South County, Rhode Island, is full of wonderful attractions that will keep you occupied throughout your vacation to the region. However, your vacation rental will also be relatively close to Providence, which has even more to see and do.
One of the top attractions in Rhode Island’s state capital is the Rhode Island School of Design Museum, a large facility that first opened in 1877 and is home to over 100,000 works of art, with some dating back to ancient times.
The RISD Museum is just 30 miles from downtown Narragansett and 33 miles from Wakefield, making it an easy day trip if you want to experience some culture away from South County’s beaches.
Here’s what you need to know about visiting the RISD Museum in Providence, RI.
How to Get There
Driving into a major city like Providence can be intimidating, especially if you’ve never been there before, but the route from South County is surprisingly straightforward.
You’ll begin by heading north on Route 1 until you reach a junction near the Shady Lea Historic District in North Kingstown. From there, you’ll exit onto the Colonel Rodman Highway, or Route 4, and continue north until Route 4 merges with the I-95 in Warwick.
The I-95 heads all the way to downtown Providence, so all you have to do is exit onto Memorial Boulevard before turning left onto College Street. This street goes over a bridge, and you’ll then turn left onto North Main Street. The RISD Museum is one of the first buildings on that street.
Alternatively, it’s possible to take the bus from South County to downtown Providence. The ride takes about an hour and a half, but it eliminates the need for a vehicle. There are multiple places to board the bus, as well. The bus is an excellent alternative if you didn’t bring a car on your vacation.
The train is an option, too. You can board a commuter train at Wickford Junction or an Amtrak at Kingston Station or Westerly Station to reach downtown Providence.
The journey takes about half an hour from Wickford or Westerly and 20 minutes from Kingston. You’ll get off the train at Providence Station, a ten-minute walk from the RISD Museum.
Admission Cost
You’ll have to pay for admission regardless of how you reach the RISD Museum. Fortunately, it’s relatively inexpensive, especially considering the artwork quality you’ll find there.
Regular admission for an adult is $17, while a senior aged 62 and older is $12. All children 18 and younger are free, while college students are $8, no matter the institution they attend. RISD students and faculty are free.
You should also know that admission to RISD is free on all Sundays. You can reserve your tickets for complimentary access up to two weeks in advance, which ensures they don’t sell out on the day you wish to visit. Admission is also free on Thursdays and Fridays after 5:00 PM, as the museum is open until 7:00 on those evenings.
Exhibits You’ll Find
If you love art, you won’t be disappointed by the RISD Museum. This facility features artwork from across numerous eras, including an exhibit with works by ancient Mediterranean, Asian, and Indigenous North American artists.
Another popular exhibit has metalwork and jewelry from the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries, while the ancient Greek, Egyptian, Roman, and European galleries always attract crowds.
Depending on when you visit, there could be an event at the museum, as well. The venue has workshops and open studios multiple times per month, along with see and sketch days where you can make artwork with your children.
No matter when you visit Rhode Island, heading to the RISD Museum and even wandering the campus or nearby Brown University is sure to add another layer to your vacation in this beautiful and historic part of the world.
A Break From the Rest of Your Vacation
Your South County vacation will likely feature multiple days at the beach, hikes through the woods, trips on the ocean, and meals at first-class restaurants. You can also experience this region’s immense history, all without venturing far from your vacation rental.
However, if you want to mix things up a little bit, it’s nice to know the RISD Museum is only minutes away from many South County communities. Having access to this world-class venue makes it easy to spend a day experiencing some culture before returning to the fun in the sun South County has to offer.