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Kennedy Plaza

1 Kennedy Plaza, Providence, RI 02903

clear skies (37°F)

Last Updated: 3:15am

Kennedy Plaza is modern Providence’s main hub for transportation — as many as 69,000 people move through this site daily. Created as Exchange Place in the 19th century, this plaza has always served transportation needs. Thousands of people stood here to see President Theodore Roosevelt, Harry Houdini, and presidential candidate John F. Kennedy. Today Kennedy Plaza remains a gathering place for the community, anchored by three city parks, including The Providence Rink, which features ice skating, recreation, music and arts.

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#kennedyplaza

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This lady said she can’t stand me!!!
My response: I know because you only have one leg 🦵 🤣🤣🤣🤣 only in #kennedyplaza

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Open post by with ID 18006357479572101
This lady said she can’t stand me!!! My response: I know because you only have one leg 🦵 🤣🤣🤣🤣 only in #kennedyplaza

kennedyplazapvd MaLa Broussard a Traveling Journalist from Houston, Texas in Providence, Rhode Island. I was seeing and hearing stories about inequality and unrest with the community at large during the pandemic.
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#KennedyPlazaPvd is one of the rally spots for the protesting in Rhode Island.
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One of the hardest hit areas in America with over 100,000 Africans or Blacks and under 100,000 Mixed Race or Biracial classified as African or Black.
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No one wanted to hear their voices but, I heard them loud and clear.
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Houston We Have A Problem!!!
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"It is time for change. We are not asking. We are demanding! United we stand. Divided we fall." P.R.O.V. Pvd
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malaspeaks1
#PhotoCredit: MaLaSpeaks!
#malaspeaksletmetellyourstory
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#MaLaSpeaks1 #malatravelguide #findingmytribe #youhearditherefirst© #malabroussard #localspointofview #travelingjournalist #lifestylewriter #lifeblogger #Houston #Texas #Ghana #Espana #Portugal #France #Belguim #UK #Ireland #Canada #Boston #Chicago #Milwaukee #RhodeIsland #malaliveonthescene #malabroussardreportinglive #letmetellyourstorymalaedition #whenmalaspeaksevery1listens

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Open post by with ID 18072487402259779
kennedyplazapvd MaLa Broussard a Traveling Journalist from Houston, Texas in Providence, Rhode Island. I was seeing and hearing stories about inequality and unrest with the community at large during the pandemic. * #KennedyPlazaPvd is one of the rally spots for the protesting in Rhode Island. * One of the hardest hit areas in America with over 100,000 Africans or Blacks and under 100,000 Mixed Race or Biracial classified as African or Black. * No one wanted to hear their voices but, I heard them loud and clear. * Houston We Have A Problem!!! * "It is time for change. We are not asking. We are demanding! United we stand. Divided we fall." P.R.O.V. Pvd * malaspeaks1 #PhotoCredit: MaLaSpeaks! #malaspeaksletmetellyourstory . . . #MaLaSpeaks1 #malatravelguide #findingmytribe #youhearditherefirst© #malabroussard #localspointofview #travelingjournalist #lifestylewriter #lifeblogger #Houston #Texas #Ghana #Espana #Portugal #France #Belguim #UK #Ireland #Canada #Boston #Chicago #Milwaukee #RhodeIsland #malaliveonthescene #malabroussardreportinglive #letmetellyourstorymalaedition #whenmalaspeaksevery1listens

I just HAD to share this AMAZING shot taken at the height of the snowstorm last night by my friend streetstories_. instameetpvd #impvd #snow #winter #weather #nightshot #nofilter #pvd #providence #rhodeisland #newengland #urban #city #buildings #architecture #kennedyplaza #superman #news #photojournalism #picoftheday #photooftoday

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Open post by with ID 17857454482227252
I just HAD to share this AMAZING shot taken at the height of the snowstorm last night by my friend streetstories_. instameetpvd #impvd #snow #winter #weather #nightshot #nofilter #pvd #providence #rhodeisland #newengland #urban #city #buildings #architecture #kennedyplaza #superman #news #photojournalism #picoftheday #photooftoday

Some big #circlewheelies #sebikes #sebikelife #blocks #bigripper #kennedyplaza #providence #rhodeisland

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Open post by with ID 18067997269034841
Some big #circlewheelies #sebikes #sebikelife #blocks #bigripper #kennedyplaza #providence #rhodeisland

I can`t stop making things. Kennedy Plaza book available. 5.00 in person or Venmo. Ademuth@gmail.com or ourfavoritestore.bigcartel.com Local delivery available. Probably available at Ada soon. #kennedyplazapvd #kennedyplaza #burnsidepark #bestofrhodeisland

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Open post by with ID 17853466333099015
I can't stop making things. Kennedy Plaza book available. 5.00 in person or Venmo. Ademuth@gmail.com or ourfavoritestore.bigcartel.com Local delivery available. Probably available at Ada soon. #kennedyplazapvd #kennedyplaza #burnsidepark #bestofrhodeisland

PVD glow #pvdfest #providence #supermanbuilding #industrialbankbuilding #sunset #musicfestival #streetscene #photooftheday #kennedyplaza #moodysky #sunshine #outdoorevent #architecture #darkclouds

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PVD glow #pvdfest #providence #supermanbuilding #industrialbankbuilding #sunset #musicfestival #streetscene #photooftheday #kennedyplaza #moodysky #sunshine #outdoorevent #architecture #darkclouds

Winter walks in downtown Prov. #Downcity #Providence #PVD #kennedyplazapvd #lookingood #ig_rhodeisland #johnnyclamcakes

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Open post by with ID 17846951422064828
Winter walks in downtown Prov. #Downcity #Providence #PVD #kennedyplazapvd #lookingood #ig_rhodeisland #johnnyclamcakes

Friends!! #skating #kennedyplaza

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Friends!! #skating #kennedyplaza

Welcome to Kennedy Plaza...
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#ig_providence #kennedyplazapvd #theclassiccoast #igrhodeisland #igersrhodeisland #rhodeisland_igers #exploring_ri #oceanstate #explorerhody #ig_rhody #streetphotography #allstreetshots #dpsp_street #dc_spc #peoplewatching #citylife #lifeinthecity #streetscene #street_photography #street_ig #thebiltmorehotel

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Welcome to Kennedy Plaza... . . . . . #ig_providence #kennedyplazapvd #theclassiccoast #igrhodeisland #igersrhodeisland #rhodeisland_igers #exploring_ri #oceanstate #explorerhody #ig_rhody #streetphotography #allstreetshots #dpsp_street #dc_spc #peoplewatching #citylife #lifeinthecity #streetscene #street_photography #street_ig #thebiltmorehotel

History

A Civil War memorial, the Soldiers and Sailors Monument currently sits in its third location, which is approximately the same as its original location when dedicated in 1871. When the monument was relocated to the center of Exchange Place in 1913, the height of the pedestal was doubled, from 5 steps to 10, and the cannon balls were separated from the canons. In 2001 the monument was returned to its original height when it was moved back to the west end of what is now Kennedy Plaza, but the cannon balls went away. Photo is circa 1925.

Historical context courtesy of @pvdnowandthen.

Contact Information

Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIPTA)

705 Elmwood Ave.
Providence, RI 02907
ripta.com
(401) 781-9400

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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

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Open post by downtownpvdparks with ID 17844063405603687
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

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

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Open post by downtownpvdparks with ID 18539420326023516
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!

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Open post by downtownpvdparks with ID 18062259197194761
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!

🎄 The countdown is on! From December 4-7 join us in celebrating community, light and joy at the PVD Holiday Festival in Downtown Providence. Stay tuned for details and special events!

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Open post by downtownpvdparks with ID 18096811612654227
🎄 The countdown is on! From December 4-7 join us in celebrating community, light and joy at the PVD Holiday Festival in Downtown Providence. Stay tuned for details and special events!
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30 Exchange Terrace
Providence, RI 02903

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