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Last Updated: 9:18am
Last Updated: 9:18am
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.
This lady said she can’t stand me!!!
My response: I know because you only have one leg 🦵 🤣🤣🤣🤣 only in #kennedyplaza
So many amazing artists are part of the line-up for the pvdpageant project!! 😍👋🏾👏🏽 Keep an eye out for my poem/spoken word piece “Kafka, Keats and Kennedy Plaza” which describes my feelings around the pandemic lock-down and the many stages of the crazy year!
🪲🕊🚍🌳
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
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
Some big #circlewheelies #sebikes #sebikelife #blocks #bigripper #kennedyplaza #providence #rhodeisland
Rocking our #lillebaby in downtown Providence to check out the various festivals this holiday weekend #columbusday #federalhill #kennedyplazapvd #alexandanicenter
PVD glow #pvdfest #providence #supermanbuilding #industrialbankbuilding #sunset #musicfestival #streetscene #photooftheday #kennedyplaza #moodysky #sunshine #outdoorevent #architecture #darkclouds
Posted withrepost • kennedyplazapvd 🦉Who will be joining us at riaudubon Raptor Encounter at kidoinfo Play in the Park this week? 🦅 Tuesday, 9/10. Raptors will be put from 3:30-4:30. Photo by providenceraptors.
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#burnsideparkpvd #creativecapital #downtownprovidence #providence #pvd #dppc #kennedyplazapvd #kennedyplaza #downcity #kidoinfo #riaudubon #raptorencounter
Decided to go back and redo this piece of downtown Providence from a couple months ago. I’m much happier with the changes now.
Winter walks in downtown Prov. #Downcity #Providence #PVD #kennedyplazapvd #lookingood #ig_rhodeisland #johnnyclamcakes
Superman Building. #supermanbuilding #providence #building #visitrhodeisland #Ambulance #911 #kennedyplaza #kennedyplazapvd #pvd
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.
Kennedy Plaza is owned and managed by the City of Providence.
<p>Erected in 1871 and designed by noted sculptor Randolph Rogers, this 42-foot Civil War memorial in Kennedy Plaza is crafted from blue Westerly granite and bronze and honors Rhode Island’s fallen. Four cannons anchor steps leading to allegorical figures of War, Victory, Peace, and History—the latter represented by a Black woman—alongside panels listing the dead, including members of the 14th Rhode Island Regiment Heavy Artillery (Colored). Above them stand statues symbolizing artillery, cavalry, infantry, and navy service, crowned by an allegorical America. Inscriptions and emblems such as bronze stars, wreaths, an eagle, and the Rhode Island anchor underscore its commemorative purpose. Website: commemorativeworksprovidenceri.digitalscholarship.brown.edu/exhibits/show/soldiers--sailors--and-slavery/item/5</p>
<p>Big Nazo Lab is the home base of BIG NAZO, an international performance collective of visual artists, puppet performers, and masked musicians known for creating larger-than-life characters, immersive environments, and interactive spectacles. Blending innovative mask and puppetry techniques with live music, comedy, sci‑fi flair, and audience improvisation, the lab functions as an exhibition space, creature-building workshop, and community hub where visitors can encounter the group’s irreverent, high-energy artistry.</p>
Join us in preserving and enhancing the Downtown Providence Park Network (DPPN)
Edward Mitchell Bannister and Christiana Carteaux Bannister built one of the most influential artistic partnerships in Providence history—one grounded in creativity, courage, and shared purpose.
In 1850s Boston, Edward dreamed of becoming an artist while working in Christiana’s successful salon. As a Black painter, the barriers were steep, but Christiana’s business expertise, financial support, and belief in his talent helped make his artistic career possible.
After their marriage, Christiana’s salons became powerful gathering places for abolitionists, artists, and community leaders. She advised Edward on his work, connected him with patrons, and helped him enter spaces that were often closed to Black artists.
When they moved to Providence in 1869, Edward’s career flourished. His painting Under the Oaks won first prize at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition—a victory challenged when judges learned he was Black, but ultimately upheld thanks to fellow artists who insisted on fairness.
Today, Edward’s statue in Market Square symbolizes his legacy, but Christiana’s influence is inseparable from his success. Together, they remind us how partnership, resilience, and love can shape art—and history—for generations.
#EdwardBannister #ChristianaCarteauxBannister
@le_patin_libre Returns to Downtown Providence! ⛸✨
They stole our hearts at Lumina 2024 with their breathtaking artistry on ice, blending movement, music, and light into something truly unforgettable. Now, they’re back to dazzle Providence once again at The Providence Rink!
Experience Le Patin Libre, the internationally acclaimed contemporary ice-skating group presented by @firstworksri in a free performance at 7 PM on Friday, December 5, as part of the PVD Holiday Festival.
From December 4–7, downtown will sparkle with performances, music, lights, and city spirit — all made possible by the incredible partners coming together to make this festival a joyful celebration for everyone.
Don’t miss the magic, the movement, and the wonder of the season, plus a Basin @waterfireprov lighting to complete your downtown experience with loads of free experiences by many many partners!
🎄✨ Come downtown. Celebrate together. Feel the energy of our city! @providenceact @pvdmayor
#PVDHolidayFestival
The Wedding Cake House is one of Providence’s most iconic treasures — a stunning 1867 mansion that later became a couture dressmaking studio run by two remarkable sisters, Anna and Laura Tirocchi. Read more in stories!
It’s one of the many stories woven into our You Belong Here Wayfinding Project, celebrating the people and places that shape our downtown.
📍 Have you walked by it? Share your favorite hidden-gem spots in Providence and tag us.
#DowntownProvidence #YouBelongHere #DPPN #ProvidenceHistory #PVDStories
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 @reliquarium
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
30 Exchange Terrace
Providence, RI 02903
