• placement: superzone
  • path: destinations/pois/hero
  • containerId: gpt-ad-387470447820
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "points-of-interest/providence-athenaeum/456909",
  "destination": "Providence",
  "title": "providence",
  "type": "City",
  "city": "Providence",
  "continent": "North-America",
  "country": "USA",
  "region": "Rhode-Island",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}
Top Choice

Providence Athenaeum

Shutterstock / Nagel Photography

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND - JULY 24: The Athenaeum (1838) on July 24, 2015 in Providence, Rhode Island; Shutterstock ID 305923790; Your name (First / Last): Lauren Keith; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Content Asset; Full Product or Project name including edition: Guides Project Eastern USA

One of the most prominent buildings on Benefit St, the Greek Revival Providence Athenaeum was designed by William Strickland and completed in 1838. This is a library of the old school with plaster busts and oil paintings filling in spaces not occupied by books. Edgar Allen Poe used to court ladies here. Pick up a brochure for a self-guided Raven Tour of the building's artwork and architecture.

Lonely Planet may earn a commission from affiliate links on our site. All recommendations and reviews reflect our own independent opinions.

  • placement: superzone
  • path: destinations/pois/middle
  • containerId: gpt-ad-40447760842
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "points-of-interest/providence-athenaeum/456909",
  "destination": "Providence",
  "title": "providence",
  "type": "City",
  "city": "Providence",
  "continent": "North-America",
  "country": "USA",
  "region": "Rhode-Island",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

Must-see attractions

Explore all
  • placement: superzone
  • path: destinations/pois/superzone
  • containerId: gpt-ad-710224651622
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "points-of-interest/providence-athenaeum/456909",
  "destination": "Providence",
  "title": "providence",
  "type": "City",
  "city": "Providence",
  "continent": "North-America",
  "country": "USA",
  "region": "Rhode-Island",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}