Rhode Island State House

This is a really beautiful structure and worth visiting while in Rhode Island. It’s within walking distance of the nearby Holiday Inn if you’re staying there and not too far from a large shopping mall. The grounds are well maintained and there’s plenty to look at and take in — great place to take kids to teach them a little about state government.

Sadly, the building was closed to visitors when I went, so I wasn’t able to get inside, and can’t comment on that element in my review. However, from outside, the building is majestic to look at and photograph. It’s in a central location in Providence, perched up on a hill, so it’s visible from quite long distances away.
Built in the late 19^th Century, the building is a National Historic Site, and with good reason. The architecture, like many state buildings, is very beautiful, similar to the Capitol Building in DC. Walking up the steps in front of the building left me awe-​struck at the sheer scale of it, and this made me all the more disappointed I couldn’t get inside and look around.
Ah well, next time I’m in RI, I’ll be back.

What a gorgeous building and the grounds are spectacular. If you are staying at the Renaissance Hotel on a sunny day… you can really capture some beautiful photos.
Even if you’re walking around Providence you can always capture some wonderful views of the State Building. The inside of the building is also gorgeous… so if they are open and offering tours… schedule an hour out of your day and make this happen…

The striking building sets majestically on a hill overlooking Providence and creates an impressive view from the edge of town. The traditional architecture features a domed design modeled after the US Capitol Building in Washington. It was built from white Georgian marble and is the fourth largest self-​supported marble dome in the world.
The copious grounds surrounding the capitol add to the impressive appearance, especially the long sloping lawn leading down toward Gaspee St. The visitor entrance is on the Smith St. side. The security staff made me aware of the existence of a self-​guided tour, the write-​up for which could be found in the library. I found that it was worth making use of this as it allowed a self-​directed, self-​paced visit that emphasized the items of greatest interest to me. I had a limited amount of time and this allowed me to make the best use of it.
One of the most interesting aspects of the building for me included the rotunda, which allowed some good looks at the central architecture of the capitol. The North Portico entry featured some war paraphernalia including a cannon used to help repel Pickett’s Charge at Gettysburg and flags used in battles dating back to the Revolution. In the South Portico was displayed a replica of the Liberty Bell, filled crack and all. Both the House and Senate legislative chambers were also relatively impressive. An original copy of Rhode Island native Gilbert Stuart’s recognizable portrait of George Washington could be seen hanging in the State Reception Room. The portraits of past governors provided interesting viewing as they do in most state capitol buildings. One governor, Edward DiPrete, was convicted of racketeering, extortion, and bribery in 1999 and yet, interestingly, his portrait still hangs with the others.
In general, this building should be on your Providence itinerary. I would eventually like to see all 50 state capitol buildings so this visit was well worth my time. But even if this is not your sort of thing, if seeing this site evokes any interest at all, I highly recommend spending an hour to appreciate the contents, architecture and ambiance.

The capital building is very impressive!
It’s very large and it’s quite a sight to be seen. You can tour the building, but when we were there it was closed unfortunately.
It’s worth checking out even from the outside though. Walk up the marble steps and wave to your supporters from the built in podium!

A great place to take out of towners and centrally located so you’re not going too out of your way. The state house is an architectural beauty and is packed with history. Make sure you check out the library where you can see a real life moon rock and the governors state room where one of the only portraits of George Washington sitting down is on display. You can even take your wedding pictures here!

Stopped by on the way to Boston for some photos. This place is massive and a beautifully crafted state capital. There was no one there the day we came through so could not take a tour of the inside. Great photo ops though of the exterior.

Took the State House Tour and it was good. A couple of tour guides from J&W take you through all three floors and you get to see the Senate and House of Rep chambers. They answered all the questions that I had and they were well prepared.
Some of the highlights are the Public Library, the Press room and the RI Charter document in the museum. The tours are usually from M-​F 9, 10, 11, 1, 2.
Check it out…

Beautiful grounds and lovely building. Took pictures on the middle of a nice Saturday afternoon and it was empty. For those photographers out there, it seems to be a pretty public space. In the afternoon a noticed some wedding photos being shot on the stairs. I was able to shoot freely. In the evening I returned with my tripod and shot freely again. A guard was walking around the building at that time (9:00PMish), looked at me and kept walking so… I guess that means they are okay with photographers/​tripods.

The building is absolutely stunning! I went here for Governor Raimondo’s inauguration and I have to say that the inside is even better than the outside! Everything is absolutely decedent. While I had to pass through a metal detector to access the building, the security was swift and considerate.
I was also really surprised at how I was able to just walk around the entire building without really any limitations. Yes, I could literally just go right into the chamber and sit in the same seats that our representatives sit in every day! I could use the same bathrooms that our state senators used! Even the governors office was open to the public (it was being used as a break room for the inauguration acts, but no one would stop you if you went inside). I tried to find a part of the building that was inaccessible to the public, but I literally couldn’t find one!
Tip for parking: if you go over the bridge, I’d recommend parking on some of the side streets. It’s a five minute walk to the capital and much easier/​cheaper than parking in the parking lot reserved for government officials.

Wow, what a beautiful building. The grounds are beautiful, well maintained. A high point of Providence. Just such a well designed statehouse in a great setting. Stay at the Renaissance nearby and hope for a capitol view… it’s magnificent.

I was here on a weekend and well after closing hours, but I still stopped to take pictures and enjoy the majesty of this fantastic building. I wish I had time to go inside!

A beautiful symbol of the state I love. In 1975 the Independent Man on the dome was taken down to be re-​goldleafed in preparation for the Bicentennial festivities the following year. My 5^th grade teacher (you do the math) invited me and two classmates to go see it on display in the rotunda, then to lunch at Ponderosa… on a Saturday, and on her dime. I have no idea why she singled us out for such an honor but I have never forgotten it. That teacher is no longer with us and I never got a chance to tell her how much that day meant to me. Thank you Mrs Downey!

One of our state’s most iconic buildings.
As a tourist, they offer free, guided tours M-​F (except holidays) year-​round from 8:30 — 4:30. Tours include a replica of Philly’s Liberty Bell, a peek at Gilbert Stuart’s famous and invaluable portrait of George Washington, and the Rotunda to gaze at one of the world’s largest, self-​supported marble domes.
As a citizen, come after hours from Jan-​June, Tues-​Thurs, while the General Assembly is in session to get a behind the scenes look at democracy in action. Observe debate from the House or Senate galleries. Testify before a committee about an issue you care about. Seriously — civic engagement is a rush. And our elected officials are more approachable than you might think.
As an urban explorer, refer to the above! Good times to be had by all night or day — but especially January through whenever the legislative session comes to a close (May or June). The architecture is incredible. And there are some sweet spots to grab beer or bite to eat nearby on Smith St. And who knows — maybe bump rump with one of your elected officials.
Whether you’ve never been before or haven’t been since your 4^th grade class trip — now’s the time to get yourself to Smith Hill to channel your inner history and politics nerd and appreciate some stunning architecture.
What would make it a 5? Better options for public parking, handicap accessibility, more and better labeled bathrooms, and functional wifi.