The Creative Capital: An Art and Architecture Tour of Providence

Overview

Available languages

English

2 hours

Mobile ticket

The story of Providence is told by its buildings. Our city's downtown blossomed during America's Gilded Age, and has well-preserved examples of Art-Deco, Beaux-Arts, Neoclassical, and many more architectural styles. But this tour goes beyond bricks and windows: peer into the past by learning some of the human stories behind the facades.

This tour also explores the city's vibrant arts and cultural scene, a key ingredient of its dramatic turnaround from mid-century urban decay to regional arts center. Experience and learn the inspiration for Providence's most breathtaking murals: these massive works weave into the city’s visual landscape for a result unparalleled anywhere in the United States.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Top-tier Guide

What To Expect

Providence City Hall

Admire the architecture and tell stories about the building's storied history

Admission Not Applicable

Trinity Repertory Company

Learn about the history of the building and its impact on Providence's arts scene

Admission Not Applicable

Options

The Creative Capital: An Art and Architecture Tour of Providence

Reviews

4.67

78 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

wonderful walking tour around a beautiful city
capecodann2022,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Lila was a well prepared and informed tour guide. We found the admission fee reasonable. The two hour tour was a wonderful way to spend some of our time in Providence..
Informative. Very clear speaking voice.
Janet F,
Oct 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Saw many interesting sites we wouldn't have without our guide. He not only give us good information but pointed out the significance of it.
Exactly as we hoped, great way to see Providence
Helene T,
Sep 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Dillon was knowledgeable and patient as we had a slow walker and we enjoyed hearing all about the art and cult. We took his advise for lunch and that was a 10
Architectural tour of Providence RI
doloresv277,
Sep 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Dillion gave us an excellent mixture of architectural information, history and anecdotal stories We felt we had a good picture of Providence when the tour was completed He was a great, engaged guide
It was all around very...
Stefan K,
Aug 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
It was all around very good. He was very knowledgeable and super nice. What a nice experience - thank you. Stefan and E.
Very well spent time: fun and eduational!
Birdie412,
Aug 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A delightful 2-hour tour with Spencer today. This young guide’s genuine interest in the art, architecture, and history of Providence helped him infuse the tour with an amazing amount of information which he energetically shared. We moved to the nearby suburb of East Providence 3 years ago, but we haven’t really gotten our feet wet in the big city. The tour features many interesting buildings (more than listed on the website) of a variety of architectural types, many large murals, and art installations by RISD university students. It was a fun and satisfying two hours, and quite worth the price.
Beautiful architecture...
Mildred D,
Aug 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00
Beautiful architecture all over downtown Providence. Some excellent murals— wish we’d seen more. Interesting history.
A quick first time bisit to Providence
DMBower,
Jul 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We are two teacher friends on our annual vacation trip. We love taking walking tours to get to know a new city so this tour was great cwe especially loved the incredible murals throughout the downtown.
A Great Day!!!
patriciafA8013AE,
Jul 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I called the Provdence Tour Company and explained to Celia Kettle that I had just arrived the night before and had only 1 day there because of my job. She was able to book me on a morning Art and Architecture tour with Lyla and a Crime and Cuisine tour in the afternoon with David. I enjoyed both tours and both guides were very knowledgeable and entertaining.
Not worth it
716russk,
Jul 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00
Disappointing. Not much info about Providence architecture. The guide read a script from a binder the whole time. Couldn't answer anything that wasn't in the book. We should have just done a self guided tour.