Providence Performing Arts Center Tours

Providence Performing Arts Center showing street scenes
Providence Performing Arts Center which includes street scenes
Providence Performing Arts Center showing modern architecture
Providence Performing Arts Center which includes signage
Providence Performing Arts Center featuring a city and street scenes


See local and international acts performing live music, Broadway shows, stand-up comedy, circus and more at this enormous 1920s movie theater.

The Providence Performing Arts Center is a world-class venue and the anchor of the city’s arts and entertainment precinct. Opened in 1928 as Loew’s Movie Palace, the venue has retained its breathtakingly ornate interior and heritage façade. Take your place in the 3,100-seat theater and watch touring Broadway shows, international comedians, music concerts and exciting plays. You might also catch a current release or a classic film on the theater’s huge movie screen.

As you approach the Providence Performing Arts Center, take a moment to study its magnificent 1920s façade. The prestigious Rapp and Rapp architecture firm designed the stunning movie palace and plenty of care has been taken to maintain the venue’s splendor. Walk into the center’s Grand Lobby and note the room’s original ornate grandeur. One of the ushers will guide you to your seat within the enormous main theater.

Admire the theater’s magnificent interior, which features shining gilded plasterwork and ornate designs, as well as immense columns of marble and sparkling chandeliers. Today, the Providence Performing Arts Center is the perfect place to see a touring Broadway show and it is renowned as a key venue on the national touring circuit. Local productions, dance performances and circus displays are also regularly shown on the theater stage. Check the film program to see classic movies and new releases in the grand venue.

After or before the show, be sure to stop by one of the bars and restaurants located in the surrounding arts precinct. The theater has a concession stand where drinks and snacks can be purchased before the show.

The Providence Performing Arts Center is located on the southeastern edge of historic downtown Providence. Check at the box office or online to find out what’s on during your stay in the city. Metered parking is available on the surrounding streets and large parking lots are located nearby. You can also arrive by public bus to the stop outside the venue. The Providence Place Mall and the Customhouse Historic District are located within easy walking distance.

Reviews of Providence Performing Arts Center

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
72
5 - Excellent 52%
4 - Good
47
4 - Good 34%
3 - Okay
12
3 - Okay 9%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
7
1 - Terrible 5%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Wear your favorite shoes

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Needs a pool

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

centrally located easy to park Top of the line along with its sister venue the "VET"

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Providence Performing Arts Center

Omni Providence Hotel

Omni Providence Hotel

4 out of 5
1 W Exchange St, Providence, RI
Omni Providence Hotel
Neptune, an Ash Hotel

Neptune, an Ash Hotel

3.5 out of 5
122 Fountain Street, Providence, RI
Neptune, an Ash Hotel
Hotel Providence

Hotel Providence

4 out of 5
139 Mathewson Street, Providence, RI
Hotel Providence
Aloft Providence Downtown

Aloft Providence Downtown

3 out of 5
191 DORRANCE STREET, Providence, RI
Aloft Providence Downtown
Residence Inn Providence Downtown

Residence Inn Providence Downtown

3 out of 5
100 Sabin Street, Providence, RI
Residence Inn Providence Downtown
Graduate by Hilton Providence

Graduate by Hilton Providence

4 out of 5
11 Dorrance St, Providence, RI
Graduate by Hilton Providence
Hilton Providence

Hilton Providence

3.5 out of 5
21 Atwells Ave, Providence, RI
Hilton Providence
Courtyard by Marriott Providence Downtown

Courtyard by Marriott Providence Downtown

3.5 out of 5
32 Exchange Ter, Providence, RI
Courtyard by Marriott Providence Downtown
Renaissance Providence Downtown Hotel

Renaissance Providence Downtown Hotel

4 out of 5
5 Avenue of the Arts, Providence, RI
Renaissance Providence Downtown Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Providence Performing Arts Center

At the Providence Performing Arts Center, visitors can enjoy a vibrant mix of live theater performances and the performing arts scene. The venue is a hub for entertainment, offering access to the hottest tickets in town. Additionally, nearby activities include engaging sports events and exciting baseball games, providing a well-rounded experience for tourists seeking fun and memorable moments in Providence.

Shopping

The nearest shopping options include Westminster Arcade, just 322m away, offering a blend of entertainment and local shops. Providence Place Mall, 805m away, features a variety of retail stores. If you're up for a drive, check out the Brown University Bookstore, located 1.3km away.

Recreation

Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel, only 322m from the Providence Performing Arts Center, offers a vibrant music experience that energizes the spirit. For a more relaxing atmosphere, United Skates of America, 6.4km away, provides recreational activities and a chance to unwind, while the Providence Bruins, 3.2km distant, brings thrilling sports action.

Adventure

Experience thrilling water sports at East Providence Yacht Club, located 1.6km from the Providence Performing Arts Center. For motor racing enthusiasts, Seekonk Speedway, 9.7km away, offers exhilarating races. Enjoy a scenic bike ride along the Blackstone River Bikeway, situated 12.9km from the center.

Nightlife

In Providence, the Veterans Memorial Auditorium offers a romantic atmosphere with diverse entertainment options just 1.1km away. The Trinity Repertory Company and The Strand Ballroom & Theatre, both 322m away, provide vibrant cultural experiences and captivating performances for an unforgettable nightlife adventure.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Providence Performing Arts Center

While visiting the Providence Performing Arts Center, explore the vibrant downtown area, which offers a blend of urban parks and historic colleges. Enjoy a show at the Providence theater or visit the nearby Providence Convention Center for events. With attractions that cater to families and outdoor enthusiasts alike, you'll find plenty of engaging activities to enhance your experience in this charming Rhode Island city.

  • Brown University: Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of Brown University, located only 966m from the Providence Performing Arts Center. Stroll through its beautiful campus, admire its stunning architecture, and feel the intellectual energy that permeates this prestigious Ivy League institution.
  • Rhode Island Convention Center: Just 483m away, the Rhode Island Convention Center is a hub for business and events. Experience the dynamic atmosphere as you explore various exhibitions and conferences, showcasing the region's innovation and entrepreneurship.
  • Amica Mutual Pavilion: Also located 483m from the center, Amica Mutual Pavilion is the go-to venue for entertainment. Enjoy thrilling concerts, family-friendly shows, and exciting sports events, making it a perfect spot for fun and entertainment.

Best time to go to Providence Performing Arts Center

The best time to visit Providence Performing Arts Center is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January29.8°F (-1.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February31.1°F (-0.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
March37.8°F (3.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
April48.2°F (9.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June66.2°F (19.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
July73.4°F (23.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
August72.1°F (22.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
September65.3°F (18.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November44.1°F (6.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December36.1°F (2.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Providence Performing Arts Center

To save money during your visit to the Providence Performing Arts Center, consider traveling between January and March when hotel prices are lower, especially on Tuesdays. Avoid weekends, as Saturday is the priciest day. Use Expedia’s search tool to sort hotel options by price and customize your preferences. Look for package deals that combine your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Lastly, explore free activities in the area to maximize your budget while still enjoying the local culture.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Providence Performing Arts Center are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Providence Performing Arts Center is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Providence Performing Arts Center is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you’re looking for. To find the best prices and deals available, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Providence Performing Arts Center with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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