The Creative Capital: Art and Architecture Tour

Discover the captivating blend of small-town charm and urban sophistication on a Providence walking tour. Explore history, architecture, universities, and intriguing characters.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Providence Performing Arts Center - Learn about the history of the building and its impact on Providence’s arts scene
  • Trinity Repertory Company - Learn about the history of the building and its impact on Providence’s arts scene
  • Market House - Discuss the artists of 19th century Providence
  • Providence City Hall - Admire the…
What's Included
  • Top-tier Guide
Additional Information

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…

Location
11 Dorrance St
Dorrance Street
The meeting point is in the lobby of the Graduate Hotel.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.6
(71 Ratings)
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Dmbower
Jul 19, 2025
A quick first time bisit to Providence - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Patriciafa8013ae
Jul 18, 2025
A Great Day!!! - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cindyrb5470yl
Jul 12, 2025
Super fun and informative even for locals! - Spencer is a fantastic tour guide! Highly knowledgeable, engaging, and funny! We enjoyed the tour immensely and learned so much!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tjane71
Jun 29, 2025
Art and architecture - James was a great tour guide as we made our way around Providence. Although we have live nearby , and driven by these buildings , it was great to hear about the architecture and origins. We were also impressed by the many murals in Providence. Great way to spend some time in Providence.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sharon_b
Jun 25, 2025
Great news - Excellent learned a lot plus enjoyable. Guide informative and welcoming. Would highly recommend and go again
Review provided by Viator
Kjhaskell
Jun 20, 2025
Great tour! - Spencer was a great tour guide. We enjoyed learning about the architecture, antidotes and art murals while visiting Providence. We highly recommend. It is a great way to spend a few hours.
Review provided by Viator
U9969bnbeckyh
Jun 18, 2025
Architecture Can Be Fun! - Bradley was so knowledgeable and made the tour fun. Totally worth it and we learned a lot! Put this on your to do list in Providence!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kristin
Jul 5, 2025
Time Well Spent in providence - This was a very informative guide to the art and architecture of downtown Providence. I liked learning about the street art and murals. The meeting place, inside the Biltmore hotel, allows guests to see the beauty and background of this famous institution. We weren't able to find free parking likely because we don't know the city well. The parking tips were helpful and the closest garage cost $12 for our time on a holiday, so that seemed reasonable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Karense5269ct
Jun 15, 2025
Good, but Hot!! - Excellent tour!! Pointed out a lot of buildings and their architecture. Our tour guide was rather young, so he didn't know a lot of the city history, but enough for someone new to Providence. He was very knowledgeable about the murals around the city. I filled in some historical information and stories for my friends from Australia, and for my son, that were also on the tour (I was born and raised in Providence). It was a very hot day (around 85 degrees)---in the future, might want to offer bottles of water for people on tour, or suggest they bring their own, as part of the information provided.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
716russk
Jul 16, 2025
Not worth it - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $30
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).