Rhode Island School of Design Museum

The wonderfully eclectic Rhode Island School of Design Museum showcases everything from ancient Greek art to 20th-century American paintings and decorative arts.

Perhaps the top art school in the United States, RISD leaves an imprint on Providence that is easily felt. From public statuary to film performances to indecipherable screen-printed flyers stapled to College Hill telephone poles, creativity oozes palatably from it across the small cityscape. Though some experience the pleasure of RISD by putting together portfolios that will eventually be rejected by the admissions committee, others earn style points simply by visiting the school’s many galleries. The extraordinary collections at their museum include 19th-century French paintings; classical Greek, Roman and Etruscan art; medieval and Renaissance works; and examples of 19th- and 20th-century American painting, furniture and decorative arts. Kids love staring at the mummy, and older-types will be impressed to see the works of Manet, Matisse and Sargent. The museum stays open until 9pm on the third Thursday of the month; on those days, admission is free after 5pm. It’s also free the last Saturday of the month and Sundays from 10am to 1pm.