By Bryan Alkemeyer

The more you learn about Providence, the more you understand why Rhode Islanders are proud of their “Creative Capital,” New England’s third-largest city.

In the nineteenth century, Providence attracted geniuses like Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) and painter Edward Mitchell Bannister (1828-1901). More recently, it nurtured the creative talents of author H.P. Lovecraft (1890-1937), glassblower Dale Chihuly (b. 1941), rock band Talking Heads (est. 1974), and visual artist Kara Walker (b. 1969).

The list could go on and on, but we can’t think of Providence without thinking of our dear friend Marilyn Kagan, a local jewelry-maker and retired City of Philadelphia architect. Marilyn graciously agreed to be interviewed by CreativeFuture twice – in June 2019 and April 2025. Now, she has shared insights on the Providence arts scene, supplementing our selections with her local knowledge.

With gratitude to Marilyn, here are just a few of the people and places that have made Providence so amazing!

Providence Athenaeum (est. 1753), Library

Edgar Allan Poe’s engagement to the poet Sarah Helen Whitman (1803-1878) ended tragically at the Athenaeum on December 23, 1848, when Whitman discovered Poe had resumed his excessive drinking. The couple kindled their romance mainly in Providence – not only at the library but also at the cemetery where Poe proposed, perhaps the North Burial Ground (est. 1700) or Swan Point Cemetery (est. 1846). The end of the engagement seems to have broken Poe’s heart, for he died soon after at the age of 40. But his legacy remains at the Athenaeum, which counts Poe’s ghost among its staff.

A copy of Poe’s “Ulalume” (1847), which he signed in Whitman’s presence, is preserved at the Athenaeum, but it has many other treasures. Among the rare books are a 15th-century atlas and a nineteenth-century record of Napoleon’s expedition to Egypt in 23 volumes, stored in an ornate, custom-made cabinet. Meanwhile, the art collection has a portrait of Whitman, made about 10 years before she was engaged to Poe.

Rhode Island Historical Society (est. 1822)

This steward of Rhode Island history, a Smithsonian affiliate, maintains three educational centers in Providence. The Aldrich House (est. 1822) has the society’s offices, while the former Hope Street Methodist Episcopal Church (est. 1874) holds its research materials. But the John Brown House (est. 1788) is the preferred destination for most tourists and short-term visitors, because it serves as the main museum of the Rhode Island Historical Society (RIHS).

The home-turned-museum once belonged to the wealthy merchant John Brown (1736-1803), who helped found Brown University (est. 1764), was arrested for attacking a British warship in 1772, and served as a state and federal legislator after American independence. Today, his hilltop mansion houses a permanent exhibit on the 18th-century mahogany trade. Still, a mystery remains: Despite the best efforts of historians, no one has been able to decipher the meaning of the mahogany squirrel that graces the mansion’s parlor and inspired the logo of the RIHS. If you do, perhaps after some archival research, you will secure your own place in Rhode Island history.

RISD Museum (est. 1877)

After the U.S. Centennial Exhibition of 1876, members of the Rhode Island Women’s Centennial Commission found their fundraising efforts had generated an extra $1,675, equivalent to over $50,000 today. Some members wanted to use the money to build a magnificent fountain, but Helen Adelia Rowe Metcalf (1830-1895) had other ideas. She persuaded the philanthropists to found an art school, the world-famous Rhode Island School of Design (RISD).

The school’s museum, which dates to its founding, has over 100,000 objects in its collection, some of which originated in Providence. For instance, the museum has an Embassy Coffeepot, a Martelé Writing Table, and other silver artifacts from the Providence-based Gorham Manufacturing Company (est. 1831). The museum also has many of the manufacturer’s design drawings, which you can view in the online catalog. Delightfully, RISD periodically has an affiliated street fair, where you can buy jewelry, textiles, and art by amazing alumni. While strolling among the booths on Benefit Street, keep an eye out for The Busy Beader, who is none other than Marilyn Kagan!

BIG NAZO (est. 1987), Puppetry Collective

RISD alumnus Erminio Pinque did not intend to become a street performer; he just wanted to wear costumes after Halloween. Amazed crowds would form when he appeared in public as a monster, robot, or alien, and before too long, other artists joined him. Eventually, his group of creature sculptors and puppeteers performed at international comedy festivals, marched in Mardi Gras and other parades, recorded a pilot for Nickelodeon, and formed an Intergalactic Creature Band.

Visitors to Providence can admire the creations of Pinque and his collaborators at the BIG NAZO Lab. It is easy to find, because it is right in the city center, near Providence City Hall (est. 1878) and the old Biltmore Hotel (est. 1922), now run by Hilton. Last year, an exhibit of Pinque’s design drawings at Angell Street Galleries (est. 2025) provided insight into his craft: According to reporter and gallerist Michael Rose, “he [Pinque] never draws any creature he could not render in a sculptural form.” Interestingly, Pinque majored in illustration, which goes to show that different artforms often turn out to be interconnected… so make sure to study them all!

Roger Williams Park (est. 1871)

Providence was founded by Roger Williams (ca. 1603-1683) in 1636, after he was exiled from the Massachusetts Bay Colony (which now encompasses Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Rhode Island)  for promoting “radical” values like equality, free expression, and the separation of church and state. The city commemorated its founder in 1871 by building a beautiful park, partly upon land inherited from Williams, albeit by a long line of descent. Today, the Roger Williams Park Conservancy (est. 2016) helps to safeguard that legacy.

The Williams Family Cemetery is on the park grounds, but there are also less somber attractions to enjoy, after you pay due homage to history. You could explore the Botanical Center (est. 2007), stroll through the Victorian Rose Garden (est. 1889), or visit the park’s oldest tree (b. 1860). You could wave to residents of the Seal House (est. 1938), embark on a scavenger hunt for outdoor sculptures, or attend a concert at the Temple of Music (est. 1924). Whatever you do, mind your manners, or risk the wrath of the majestic horses from the Mounted Command!

Providence Preservation Society (est. 1956)

Based in the Old Brick School House (est. 1769), the Providence Preservation Society (PPS) works to protect notable buildings, sites, or landmarks and to increase appreciation for local architecture and history. That preservation work has economic as well as cultural value, since tourism throughout Rhode Island’s historic districts accounted for 19,000 jobs and $602 million in wages by 2018. Dedicated to “sustain[ing] the cultural identity and vibrancy of Providence,” the PPS publishes educational resources like the online Guide to Providence Architecture.

You can quickly identify key architectural sites to visit by consulting Most Endangered Places, a list updated every year. The Cranston Street Armory (est. 1907) was once a “Castle for the People,” and the PPS ardently hopes it will find a new purpose after being empty for 30 years. Another empty structure is the Industrial Trust Company Building (est. 1928), fondly known as the Superman Building because it looks like The Daily Planet skyscraper from the Superman comics. It has been the tallest building on the Providence skyline for almost one hundred years, and it should last for many more, thanks to the efforts of a regional developer and the PPS.

Providence Pictures (est. 1996), Film Production Company

Gary Glassman, a former fire-eater, has boldly led the indie studio he founded to great success, earning seven Emmys® for documentaries on ancient Mediterranean civilizations and other archaeological or historical subjects. Glassman’s ingenuity was evident during the making of Colosseum: Roman Death Trap (2015), when he and his crew followed ancient writings and modern scholarship to build a replica of the machinery that once lifted wild animals into the Colosseum through a trap door. In addition to the article from Smithsonian Magazine, check out this production photo of the friendly wolf who starred in the role of ferocious beast!

Of course, the best way to learn about Glassman’s films is to watch them on National Geographic, Discovery, and other television channels or streaming services. You might drive past Providence Pictures on the way to downtown or the College Hill neighborhood. But the best way to enjoy cinema during a trip to Providence is to attend a screening at the historic Avon Cinema (est. 1938) or, better yet, to schedule your trip so that it coincides with the Rhode Island International Film Festival (est. 1997). The next festival will take place from August 4-9, 2026.

Lovecraft Arts & Sciences (est. 2011), Educational Society and Bookstore

What could seem more innocuous than a brunch table, a bookstore, and a mall? And yet, these very places gave new life to unspeakable horrors from the imagination of Providence-born author H.P. Lovecraft (1890-1937). One fateful morning — or perhaps afternoon — devotees of Lovecraft broke bread and conspired to make his presence felt once more throughout their fair city. To that end, they opened a bookstore in the Westminster Arcade (est. 1828), the oldest indoor mall in the United States. The mall’s classical architecture now conceals eldritch monstrosities that could easily drive a person mad. It’s a great place to buy gifts for your friends!

Besides running the bookstore, the Lovecraft Arts & Sciences Council promotes all that is delightfully horrible and weird. The Council organizes a biennial conference called NecronomiCon Providence, as well as rituals like the Tour de Tentacle, an immersive experience for bicyclists. Pay the Council a visit at its store or attend one of its events, and help to “Keep Providence Eldritch.”

That’s our roundup — except we cannot conclude without urging you to look into Providence’s remarkable arts festivals. Marilyn recommends the holiday craft fair sponsored by the Foundry Artists Association in nearby Pawtucket. As for Ruth, she loves the work of ceramics maker Michelle Phanuef, who you can find at the Pawtucket holiday fair this December! Until next time, find some creativity wherever you can! #StandCreative