Art Museums in RI
BLOCK ISLAND
Block Island Historical Society
Old Town Road
Block Island, RI
Phone: 401-466-2481 (July-Aug)
At this museum visitors will find information and exhibits on the history of Block Island. Open: June-September, 10 am-4 pm daily.
EAST BAY
Bristol Historical and Preservation Society Museum
48 Court Street
Bristol, RI 02809 
Phone: 401-253-7223
Historic site of the county jail, built in 1828. Group tours are available by appointment.
Bristol Train of Artillery
State Street
Bristol, RI 02809
Phone: 401-521-9136
Established in 1776, the organization's headquarters also is a museum containing many rare specimens of military weapons and artifacts, shoulder arms, sabers, documents, and other memorabilia of BTA members dating back to the American Revolution.
Charles R. Carr Collection
Main Street
Warren, RI 02885
Phone: 401-245-7686
This collection includes North American Indian, Peruvian and Pre-Columbian artifacts, including work tools, decorative items, and wampum. Open Wednesdays 2 pm-4 pm, and by appointment.
Coggeshall Farm Museum
Off Route 114
Bristol, RI 02809
Phone: 401-253-9062
A 35-acre colonial farm, established in 1750. The museum features rare breeds of livestock, a barn, cooling house, blacksmith and springhouse. Open March-September, 10 am-6 pm; October-February, 10 am-5 pm.
Firemen's Museum
42 Baker Street
Warren, RI 02885
Phone: 401-245-7600
This Victorian building was home to Narragansett's Steam Fire Company Station Number 3. Contains fire department memorabilia, including the town's first fire engine, "The Little Hero," built in 1802. Open by appointment only.
Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology
Tower Street, off Route 136
Bristol, RI 02809
Phone: 401-253-8388
A part of Brown University, this museum focuses on the arts and culture of Native American, African, Southeast Asian, and Oceanic societies throughout history. Open September-May, Saturday-Sunday 11 am-5 pm, June-August, Tuesday-Sunday, 11 am-5 pm.
Herreshoff Marine Museum and America's Cup Hall of Fame
Burnside Street
Bristol, RI 02809
Phone: 401-253-5000
A collection of 35 classic and power yachts from the "Golden Age of Yachting" to today. On the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company, a major player during yachting's hey-day -- which built eight America's Cup defenders from 1893 to 1934. They also built America's first torpedo. Open May-October, Monday-Friday, 1-4 pm, Saturday-Sunday 11 am-4 pm, other times by appointment.
NEWPORT
Artillery Company of Newport
23 Clarke Street
Newport, RI
Phone: 401-846-8488
In the Newport Armory, built in 1836, the museum contains a large collection of military artifacts, both from the U.S. and foreign sources representing more than 100 countries past and present. The museum is run by the Rhode Island Militia, which was chartered in 1741 and is the country's oldest military organization. Open June-September, Wed-Sat, 10 am-4 pm; Sun noon-4 pm.
Fire Department Memorial Building
50 Narragansett Avenue
Jamestown, RI
Phone: 401-423-0062
Antique firefighting equipment is on display here, including a horse-drawn steam engine from 1894 and photographs of fire fighters at work and at play. In the museum is an authentic handtub dating from the mid 19th century. Open Mon-Fri 9 am-3 pm.
Museum of Newport History
Brick Market
Newport, RI
Phone: 401-841-8770
History of Newport for the whole family. Exhibits, paintings, interactive computer, and videos. Open daily, except Tues, Weekdays and Sat, 10 am-5 pm; Sundays 1-5 pm.
Museum of Yachting
Fort Adams State Park
Newport, RI
Phone: 401-847-1018
The Museum of Yachting brings to the public eye the beauty and excitement which has led sailors to the water for centuries. It is a lively organization which reflects the international flavor of yachting in Newport, dedicated to the preservation of the traditional skills, documents, vessels, and artifacts which record and describe the history and development of yachting around the world. Admission is charged. Group rates and tours available with advance reservations. Open May 15-October 31, 10 am-5 pm, winter by appointment only.
National Museum of American Illustration
Vernon Court
492 Bellevue Avenue
Newport, RI 02840
Phone: 401-851-8949
The National Museum of American Illustration exhibiting original artworks from the ‘Golden Age of American Illustration’ including Maxfield Parrish, Norman Rockwell, N.C. Wyeth and 75 others in its extensive collection. The Museum venue, Vernon Court, is a Beaux-Arts adaptation of an 18th century French chateau, by noted architects Carrere and Hastings. In 1904 it was heralded as one of the “ten most beautiful mansions in America.” Open year-round by reservation only for individual or group guided tours.
Naval War College Museum
686 Cushing Road
Newport, RI
Phone: 401-841-4052 401-841-1317
The museum is in Founders Hall (1820), A National Historic Landmark, and features exhibits on the history of naval warfare and the history of the Navy in the region. Founders Hall is where the college started in 1884 and where historian Alfred Thayer Mahan wrote the epochal The Influence of Sea Power Upon History, 1660-1783, the book that helped to change the course of history at the start of the 20th century. Open year-round, Mon-Fri, 10 am-4 pm; June-September, Sat-Sun, noon-4 pm; closed holidays.
Newport Historical Society
82 Touro Street
Newport, RI
Phone: 401-846-0813
The society houses changing exhibits, including artwork and artifacts from and about historic Newport. Research facilities include a collection of historic books and manuscripts. Open June 15-August 31, Tues-Sat 9:30 am-4:30 pm. Sat 9:30 am-noon the rest of the year.
Old School House
East Main Road and Union Street
Portsmouth, RI
Phone: 401-683-9178
The oldest schoolhouse in the United States, built in 1716. Antique textbooks, school bells, and school furniture on display. Open Memorial Day-Labor Day, Sat-Sun 1-4 pm; also by appointment.
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Portsmouth Historical Society
East Main Road and Union Street
Portsmouth, RI
Phone: 401-683-9178
The museum is in a former Christian Sabbath Society meeting house, built in 1865. Collections of Colonial farm and household tools can be found inside. On the museum grounds is a monument on the site of the initial skirmish of the Battle of Rhode Island in 1778. Open Memorial Day-Labor Day, Sat-Sun 1-4 pm, and by appointment.
Sydney L. Wright Museum
26 North Road
Jamestown, RI
Phone: 401-423-7280
Housed in the Jamestown Philomena Library, this museum features both Native and Colonial artifact collections from both the pre-historic and settlement periods. Most of these were found at local sites. Open Mon-Fri, Sat June 15-September 15. Call for specific hours.
Whitehall Museum House
311 Berkeley Avenue
Middletown, RI
Phone: 401-847-7951
Built in 1729 by Dean George Berkeley, an Anglican Bishop. The home is authentically furnished and maintained by the National Society of the Colonial Dames in Rhode Island, who offer tours during operating hours. Open daily July and August, 10 am-5 pm, or by appointment the rest of the year.
Wilbor House, Barn, and Quaker Meeting House
548 West Main Road
Little Compton, RI
Phone: 401-635-4035
Built in the 17th century and expanded and remodeled over the next 200 years, the property was restored in 1956 by the Little Compton Historical Society. The house contains period furniture and artifacts. The barn features historic farm items, vehicles, and tools. Guided tours available. Open mid-June to Labor Day, Thurs through Sun; September to mid-October, Sat and Sun. Hours 1 pm-5 pm, last tour at 4 pm.
PROVIDENCE
Aldrich House
110 Benevolent Street
Providence, RI
Phone: 401-331-8575
This Federal style mansion was built in 1822. It is the headquarters for the Rhode Island Historical Society.
Culinary Archives and Museum
Johnson and Wales University, Harborside Blvd
Providence, RI
Phone: 401-598-2805
This rare museum on the grounds of the region's largest culinary institution is a fascinating trip into mankind's relationship with food. More than 200,000 items are available, including Presidential culinary autographs, a gallery of history's best-known chefs, original artwork, and cooking and eating utensils from around the world and as old as the third millennium.
David Winton Bell Gallery
64 College Street
Providence, RI
Phone: 401-863-2932
Part of Brown University, the gallery contains art exhibits of both contemporary and historical works. Open Mon-Fri 11 am-4 pm, Sat-Sun 1-4 pm.
Governor Henry Lippitt House Museum
199 Hope Street
Providence, RI
Phone: 401-453-0688
A Victorian mansion built in 1865, it is a National Historic Landmark. Home of two Rhode Island governors. Intricately decorated and furnished with authentic pieces from the Victorian period. Tours daily.
Museum of Art
Rhode Island School of Design, Benefit Street
Providence, RI
Phone: 401- 454-6500
An incredible group of exhibits, focusing on historic art and design. Included are items and exhibits from ancient Greece and Rome, 18th century Europe, ancient Egypt, the middle ages and 19th century American decorative art. A fee is charged.
Museum of Natural History and Planetarium
1000 Elmwood Avenue
Providence, RI
Phone: 401-785-9450
Rhode Island's only natural history museum and home to the state's only planetarium. The museum offers regular exhibits, events, and attractions.
Paine House
7 Station Street
Coventry, RI
Phone: 401-826-0021
Once a colonial inn, the original structure dates from 1669 and has been restored with period furniture. Home of the museum of the Western Rhode Island Civic Society. Open seasonally and by appointment.
Providence Children's Museum
100 South St.
Providence, RI 02903
Phone: 401-273-KIDS
A museum for children featuring hands-on exhibits for all ages, pre-school to teens. Cultural and science exhibits and a gift shop highlight interactive activities and exhibits. Open year-round Tues-Sun 9:30 am-5 pm.
Slater Mill Historic Site
67 Roosevelt Avenue
Pawtucket, RI
Phone: 401-725-8638
Site of several colonial structures, including the Slater Mill (1793), birthplace of American industry; the Sylvanus Brown House (1758); and the Wilkinson Mill (1810), home to an authentic 19th century machine shop. Also includes is an eight-ton working water wheel, constructed in 1826. Demonstrations of early textile machinery, hand-spinning and weaving regularly.
Warwick Museum of Art
3259 Boston Post Road
Warwick, RI
Phone: 401-737-0010
A selection of changing exhibits of the works of artists, both past and present, highlight trips to this museum. Classes on art and art history also are given both for children and adults. Open Tues-Fri, 11 am-4 pm.
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SOUTH COUNTY
Helme House Gallery
2587 Kingstown Road
South Kingstown, RI
Phone: 401-789-9072
Home of the South County Art Association, set in a historic house, and featuring art classes and regular art shows. Open Wed-Sun, 1 pm-5 pm.
Museum of Primitive Art and Culture
1058 Kingstown Road
South Kingstown, RI
Phone: 401-453-0688
Victorian mansion built in 1865, a National Historic Landmark. Home of two Rhode Island Governors. Intricately decorated and furnished with authentic pieces from the Victorian period. Tours daily. Open Labor Day-Memorial Day, Tue-Thu, 11 am-3 pm; Wed, 11 am-2 pm. Other days by appointment. Closed holidays.
Quonset Aviation Museum
488 Ecclecston Avenue
North Kingstown, RI
Phone: 401-294-9540
A museum of aircraft and New England aircraft memorabilia. The museum contains representations of both commercial and military aircraft, including a Russian MIG-17. Open Sat and Sun, 10 am-4 pm. Groups by appointment.
South County Museum
Canonchet Farm, Strathmore Street and Anne Hoxsie Lane
Narragansett, RI
Phone: 401-783-5400
On scenic and historic Canonchet Farm (see listing above), the South County Museum features a variety of exhibits and artifacts from Colonial and Victorian Rhode Island. These include a kitchen exhibit, maritime exhibit, antique toys and dolls, cobbler shop, and an antique carriage collection with tack and livery. In season there are regularly scheduled events, demonstrations and lecture series. Open May-October, Wed-Sun, 11 am-4 pm.
Tomaquag Indian Memorial Museum
386 Summit Road
Arcadia Village, RI
Phone: 401-539-7213
Artifacts and information about local tribes and Native American groups across the country. Artifacts include an authentic birch bark canoe, a collection of Southern New England ash splint baskets, and a large doll collection. Open year-round by appointment only.
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