Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Canada
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Historic building · Providence, Rhode Island
Rhode Island State House
Seat of Rhode Island’s government, from 1904, topped by a huge marble dome with no internal support structure and, at the summit, the statue known as the Independent Man. It houses the 1663 royal charter.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Rhode Island State House
The Rhode Island State House was completed in 1904, designed by the New York firm McKim, Mead & White. Built of white Georgia marble, it occupies the top of a hill above downtown Providence and is visible from afar.
The dome is supported by the weight of the marble itself, with no steel skeleton, and is among the largest domes of its kind in the world. At the top stands the Independent Man, a gilded bronze statue symbolizing the state’s spirit of liberty and its founder Roger Williams.
Inside are the chambers of the Assembly, the rotunda with paintings, and a portrait of George Washington painted by Gilbert Stuart, an artist born in Rhode Island. On display among the documents is the 1663 royal charter, which granted the colony religious freedom and a self-governing government.
The building faces a lawn that slopes down toward the train station and the downtown area, and it is illuminated at night.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About an hour with the guided tour.
Best time
On weekdays, when guided tours usually take place. At night you can see the illuminated dome from Waterplace Park. Confirm tour times before you go.
How to get there
It’s on Smith Street, about 500 meters from Providence station and Waterplace Park. Guided tours are usually free, with ID required at the entrance.
Tip
Bring photo ID to pass through security. After the visit, walk down the lawn to Waterplace Park for the dome view.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Rhode Island State House
Can you visit the Rhode Island State House?
Yes, on guided tours offered on weekdays, generally free of charge. You must pass security with ID. Confirm tour times.
What is the Independent Man?
The gilded bronze statue atop the State House dome, symbolizing Rhode Island’s independence and liberty.
How large is the Rhode Island State House dome?
It is among the largest self-supporting marble domes in the world, built from white Georgia stone.