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Kennedy Plaza

1 Kennedy Plaza, Providence, RI 02903

partly cloudy (40°F)

Last Updated: 11:18am

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.

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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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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!
🪲🕊🚍🌳

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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!
🪲🕊🚍🌳

#jaypoirier drive by clips at kennedy plaza while someone died again ☠️ #skateinspace #providence #kennedyplaza #rhodeisland #pvd #downtownprovidence #ripta #vx1000 #vx1mk1 #sonyvx1000 #sonyvx #polejam #deathlens #risd

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#jaypoirier drive by clips at kennedy plaza while someone died again ☠️ #skateinspace #providence #kennedyplaza #rhodeisland #pvd #downtownprovidence #ripta #vx1000 #vx1mk1 #sonyvx1000 #sonyvx #polejam #deathlens #risd

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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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

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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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

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

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

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

Rocking our #lillebaby in downtown Providence to check out the various festivals this holiday weekend #columbusday #federalhill #kennedyplazapvd #alexandanicenter

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Rocking our #lillebaby in downtown Providence to check out the various festivals this holiday weekend #columbusday #federalhill #kennedyplazapvd #alexandanicenter

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

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

Today we are back in Burnside Park! Come by and participate in Laura Brown-Lavoie`s powerful interactive poetry installation, Un Separation Station! #mylivingmonument #risdmuseum #kennedyplazapvd

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Today we are back in Burnside Park! Come by and participate in Laura Brown-Lavoie's powerful interactive poetry installation, Un Separation Station! #mylivingmonument #risdmuseum #kennedyplazapvd

Friends!! #skating #kennedyplaza

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Wow! Sunrise or sunset? 😍 #indowncitypvd #kennedyplazapvd #savesupermanri robertlplee with fastfeedapp. kennedyplaza

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Wow! Sunrise or sunset? 😍 #indowncitypvd #kennedyplazapvd #savesupermanri robertlplee with fastfeedapp. kennedyplaza

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.

Map

Kennedy Plaza is owned and managed by the City of Providence.

1871 Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument

<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>

Big Nazo Lab

<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>

Contact Information

Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIPTA)

705 Elmwood Ave.

Providence, RI 02907

ripta.com

(401) 781-9400

All

195 District Park

Biltmore Park

Michael S Van Leesten Memorial Bridge

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Lets Keep Downtown Providence Parks Vibrant Together

Support DPPN

Join us in preserving and enhancing the Downtown Providence Park Network (DPPN)

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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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

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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

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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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Check out our new 3D map!

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Kennedy Plaza

1 Kennedy Plaza, Providence, RI 02903

partly cloudy (40°F)

Events

View All Events

#kennedyplaza

Follow on Instagram

History

Map

1871 Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument

Big Nazo Lab

Contact Information

Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIPTA)

195 District Park

Biltmore Park

Michael S Van Leesten Memorial Bridge

Supporters

Partners

Lets Keep Downtown Providence Parks Vibrant Together

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© 2025 Downtown Providence Park Network

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