Providence is known for its school of design and families can explore six levels of artwork and exhibits that are engaging and interesting to the eye. Modern and contemporary art is on the fourth floor, with sculptures, fashion, textiles, paintings and more from throughout the 20th century. The fifth and sixth floors encompass 18th and 19th century American art, as well as European, ancient Greek and Roman art. Asian costumes and designs are also on the sixth floor. Floors one, two and three are located on a separate side of the museum, and they include the special exhibitions area, as well as the RISD Student Galleries and the RISD Works area and Metcalf Auditorium.
Young children may not find the museum as intriguing as older children, but families can pick up interactive pamphlets at the beginning of their self-guided tour. These pamphlets ask children questions about the various exhibits that they view along the way.
Hours
The RISD Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended Saturday hours until 7 p.m. from June through Labor Day. On the third Thursday of each month, the museum is open until 9 p.m. It is closed on Mondays and most major holidays.
Things to Know/Bring
Admission is free for children under 18 years old. Strollers are permitted inside the museum, but backpack child carriers are not permitted, and there is elevator access.
