Exploring the Academic Charm of Brown University
Discover Brown University, an iconic Ivy League institution in Providence, RI, brimming with historic charm, culture, and academic excellence.
Nestled in the heart of Providence, Rhode Island, Brown University is a prestigious Ivy League institution that offers tourists a unique blend of historic architecture, vibrant campus life, and cultural richness. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful grounds, art galleries, and a rich tapestry of academic history. From its iconic Van Wickle Gates to the stunning John Hay Library, Brown provides a serene escape filled with knowledge and inspiration.
A brief summary to Brown University
- Providence, College Hill, Rhode Island, 02912, US
- +1401-863-1000
- Visit website
- Monday 8:30 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 8:30 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 8:30 am-5 pm
- Thursday 8:30 am-5 pm
- Friday 8:30 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit during spring to enjoy the beautiful blooming flowers across the campus.
- Check the university's calendar for public lectures and events that you can attend.
- Don't miss the art exhibits at the David Winton Bell Gallery for a glimpse of contemporary art.
- Take a guided tour to learn about the university's history and notable alumni.
- Explore the nearby College Hill area for quaint cafes and shops that reflect local culture.
Getting There
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Walking
If you are in downtown Pawtucket, start at the Pawtucket City Hall. Head south on Main Street towards Division Street. Continue straight until you reach the intersection with Avenue A, then turn left onto Avenue A. Walk straight until you reach the intersection with Pleasant Street, then turn right. Continue on Pleasant Street, which will become College Hill as you approach Providence. You will see Brown University on your left side after about a 30-minute walk.
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Bus
From Pawtucket, go to the nearest bus stop on Main Street. Take the RIPTA Route 1 bus towards Kennedy Plaza. Ride for about 25 minutes, then get off at the stop at the corner of Thayer Street and Brown University. From there, walk south on Thayer Street towards the university, and you will arrive at Brown University's main entrance in just a few minutes.
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Bicycle
If you prefer to bike, you can rent a bike from a local rental shop in Pawtucket. Start at the bike shop and head south on Main Street. Ride towards Division Street and continue straight until you reach Avenue A. Turn left onto Avenue A, then right onto Pleasant Street. Follow Pleasant Street, which will lead you to College Hill. The ride should take about 15-20 minutes, and you'll arrive at Brown University.
Discover more about Brown University
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Bronze Bruno Statue
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Discover the Bronze Bruno Statue in Providence, Rhode Island – a captivating historical landmark that celebrates legacy and artistry in the heart of College Hill.
Main Green
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Experience the serene beauty of Main Green at Brown University, a lush park that blends academic heritage with vibrant community life in Providence.
Edward Dexter House
0.1 km
Explore the Edward Dexter House, a stunning 18th-century historical landmark in Providence's College Hill, and embrace the rich heritage of the area.
Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology
0.1 km
Explore the Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology, where the world's cultures come alive through fascinating exhibits and educational programs.
Quiet Green
0.2 km
Experience the serene beauty of Quiet Green, a tranquil park in the heart of College Hill, perfect for relaxation and exploration near Brown University.
Carrie Tower
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Discover the historical charm of Carrie Tower in Providence, Rhode Island, a stunning Gothic Revival landmark offering breathtaking views and a rich cultural experience.
Van Wickle Gates
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Explore the Van Wickle Gates at Brown University, a stunning monument rich in history and architectural beauty in Providence, Rhode Island.
Benefit St
0.4 km
Discover the historic charm and vibrant culture of Benefit Street in Providence, RI, known for its stunning architecture and artistic heritage.
Thomas P. Ives House
0.4 km
Discover the architectural beauty and rich history of the Thomas P. Ives House, a stunning historical landmark in Providence, Rhode Island.
The General Ambrose Burnside Mansion
0.4 km
Discover the historical charm of the General Ambrose Burnside Mansion in Providence, Rhode Island, a captivating landmark that echoes the past.
Corliss-Carrington House (1810) U.S. National Historic Landmark, Williams Street
0.5 km
Explore the historic Corliss-Carrington House, a U.S. National Historic Landmark in Providence, RI, showcasing early 19th-century architecture and charm.
Market House
0.5 km
Explore the historic Market House in Providence, RI, a vibrant heritage building offering local culture, architecture, and community events in the heart of the city.
Lippitt House Museum
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Discover the elegance of the Lippitt House Museum, a Victorian masterpiece in Providence showcasing rich history and architectural beauty.
Historic Market Square
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Discover the rich history and vibrant atmosphere of Historic Market Square in Providence, Rhode Island, a must-visit destination for every tourist.
Rhode Island Holocaust Memorial
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Explore the Rhode Island Holocaust Memorial in Downtown Providence, a powerful tribute honoring the victims of the Holocaust through art and reflection.
Unmissable attractions to see
College Hill Historic District
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Discover the rich history and stunning architecture of College Hill Historic District in Providence, Rhode Island, where the past meets vibrant culture.
John Carter Brown Library
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Explore the John Carter Brown Library in Providence, RI - a serene haven of historical literature and cultural treasures.
First Unitarian Church of Providence
0.3 km
Discover the architectural and spiritual beauty of First Unitarian Church of Providence, a historic gem in Rhode Island's vibrant College Hill.
The Providence Athenaeum
0.3 km
Explore the Providence Athenaeum, a historic library and cultural center that captivates visitors with its literary treasures and engaging community events.
The Stephen Hopkins House
0.4 km
Explore The Stephen Hopkins House, a captivating museum that brings America's revolutionary history to life in Providence, Rhode Island.
The John Brown House Museum
0.4 km
Explore Rhode Island's rich heritage at The John Brown House Museum, a historical landmark showcasing colonial life and 18th-century architecture.
RISD Museum
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Explore the RISD Museum, a cultural treasure in Providence, RI, featuring diverse art collections from ancient to contemporary masterpieces.
Memorial Park
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Explore the tranquility of Memorial Park in Downtown Providence, a serene sanctuary with stunning views and rich history, perfect for relaxation and exploration.
First Baptist Church in America
0.5 km
Discover the First Baptist Church in America, a historic landmark in Providence rich with cultural significance and architectural beauty.
Providence Art Club
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Explore the Providence Art Club, a historic art center and gallery in Rhode Island, celebrating local creativity and artistic heritage.
Essential places to dine
Louis Family Restaurant
0.4 km
Experience family-friendly dining at Louis Family Restaurant in Providence with delicious meals and warm hospitality.
Parkside Rotisserie & Bar
0.4 km
Experience flavorful American cuisine and crafted cocktails at Parkside Rotisserie & Bar in Providence – a perfect blend of taste and ambiance.
Hemenway's Restaurant
0.5 km
Experience fine dining at Hemenway's Restaurant in Providence - where exquisite seafood meets elegant ambiance.
Mills Tavern
0.6 km
Experience culinary excellence at Mills Tavern in Providence, offering exquisite seafood and steak dishes in an elegant atmosphere.
New Rivers
0.6 km
Discover the art of American cuisine at New Rivers in Providence – where local ingredients meet innovative culinary techniques.
Bacaro
0.6 km
Discover Bacaro in Providence: An upscale Italian restaurant offering exquisite cuisine and fine wines in an inviting atmosphere.
Palo
0.6 km
Discover Palo: A premier tapas bar in Downtown Providence offering innovative small plates and exquisite drinks in a vibrant setting.
Capriccio
0.6 km
Experience exquisite Italian dining at Capriccio in Downtown Providence, where Mediterranean flavors meet culinary artistry.
Pot au Feu
0.6 km
Experience exquisite French cuisine at Pot au Feu in Downtown Providence; where culinary artistry meets local flavors in an inviting atmosphere.
Layali Restaurant Bar
0.6 km
Discover Layali Restaurant Bar in Downtown Providence: where Mediterranean flavors meet vibrant nightlife.
Circe Restaurant & Bar - Providence
0.7 km
Discover the culinary artistry of New American cuisine at Circe Restaurant & Bar in Downtown Providence, where elegance meets flavor.
Bellini (Providence)
0.7 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine in Downtown Providence at Bellini - where tradition meets modern dining.
Cafe Nuovo
0.7 km
Discover exceptional New American cuisine at Cafe Nuovo in Downtown Providence - where elegance meets culinary artistry.
Ten Prime Steak & Sushi
0.7 km
Experience fine dining at Ten Prime Steak & Sushi—where exceptional steaks meet exquisite sushi in Downtown Providence.
Persimmon
0.7 km
Experience innovative New American cuisine at Persimmon in Providence – where culinary artistry meets an elegant dining atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
SPECTRUM-INDIA
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Discover the essence of India at Spectrum India, a vibrant gift shop in Providence offering unique crafts, jewelry, and spiritual supplies.
Pleasant Surprise
0.4 km
Explore Pleasant Surprise in Providence, RI: A charming gift shop offering unique treasures and local artisan crafts for every occasion.
Bangled Tiger
0.5 km
Discover unique fashion treasures at Bangled Tiger, Providence's premier vintage clothing store, where every piece tells a story.
risd:store
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Explore RISD Store in Downtown Providence for unique art supplies, creative gifts, and exclusive RISD merchandise.
Found
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Explore a treasure trove of unique handmade gifts and home goods at Found Gift Shop in Providence, Rhode Island.
Project Attic Boutique
0.6 km
Explore Project Attic Boutique in Providence for unique vintage clothing treasures that celebrate timeless style and individuality.
Existential Thread Co
0.6 km
Explore timeless fashion at Existential Thread Co, where vintage meets creativity in the heart of Providence, Rhode Island.
Old as Adam
0.6 km
Uncover unique vintage clothing and antiques at Old as Adam, a charming store in the heart of Providence, Rhode Island.
environs
0.7 km
Explore Environs Gift Shop in Downtown Providence for unique, locally-crafted treasures that capture the essence of Rhode Island.
Nostalgia Antiques And Collectibles Store
0.9 km
Explore a captivating collection of antiques, collectibles, and vintage treasures at Nostalgia Antiques and Collectibles Store in Providence, RI.
NAVA
0.9 km
Explore NAVA, a boutique in Providence offering curated fashion, unique gifts, and local artistry for an unforgettable shopping experience.
Benefit Street Antiques
0.9 km
Explore a treasure trove of vintage and antique finds at Benefit Street Antiques in Providence, where history and craftsmanship meet.
Craftland
0.9 km
Explore Craftland in Providence, RI - a unique gift shop and art gallery showcasing local artisans' creativity through handcrafted treasures.
Modern Love
0.9 km
Explore Modern Love in Downtown Providence for a unique gift shop and shoe store experience filled with local creativity and style.
Queen of Hearts
0.9 km
Discover unique gifts, stylish clothing, and exquisite jewelry at Queen of Hearts in Downtown Providence, a must-visit for every traveler.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Walnut Room
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at The Walnut Room in Providence, where creative cocktails and live music create an unforgettable atmosphere.
Wild Colonial Tavern
0.5 km
Embrace the lively spirit of Wild Colonial Tavern, a must-visit bar in Providence, RI, for craft beers, cocktails, and camaraderie.
Red Door
0.7 km
Explore the lively Red Door in Downtown Providence for innovative cocktails and unique bar food that promises an unforgettable nightlife experience.
Needle and Thread
0.7 km
Discover the vibrant cocktail culture at Needle and Thread in Providence, where exquisite drinks meet culinary excellence in a lively atmosphere.
Providence GPub
0.8 km
Discover Providence GPub, where a vibrant atmosphere meets delicious gastropub cuisine in the heart of Downtown Providence.
Rooftop at the Providence G
0.8 km
Experience breathtaking views and exquisite dining at Rooftop at the Providence G, a premier destination in downtown Providence, RI.
The Eddy
0.9 km
Discover The Eddy, a vibrant cocktail bar in Downtown Providence, offering innovative drinks and a lively atmosphere for an unforgettable night out.
The Point Tavern
0.9 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere and delicious offerings at The Point Tavern, a must-visit bar in Providence's Fox Point neighborhood, perfect for all visitors.
The Hot Club
1.0 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Providence at The Hot Club, where great food meets lively entertainment by the water.
Marcelino's Boutique Bar
1.1 km
Discover the finest cocktails in Downtown Providence at Marcelino's Boutique Bar, where mixology meets a lively atmosphere.
Free Play Bar Arcade
1.1 km
Experience nostalgia and fun at Free Play Bar Arcade, where classic gaming and nightlife converge in downtown Providence.
The Malted Barley
1.1 km
Explore The Malted Barley, a vibrant bar in Downtown Providence, known for its extensive craft beer selection and delicious pub cuisine.
Murphy's Providence
1.2 km
Discover the lively spirit of Murphy's Providence, where great food, craft drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere come together in Downtown Providence.
The Dean Bar
1.2 km
Experience the vibrant cocktail culture at The Dean Bar in Downtown Providence, where innovative drinks meet a stylish ambiance.
Nick-A-Nees
1.2 km
Experience the local nightlife at Nick-A-Nees, a vibrant bar in Providence's Jewelry District, offering great drinks and live music in a welcoming ambiance.
