-six floors)! Loved the extensive amount of art, particularly the impressionist and European art. I don't get many contemporary pieces, but if you enjoy them, there was a lot of that. There was also a huge Chihuly chandelier above a staircase, just gorgeous. The "Corinna Schnitt: Once Upon a Time" short film was also entertaining to watch. Was sad the chicken little/culture of fear exhibit was being constructed during our visit, but I would love to see it before it is rotated out. Admission of $10 for adults is a great deal! My boyfriend and I arrived around 11am on a Sunday, and it was "pay-what-you-wish." read more

Wow! To say I was shocked at how outstanding this museum is... well that's an understatement! I know RISD is a good school, but I didn't have high expectations of the museum... I thought it would be filled with mostly student work, but my girlfriend and I decided to check it out for free on a Sunday... and it's really a great and diverse collection! Monet, Warhol, Matisse, Renoir, Manet, Greek/Roman sculptures, Egyptian art, Modern, Impressionists... etc, etc... you name it, the museum had it! It was a nice surprise and I'd love to visit again. Highly recommend! read more

This is an eclectic museum. I loved walking through each part. I really appreciate the fact that the exhibit changes semi regularly. I can't wait to return! read more

I came here on one of those rare events when they have the museum open to the public within a certain time frame. I think it was a Sunday morning? Since it is a RISD's college museum, I fully expected to see more student-made modern, abstract, contemporary art hung along the walls of the museum. I was pleasantly wrong. There were a wide range of artworks: from the dark baroque times to the vibrant cultural pieces from Africa and other parts of the world. The museum was surprisingly large... wouldn't have guessed from the outside. It seemed like there were always more rooms to be discovered, more floors yet to have been ventured and more artwork yet to be admired. I was impressed. It was wonderful. Can't say I'm a museum connoisseur, but I have been to a few museums but none have impressed me more than this one. It's comparable to some big named tourist destination museums without the publicized glitz and glamour. Parking can be tough. But DEFINITELY WORTH the trouble if you can manage the hike over to the museum. read more

This is a cool little museum, chock a block with interesting objects of art. Hubs and I managed to visit on a crazy hot day, and it was free to get in... so we enjoyed both the frosty cold AC and the art on display. If you're taking a day trip to Providence, or you live nearby, you should definitely stop in and check the place out. It's worth the price of admission... which I didn't pay, because it was the last weekend of the month? or something? IDK, maybe Google that if you need the free admission. read more

Very impressed with this museum. Great collections... Huge. Didn't expect what we saw. And it was FREE with my RIC student ID. :)

Quality over quantity. Although the size is relatively small compared to big city museums, the collections are fantastically unique and quirky. I love that you can find collections about design and the commercial side of art that is usually not shown in stuffy museums like many other things about Providence, our RISD museum is a hidden jewel. read more

Lovely museum, its small size belies what a cornucopia of art treasures I saw here. Didn't expect so many greats. Everything from sublime Buddhist pieces (including one of the largest Buddha statues) to cool, Swedish minimalist furniture ....to textile and fashion pieces ...famous paintings by cezanne, monet, Renoir. All lovingly assembled, but not too overwhelming nor too many that they would wear me out. Cherry on top: it's FREE ON SUNDAYS! Don't miss this. read more

RISD Museum - Art Museums Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

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I was pleasantly surprised to hear that Sundays are free here so I brought my daughter and joined a few friends to check it out. Upon coming in, they had a coat room and even lockers with keys (all for free - wee!) I quickly realized that this probably wasn't the best place to bring my 6 year old as it was definitely not catered to kids her age (which is totally fine - my fault for not checking when a good friend recommended it). I was however impressed with the great artwork from major names (Monet anyone?) were featured here in this small but solid Providence art gallery. Modern Art, Egyptian jewelry, textiles from all eras/geographies - the works. The building was extremely modern, clean and all around enjoyable. I'd like to return sans the kids so I can really take it all in but happy to see this gem available here in the Ocean State. read more

This museum is a delight time and time again. I almost always bring my out-of-town guests, and even though I've been there half a dozen times, I still have fun every time. The permanent collections are varied and impressive, and the short term installations range from the strange and curious to the awe-inspiring. This is certainly a place you can visit over and over--don't try to cram it all in in a single visit or you just risk hurting yourself! RI residents can check out a free pass from the Rochambeau library (call for availability), or else the museum is free on Sundays. It's also worth paying to visit, because it's just great. The main entrance is incredibly deceptive as this museum covers the entire slope of College Hill. You may enter on Benefit, but you can also exit on North Main. I've been to museums all over the world, and this little gem in Providence is among the best I've seen. When you go, look for the table with five legs. read more

Great museum on the campus of the Rhode Island School of Design. Some really nice stuff to see (Rodin's Hand of God, a Lichtenstien, a Warhol, a Pollack, and lots more). The layout's kind of confusing, and it's hard to know where to go next. Wish I'd had more time to explore. I didn't find the big portrait gallery until right at the end of my visit, so I didn't get to spend nearly enough time there. Interesting gift shop too, though I'd prefer a RISD museum t-shirt without Family Guy stuff on it (though I get the connection). A one-day pass is $12. read more

My first visit was on a Sunday, to see the Todd Oldham (famous designer and RISD grad). It's free all day on Sundays and 5-9pm during Gallery Night (that's also free and great, Google it). But it's worth the cost of admission on any day, and you can always leave a donation during the free times. read more

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A varied collection of works; small, but very well curated! I found the photographs and drawings on the contemporary floor particularly of note, and all the design and printmaking work as well. Some floors could be hard to navigate, but there are maps dispersed throughout the building. Bring a student ID for a considerable discount. Tl;dr: Variety similar to the Met, but much easier to see in one visit! read more

Was exploring Providence for the day with my GF and decided to check out the RISD Museum. Neither of us have much of an art background, but we appreciate it nonetheless :) The collection was a little small compared museums in other cities but we still really enjoyed it! We were really impressed by the Grand Gallery and the large Buddha Mahavairocana sculpture. Definitely worth a visit! read more

Great experience except for the tosser on the 5th floor readying the next exhibit--an older gentleman who inquired upon my diverse group's intentions as we walked well within the cordoned off space to the next exhibit from the elevators. Upon further unfounded inquiry I quipped that I was "going to pocket" the Rothko at the entrance--which is laughable given its size--but that still made him very angry. read more

Very nice museum

This is a decent museum for a design school. I enjoyed the gallery of art and the antiquities they had. The history of men's fashion was interesting - I had hoped it would be bigger and cover a larger time frame, but the section on the 'dandy' was interesting. read more

The museum was very nice and so clean. Wish they had more of the student art work on display like Heather McLeod's (hint hint) . I would have loved to see more of the students and alumni work in the museum. Nice shop but show prices. I asked about a ring and was told it was 300.00 and when we looked it was 1200.00 read more

Really enjoyed our visit here last month. The layout of the museum depending on where you enter can be kind of confusing but we were content to wander around exploring. They have a pretty impressive collection for an institution that is not gigantic. Will definitely return it would be fun to attend a private event here. read more

The RISD museum is definitely a must-see if you're in Providence (and interested in art, I guess)! I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I walked in, and indeed there were some funky installations near the Benefit Street entrance, but wow, what a world-class collection. Make sure to give yourself time to explore; the floor plan is ever-shifting, and there always seems to be a completely different exhibit around the corner. You might be wandering down an impressive hall of impressionist works, and then suddenly you'll find yourself surrounded by some Greek and Roman busts and amphoras. I was also entertained by the room of Rhode Island-related pieces and artists. Plus, the museum is free for Brown and RISD students, so it's worth a visit even if you're just looking for a place to study in peace! The gift shop doesn't really cater to a student taste or budget (think $75 vases), so if you're looking for cute, inexpensive trinkets, go across the street to the RISD store. read more

This was a fun outing when they have free admittance. It is so much bigger then it looks on the outside. The permanent displays are worth seeing and you could spend your whole day wandering around. I was not very interested in the new works on display, maybe I just didn't understand that style of art, I'm not sure. read more

Love the Schola Cantorum of Boston concerts in The Great Hall! Fabulous surroundings .... Both visual and sound! read more

RISD Museum - Schola Cantorum of Boston in concert! - Art Museums Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

Amazing. Went on a Sunday so it was free. Donations accepted. Really nice collection of ancient and contemporary art both. Gallery layout a bit confusing. read more

RISD Museum - Art Museums Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

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Wonderful experience beginning with the greeting when we first entered. There is a great little cafe, and although I did not stop there, it was very busy and the items being served looked terrific. I happened to be at the museum on a Sunday, and as it turns out, Sunday's offer free admission (otherwise I believe it was $12 for an adult). The place was huge, architecture of the building itself, amazing, with something for everyone in terms of the displays. Very clean, bathrooms conveniently located, and an overall great experience. Definitely go if you have the chance. read more

I don't know why, but I was expecting the RISD Museum to be a dinky little affair. Man. This was the best $3 (student discount) I've ever spent on a museum. Not only is this museum huge (easily took an afternoon exploring it), the collection is quality. There's not much to do in Providence, but if you're visiting, this museum should be on your list. read more

I wasn't sure what to expect with this museum, but I really really loved it! It is a very nice size (not too ridiculously huge, definitely not small) and has a huge variety of art work. I particularly enjoyed the Japanese Woodblock prints (not a permanent collection, DEFINITELY worth seeing, though!) and the grand gallery is incredible. There are so many other great things, too. It's not a super busy museum (at least not when we were there), so it's relaxing to just wander and look at art. Totally my type of place. I will for sure be back if I'm in Providence again! Highly recommended. read more

I know it's a cliche to spend a rainy day at the museum, but I could not be happier that we did! My 85-year-old grandmother and 95-year-old aunt came to visit and upon running out of ideas to keep them entertained (don't let their ages fool you!), I decided upon spending a gloomy Thursday morning at RISD. Best decision ever! We loved the Todd Oldham exhibit (my grandma and aunt had never heard of the designer before, but now they are HUGE fans - Todd, my g-ma would like that ribbon suit, wink, wink!). And what about that ornate mother of pearl lady's writing table and chair?! Our cappuccinos in RISD's new Café Pearl were the perfect cap to a perfect day. read more

One of the best art museums in the world I have been visiting since 1966 when my fifth grade teacher took our class. I love the art, go see it but watch out for ONE guard Mr. Rules. When I went to see Cocktail Culture I had a pen, No PENS penciles only, then on the Rodger Williams walking tour 6/5/11 I had a water bottle and on 6/21/11 I took a photo with my cell phone. So many RULES and this ONE guard knows then all by heart!!! read more

Excellent museum. Great diversity of historic and contemporary exhibits. The museum consists of six different buildings and an outdoor garden. They had some impressive paintings and sculptures. The place can get confusing to walk around but there really is a lot to see. I didn't care for some of the modern art pieces but I rarely do. There's something for everyone here. Admission was $10. read more