Built in 1896–98 to replace an earlier depot, Historic Providence Union Station is a landmark yellow-brick rail complex by architects Stone, Carpenter & Willson that once handled hundreds of daily New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad trains. The station endured major fires in 1941 and 1987, after which it was rehabilitated as part of broader downtown rail and river relocation efforts. No longer an active rail hub, it now houses offices and restaurants, with complementary infill reflecting its original Renaissance-influenced design. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it anchors the heart of downtown near civic spaces, Waterplace Park, and the modern Amtrak station.
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Still thinking about the lights, the music, the art, the smiles. Last year was something special. Here’s a look back while we gear up for this year’s Holiday Festival. ❄️
@providencetourism @pvdmayor @providenceact @indowncitypvd @providencerink @theprovidencedrumtroupe @circusdynamics @avenuepvd @goprovidence @provdowntown @bignazo
Providence, clear your calendars NOW😉 The PVD Holiday Festival everyone will be talking about is almost here. ✨
From December 4-7, downtown will impress with lights, music, skating, markets, and that festive energy you can feel the moment you step outside. It is the kind of weekend that makes the whole city come alive. 🎄⛸️🎶
Nonprofits, local businesses, city partners, and the Department of Art, Culture, and Tourism are all coming together to make this weekend unforgettable. When our community joins forces, the magic becomes electric. Everyone belongs downtown. 🎁🤝✨
A little taste of what is waiting for you
• Skating under the lights at The Providence Rink ⛸️✨
• A spectacular ice performance by Le Patin Libre ❄️💫
• WaterFire illuminating the river with holiday glow 🔥🌊
• The iconic City Hall tree lighting 🎄🌟
• Holiday markets filled with local makers and downtown shops 🛍️❤️
• Art, music, and cheerful surprises around every corner 🎶🎭
Put this on your radar. Tell your friends. Do not miss it. Providence is ready to celebrate all weekend long. ✨🎄💛 repost @pneuhaus
Annie Smith Peck grew up in Providence and became one of the most determined explorers of her time. After graduating from Rhode Island Normal School, she was denied admission to Brown University because she was a woman. She refused to stop there and earned her degree from the University of Michigan, becoming a respected scholar and lecturer.
She taught in Providence and at Purdue, and her greatest achievements came after she began mountaineering at forty four. In 1895 she climbed the Matterhorn wearing trousers, challenging the expectations placed on women. At fifty eight she summited Peru’s Mount Huascarán, a peak later named Cumbre Aña Peck in her honor. At sixty one she carried a Votes for Women banner to the top of Mount Coropuna. She continued climbing and educating well into her eighties.
Annie is part of our You Belong Here Wayfinding Series because she showed how far determination, skill, and courage can go. Women like her expanded what the world believed was possible. ⛰️✨💛
#AnnieSmithPeck #ProvidenceHistory #YouBelongHere
What do you think of the transformation?
The Memorial Boulevard tunnel in Waterplace Park, across @track15ri, was once a dark tunnel that could not support activations. Today it is illuminated with dynamic lighting that strengthens our You Belong Here network from the Basin to the Point St Bridge and through Greater Kennedy Plaza.
The lighting program changes throughout the year with curated color palettes that reflect holidays, seasons, and cultural moments, creating moments of connection for everyone who moves through downtown.
With significant investment by @pvdmayor, DPPN grant from @ricommerce and partnership with @sitespecificllc , and the City of Providence, this previously underused passage is now a welcoming and engaging part of the Downtown Parks.
Project support:
• $200K from the Providence capital budget
• $125K CommerceRI grant via Downtown Providence Park Network
• $76K in in-kind contributions from the City’s Parks Department and the RI Dep. of Corrections
📸Justin Case
Sott’Acqua: A Tale of Two Cities transformed downtown Providence into a powerful, immersive dialogue between Florence and Providence. Together with @splendorofflorence, we filled our waterfront with art, history, and the shared story of two cities shaped by water, resilience, and creativity.
And now the journey continues.
In November 2026, A Tale of Two Cities will come to life once again — this time in Florence.
We can’t wait!
30 Exchange Terrace
Providence, RI 02903