Arts, culture & sightseeing

Rhode Island is home to one of the most prestigious art and design schools in the world, the Rhode Island School of Design, and our capital city of Providence was praised as a “mecca” for the arts by the New York Times. The creativity of our state can be seen at WaterFire, our numerous art festivals, and the outdoor art that dots the landscape. Spend time at the RISD Museum, and St. Ann Arts and Cultural Center, which is home to North America's largest collection of fresco paintings. When you visit our numerous art galleries, remember, Rhode Island's policy of no sales tax on art purchases means you can pick up some gems at great prices!

Take time to soak up history in the Ocean State by visiting a historic home or site, like the birthplace of famous American painter Gilbert Stuart or Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark. You'll definitely want to spend a day in the Gilded Age of the United States with the Astors, Vanderbilts, etc., at the famous Newport Mansions. Then take to the water on a narrated tour of Rhode Island's historic lighthouses.

You can also explore cultural museums and institutions like the Tomaquag Museum, operated by native people and dedicated to telling the story of the state’s original inhabitants. The Herreshoff Marine Museum is dedicated to the boatbuilding history and innovative work of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company and America's Cup competition.