RISD Museum

Address:	20 N Main St, Providence, RI 02903, USA
Phone:	+1 401-454-6500
Site:	risdmuseum.org
Rating:	4.7
Working:	Closed 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM

Location

Photos 1

Reviews 19

Stefanie Rozek

The RISD Museum is a nice jewel tucked away on the RISD campus in Providence. I cant believe I didnt check it out sooner! The museum is decently-sized (a bit smaller than the MFA, but still big), and they have a good range of collections varying from ancient/Middle Ages art to modern/contemporary pieces. I was surprised that they have a good handful of Impressionist paintings (even a Degas and Van Gogh), and theres lots of period furniture and clothing if paintings, pottery, and sculptures arent youre thing. When I went on a Friday afternoon a fe hours before closing, it was surprisingly quiet--I thought Id see more students--and the person who works the front desk was very helpful in pointing us in the right direction. Theres a lot of great art to see and plenty of fun places to wander. Definitely will go back!

KC Michaels

A wonderful collection of various art pieces. The building has an interesting architecture too. It was partially under renovation when we visited, but they had a big collection of European art displayed in an "open storage" layout--"Intermission". The display seems somewhat haphazard as they are not organized by artist, style, or time period. There are no plaques identifying different pieces either. It was a very different experience than a typical museum exhibit, and we enjoyed it. I think this is only a temporary display until mid-2017 when renovations are complete and these and other pieces will be moved back to a more traditional gallery.

Tyler McCraw

This is the best art museum Ive ever visited, hands down. There is a wide range of cultures represented along with many varying forms of art. From Grecian sculptures and Egyptian sarcophagi to a 10 foot tall wooden Buddha and Frank Lloyd Wright architectural pieces, all exhibits were well orchestrated and carefully organized. Make sure to grab a map on your way in and have a chat with the upbeat, friendly staff. Also, plan on spending two hours here at the very least. I wanted to spend the entire day here to see and read everything, but, sadly, we ran out of time.

C. Dong

Really cool buildings build around the hill. Combined old structures with the new and modern. The paths in the museum is mystical and interesting as well, like maze connected by different hall ways that leads to various art pieces. Theres paintings from Vincent Van Gogh, sculptures by Rodin as well as art piece from China, India and modern American. This is the first time for me to see fabrics, lace and costume designs. Fantastic collections! Admission is $12, discount for senior, students and toddlers. What a treat for the minds!

Eva R

Un vero gioiello che annovera tra le perle che espone un Van Gogh, svariate opere di impressionisti, un Pollock. Veramente notevoli le collezioni egizia, greca, etrusca e romana. Interessante per gli amanti del genere la sezione sullestremo oriente.

Bardiya Akhbari

Such a nice museum. They have many good items and the place is lovely. Its super crowded on Sundays, so if you do not like crowded museum do not go there on Sundays. The coffeeshop at the lobby is great and so artistic. They have some modern art paintings and objects; however, the furnitures are a big part of it. This place is amazing and must-go if you are staying in Providence for a short time. The only problem is that if you are living in Providence, they do not bring new paintings or etc. as often.

Giuseppe Ortolani

Bel museo con bei pezzi (Monet, Manet, Van Gogh), tranne la prima sala che si visita che è unaccozzaglia di dipinti di varie epoche e di paesi diversi, senza alcuna spiegazione. Bella la parte dei designer di costumi.

ren hao

Admission Members: free Adults: $12 Senior citizens (age 62+): $10 Youth (ages 5–18): $3 Children under 5: free College students: $5 with valid college ID Staff, faculty, and students of RISD or member institutions: free with valid college ID Admission is free every Sunday (10 am–5 pm) and on the third Thursday evening of each month (5–9 pm). The RISD Museum is proud to be a Blue Star Museum, offering free admission to active-duty U.S. military personnel and their families. Learn more.

Ali M. Gav

Lovely museum, its small size belies what a cornucopia of art treasures I saw here. Didnt 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: its FREE ON SUNDAYS! Dont miss this.

Nick Albina

They have a surprising collection here. Original Monet, Degas and even Picasso. Unfortunately its extremely difficult to navigate the museum. They have this convoluted series of floor locked elevators that only get to specific floors. For example, to get to the third floor from the entrance on the fourth floor, you have to take an elevator to the 6th floor, walk through half an exhibit, then take a service elevator to the 3rd floor.

Joe Wehry

A handful of select paintings, sculpture, photography, furniture and fashion. The pieces are presented with a sensitive touch towards atmosphere. For example, in the gallery of Christian art, religious music was subtly played. A feat of architectural planning combined several old/new buildings together to form the complex. So bring a map, GPS or breadcrumbs to find your way through the galleries and back again.

Mike Klubok

A solid good museum with a good collection. The focus is largely on furniture and we enjoyed the Todd Oldham collection. While this collection ended last week, you will not be disappointed by the other exhibits. Plan on spending 1-2 hours here and it certainly is worth it. Note that if you plan on visiting and youre able to do it on a Sunday do it then since admission is free.

Frank J. Portela

Under renovation but it is a hidden gem. It is a nice walk and they have some nice collections from some of the classic (Picasso, Monet, Degas just to mention a few). It is conveniently located that you can walk around and find some good restaurants in the area and if you are ambitious yo can walk from the Providence Mall. It is about a 15 min walk.

Yan Beaumont

Collection très variée et présentée dans un cadre intéressant. Lintégration dune ancienne demeure victorienne au musée ajoute un intérêt supplémentaire à la visite.

SVR R.

I always enjoy coming to this museum. Its much larger than it looks and even has a small garden hidden within it. The temporary exhibits are almost always interesting and there is a nice variety of artwork -- so many time periods, styles, and forms. Its also a short walk from anywhere else you need to go, which is convenient.

A Private User

The Rhode Island School of Design museum is an excellent resource for the family and the many local artists in RI. The have ancient art, impressionist paintings, contemporary art, and a lot more. Keep an eye out for openings and events for nice date nights or places to take visiting friends and family!

Justin Blau

I was surprised by the number of works from the most famous artists across many different eras of historical art. There is a little bit of everything, and not as crowded as the largest museums. Wont have the breadth of items, but youll probably find at least one of something youre interested in seeing.

Todd Richard-Peckham

I joined the museum but never received my membership card (in spite of several calls to obtain it) and absolutely no communications from the museum until after my membership had expired and they wanted me to renew. Very frustrating membership experience.

Alec Loudenback

This is a really nice museum with a number of really significant artists throughout the museum. They also often feature student and alumni work... and RISD produces some really great artists. If you like art, its a must see for Providence.