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Last Updated: 10:15pm
Last Updated: 10:15pm
This sculpture-filled park pays homage to people who gave their lives during wars and conflicts around the world.
Looking east from what is today the intersection of Washington and Memorial Blvd, a lot of things look the same today as they did in 1983, except the WWI memorial is in the wrong place. Today the memorial rests serenely as the centerpiece of Memorial Park just a few hundred feet away, but for decades it was the centerpiece of a traffic circle nicknamed “suicide circle.”
Historical context courtesy of @pvdnowandthen.
Memorial Park is owned and managed by the City of Providence.
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Join us in preserving and enhancing the Downtown Providence Park Network (DPPN)
Most people walk past it every day without knowing its story.
For more than 200 years, this corner has been known as Turk’s Head — long before street signs, maps, or skyscrapers defined downtown. From a carved wooden figurehead on a ship called the Sultan, to the stone face watching over Westminster and Weybosset today, this building carries Providence’s maritime history, memory, and movement through the city.
What looks like just another tower is really a landmark of identity, wayfinding, and shared civic life. Downtown isn’t just something we pass through — it’s something we inherit, protect, and shape together.
Want to learn more stories behind the banners you see downtown?
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You Belong Here.
LUMINA 2026 is about JOY. ✨
Joy in the middle of winter.
Joy in public spaces.
Joy in showing up for one another.
This year’s festival is about coming together as a community for something good 🫶 gathering downtown to experience art, light, music, and shared moments that remind us how powerful it is to be together.
For two weeks, Providence becomes a place to linger, laugh, explore, and feel connected. Because joy is worth making space for;
and it’s even better when it’s shared. 💛
Snow storm safety reminder ❄️
Slow down and watch for icy patches
Stick to plowed sidewalks and cleared park paths
Take small, steady steps
Wear boots with good traction
Give yourself extra time
Stay indoors if you can!
Stay safe out there 🤍
Gorgeous photo by @captured.by.marc
Providence… did you miss the Eras Tour? 🎤✨
Turn the crank, make it glow, and step into your daylight 🌞 a downtown full of oversized guitars, pink cowboy boots, giant lipsticks, and sunglasses bigger than your wildest dreams. 👢💄🕶️🎸
It’s the moment I knew, the main character energy, the life of a showgirl vibe you’ve been waiting for. Plan the road trip, grab your friends, and shake it off downtown, because these installations aren’t just art 🫶 they’re a love story between Providence and Swifties everywhere. 💫
So get ready to begin again, snap your photos, tag us, and say: I remember it all too well 🥹
Downtown Providence… welcome to your era. ✨
📅 February 19 to March 5, 2026
Thank you @lemondestudio
#Lumina2026 #SwiftiesAssemble
✨ LUMINA is back and brighter than ever ✨
Downtown Providence will once again transform into a vibrant winter wonderland for Lumina 2026, Downtown Providence’s Festival of Lights.
From Maestro, human powered illuminated musical note sculptures, to the immersive Iceberg Trail, glowing iceberg inspired installations, this year’s festival is designed to spark JOY at every turn. Explore pop culture photo moments with Taylor Swift’s World, then experience the magic of Starlight, bold illuminated star sculptures lighting up the city after dark.
This is FREE, family friendly fun and one of the best winter events in Providence, Rhode Island, drawing locals and visitors downtown to experience art, light, music, and community.
📍 Downtown Providence, RI
📅 February 19 to March 5, 2026
👉 Save this for your winter plans
👉 Tag who you are bringing
👉 Share with friends visiting Providence
We are also actively seeking community sponsors to help bring these installations to life. Join us in building something unforgettable for Downtown Providence.
30 Exchange Terrace
Providence, RI 02903
