Skip to main content

Kennedy Plaza

1 Kennedy Plaza, Providence, RI 02903

clear skies (10°F)

Last Updated: 2:15am

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.

#kennedyplaza

Follow on Instagram

The Industrial Trust Building (aka the Superman Building) going up 93 years ago! Happy Birthday to our skyline superhero! 🎂 (📸: providencepubliclibrary) #providence #pvd #rhodeisland #newengland #401love #savingplaces #industrialtrust #superman #supermanbuilding #savesupermanri #artdeco #skyscraper #downtown #westminster #kennedyplaza #walkerandgillette #architect #happybirthday #93yearsyoung #bornin1928 #mostendangeredproperty #adaptivereuse #tallestbuilding #icon #landmark #skylinesuperhero

677 18
Open
The Industrial Trust Building (aka the Superman Building) going up 93 years ago! Happy Birthday to our skyline superhero! 🎂 (📸: providencepubliclibrary) #providence #pvd #rhodeisland #newengland #401love #savingplaces #industrialtrust #superman #supermanbuilding #savesupermanri #artdeco #skyscraper #downtown #westminster #kennedyplaza #walkerandgillette #architect #happybirthday #93yearsyoung #bornin1928 #mostendangeredproperty #adaptivereuse #tallestbuilding #icon #landmark #skylinesuperhero

Christmas is around the corner…

goprovidence
#kennedyplazapvd
#christmas
#christmasdecor
fujifilm_northamerica
fujifilmx_us
#fujifilm
#x100t

7 0
Open
Christmas is around the corner… goprovidence #kennedyplazapvd #christmas #christmasdecor fujifilm_northamerica fujifilmx_us #fujifilm #x100t

This is cool!
Skating not your thing? The ice rink in Providence`s Kennedy Plaza now has bumper cars!!! 📸 mayorofpvd .
.
.
#providenceri #providence #bumpercars #iceskating #kennedyplaza #familyfun #newportbuzz #rhodeisland #scenesofnewengland #scenesofri

881 80
Open
This is cool! Skating not your thing? The ice rink in Providence's Kennedy Plaza now has bumper cars!!! 📸 mayorofpvd . . . #providenceri #providence #bumpercars #iceskating #kennedyplaza #familyfun #newportbuzz #rhodeisland #scenesofnewengland #scenesofri

TODAY! Join us for kidoinfo Play in the Park, where we help empower youth to think critically about the food they eat through learning about plants, gardens and sampling some locally grown food. Come on down to Burnside Park 8/6 from 3-6pm. kennedyplazapvd .⁠⠀
.⁠⠀
#burnsideparkpvd #creativecapital #downtownprovidence #providence #pvd #dppc #kennedyplazapvd #kennedyplaza #downcity #dppc farmfreshri #farmfreshri #nutritioneducation #healthyfoodshealthyfamilies

8 1
Open
TODAY! Join us for kidoinfo Play in the Park, where we help empower youth to think critically about the food they eat through learning about plants, gardens and sampling some locally grown food. Come on down to Burnside Park 8/6 from 3-6pm. kennedyplazapvd .⁠⠀ .⁠⠀ #burnsideparkpvd #creativecapital #downtownprovidence #providence #pvd #dppc #kennedyplazapvd #kennedyplaza #downcity #dppc farmfreshri #farmfreshri #nutritioneducation #healthyfoodshealthyfamilies

Squad 🙌 #NightsWithMissAmerica #Boardwalk #KennedyPlaza #BestClassEver #MissAClassOf2015 #VA #MS #OH #AR #KY #NY #AtlanticCity doac

2487 4
Open
Squad 🙌 #NightsWithMissAmerica #Boardwalk #KennedyPlaza #BestClassEver #MissAClassOf2015 #VA #MS #OH #AR #KY #NY #AtlanticCity doac

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

31 0
Open
Winter walks in downtown Prov. #Downcity #Providence #PVD #kennedyplazapvd #lookingood #ig_rhodeisland #johnnyclamcakes

Kennedy Plaza, Providence~

#rhodeisland #rhodeislandhistory
#newengland #providence #newenglandhistory
#pvd #rhodeislander #providence #downtown #Kennedyplaza #70s #80s #sundayvibes

25 2
Open
Kennedy Plaza, Providence~ #rhodeisland #rhodeislandhistory #newengland #providence #newenglandhistory #pvd #rhodeislander #providence #downtown #Kennedyplaza #70s #80s #sundayvibes

Curd Alert: The Murray’s Cheese Truck just set up shop in Downtown Providence! Come get cheesy with us at Kennedy Plaza! Proceeds go to the #RIFoodBank! #mongeronwheels CheeseSociety #ACSCheeseCamp #RhodeIsland #KennedyPlazaPVD

195 20
Open
Curd Alert: The Murray’s Cheese Truck just set up shop in Downtown Providence! Come get cheesy with us at Kennedy Plaza! Proceeds go to the #RIFoodBank! #mongeronwheels CheeseSociety #ACSCheeseCamp #RhodeIsland #KennedyPlazaPVD

It`s Fly Friday and we celebrating kennedyplaza at thedarkladypvd so make sure your there 😉

#FlyFridays #TheDarkLadyPVD #Thedarklady #HappyBirthday #kennedyplaza #LaddaNurv #Djjoeydee #gogodancers #gogoboys #darkladydancers #TravLeo #princericosuave #Tonight #allnightlong

6 0
Open
It's Fly Friday and we celebrating kennedyplaza at thedarkladypvd so make sure your there 😉 #FlyFridays #TheDarkLadyPVD #Thedarklady #HappyBirthday #kennedyplaza #LaddaNurv #Djjoeydee #gogodancers #gogoboys #darkladydancers #TravLeo #princericosuave #Tonight #allnightlong

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

50 7
Open
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

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

Supporters

Partners

Lets Keep Downtown Providence Parks Vibrant Together

Support DPPN

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

🎶 LUMINA Countdown! ✨ Andrea’s Bowstring will be performing live at Biltmore Park on Friday, February 7th, from 4–6 PM as part of our LUMINA celebration! 🌟 With just a few days left until LUMINA kicks off on February 1st, don’t miss your chance to experience the magic. 🎻✨ Mark your calendars and join us for an unforgettable evening!

Special thanks to our incredible partners and supporters who help make Lumina possible:
@providencetourism @ricommerce @pvdmayor @rifoundation @brownu @risd1877 @kpmg @provdowntown @paolinoproperties @track15ri @belliniusa @goprovidence @rmopublicrelations @ting.barnardstudio @risdmuseum @provfoundation @indowncitypvd @providencerink @providenceact @canadaboston @baycoastbank @banknewport @bankofamerica @sweeneyadvisory @provfoundation @alphagraphicsprovidence @thebodhispa @provpacri @liuna183 @ibewlocal47 @pocfoundation.ri @ballyslincoln

36 4
Open
🎶 LUMINA Countdown! ✨ Andrea’s Bowstring will be performing live at Biltmore Park on Friday, February 7th, from 4–6 PM as part of our LUMINA celebration! 🌟 With just a few days left until LUMINA kicks off on February 1st, don’t miss your chance to experience the magic. 🎻✨ Mark your calendars and join us for an unforgettable evening! Special thanks to our incredible partners and supporters who help make Lumina possible: @providencetourism @ricommerce @pvdmayor @rifoundation @brownu @risd1877 @kpmg @provdowntown @paolinoproperties @track15ri @belliniusa @goprovidence @rmopublicrelations @ting.barnardstudio @risdmuseum @provfoundation @indowncitypvd @providencerink @providenceact @canadaboston @baycoastbank @banknewport @bankofamerica @sweeneyadvisory @provfoundation @alphagraphicsprovidence @thebodhispa @provpacri @liuna183 @ibewlocal47 @pocfoundation.ri @ballyslincoln

Warm up with FREE hot chocolate from Café Modesto during Lumina on February 7th! Join us from 4–7:30 PM at Biltmore Park for a cozy, magical evening you won’t want to miss! ☕✨
Photo from @pattyjdotcom

Special thanks to our incredible partners and supporters who help make Lumina possible:
@providencetourism @ricommerce @pvdmayor @rifoundation @brownu @risd1877 @kpmg @provdowntown @paolinoproperties @track15ri @belliniusa @thebeatricehotel @goprovidence @rmopublicrelations @ting.barnardstudio @risdmuseum @provfoundation @indowncitypvd @providencerink @providenceact @canadaboston @baycoastbank @banknewport @bankofamerica @sweeneyadvisory @prov @alphagraphicsprovidence @thebodhispa @provpacri @liuna183 @ibewlocal47 @pocfoundation.ri @ballyslincoln

197 4
Open
Warm up with FREE hot chocolate from Café Modesto during Lumina on February 7th! Join us from 4–7:30 PM at Biltmore Park for a cozy, magical evening you won’t want to miss! ☕✨ Photo from @pattyjdotcom Special thanks to our incredible partners and supporters who help make Lumina possible: @providencetourism @ricommerce @pvdmayor @rifoundation @brownu @risd1877 @kpmg @provdowntown @paolinoproperties @track15ri @belliniusa @thebeatricehotel @goprovidence @rmopublicrelations @ting.barnardstudio @risdmuseum @provfoundation @indowncitypvd @providencerink @providenceact @canadaboston @baycoastbank @banknewport @bankofamerica @sweeneyadvisory @prov @alphagraphicsprovidence @thebodhispa @provpacri @liuna183 @ibewlocal47 @pocfoundation.ri @ballyslincoln

Nothing in our city happens alone. It takes vision, dedication, and—most importantly—strong sponsors, partners, and supporters who believe in making Providence shine. We’re incredibly lucky, grateful, and honored to work alongside so many amazing people who step up time and time again to make things happen.

To show our appreciation, we’ll be highlighting our sponsors over the next month to recognize their incredible support. Their commitment makes everything possible—from vibrant events to transformative projects that bring life to our public spaces.

Providence thrives because of YOU! 💙 Stay tuned as we celebrate those who make a difference. #ThankYou #ProvidencePartners #Gratitude
Gratitude to our incredible partners and supporters who help make Lumina possible:
@providencetourism @ricommerce @pvdmayor @rifoundation @brownu @risd1877 @kpmg @provdowntown @paolinoproperties @track15ri @belliniusa @goprovidence @rmopublicrelations @ting.barnardstudio @risdmuseum @provfoundation @indowncitypvd @providencerink @providenceact @canadaboston @baycoastbank @banknewport @bankofamerica @sweeneyadvisory @provfoundation @alphagraphicsprovidence @thebodhispa @provpacri @liuna183 @ibewlocal47 @pocfoundation.ri @ballyslincoln @wearerienergy

48 0
Open
Nothing in our city happens alone. It takes vision, dedication, and—most importantly—strong sponsors, partners, and supporters who believe in making Providence shine. We’re incredibly lucky, grateful, and honored to work alongside so many amazing people who step up time and time again to make things happen. To show our appreciation, we’ll be highlighting our sponsors over the next month to recognize their incredible support. Their commitment makes everything possible—from vibrant events to transformative projects that bring life to our public spaces. Providence thrives because of YOU! 💙 Stay tuned as we celebrate those who make a difference. #ThankYou #ProvidencePartners #Gratitude Gratitude to our incredible partners and supporters who help make Lumina possible: @providencetourism @ricommerce @pvdmayor @rifoundation @brownu @risd1877 @kpmg @provdowntown @paolinoproperties @track15ri @belliniusa @goprovidence @rmopublicrelations @ting.barnardstudio @risdmuseum @provfoundation @indowncitypvd @providencerink @providenceact @canadaboston @baycoastbank @banknewport @bankofamerica @sweeneyadvisory @provfoundation @alphagraphicsprovidence @thebodhispa @provpacri @liuna183 @ibewlocal47 @pocfoundation.ri @ballyslincoln @wearerienergy

We are thrilled to welcome Cristin Searles to LUMINA 2025!

Cristin is a talented sculpture and installation artist known for her delicate, large-scale fabric creations inspired by botanical imagery and patterns in nature. Her illuminated sculptures, originally created for her home and later commissioned for Hope Street, have brought joy and laughter to our community for years.

We can’t wait to see the five cheerful new sculptures she’s creating for LUMINA!

Learn more about Cristin at www.cristinsearles.com and follow her at @cristinsearles

Special thanks to our incredible partners and supporters who help make Lumina possible:
@providencetourism @ricommerce @pvdmayor @rifoundation @brownu @risd1877 @kpmg @provdowntown @paolinoproperties @track15ri @belliniusa @goprovidence @rmopublicrelations @ting.barnardstudio @risdmuseum @provfoundation @indowncitypvd @providencerink @providenceact @canadaboston @baycoastbank @banknewport @bankofamerica @sweeneyadvisory @provfoundation @alphagraphicsprovidence @thebodhispa @provpacri @liuna183 @ibewlocal47 @pocfoundation.ri @ballyslincoln

33 2
Open
We are thrilled to welcome Cristin Searles to LUMINA 2025! Cristin is a talented sculpture and installation artist known for her delicate, large-scale fabric creations inspired by botanical imagery and patterns in nature. Her illuminated sculptures, originally created for her home and later commissioned for Hope Street, have brought joy and laughter to our community for years. We can’t wait to see the five cheerful new sculptures she’s creating for LUMINA! Learn more about Cristin at www.cristinsearles.com and follow her at @cristinsearles Special thanks to our incredible partners and supporters who help make Lumina possible: @providencetourism @ricommerce @pvdmayor @rifoundation @brownu @risd1877 @kpmg @provdowntown @paolinoproperties @track15ri @belliniusa @goprovidence @rmopublicrelations @ting.barnardstudio @risdmuseum @provfoundation @indowncitypvd @providencerink @providenceact @canadaboston @baycoastbank @banknewport @bankofamerica @sweeneyadvisory @provfoundation @alphagraphicsprovidence @thebodhispa @provpacri @liuna183 @ibewlocal47 @pocfoundation.ri @ballyslincoln
@downtownpvdparks Instagram
Facebook
Twitter

30 Exchange Terrace
Providence, RI 02903

info@downtownparks.org

© 2024 Downtown Providence Park Network
Things To Do
Parks
Events
Contact Us