Eccentric, flavorful and artsy” is how Matt Montgomery, director of marketing and communication at the RISD Museum of Art, describes Providence, a city rich in historic preservation and recognized for its vibrant arts scene, exemplary 18th and 19th century architecture and critically acclaimed restaurants.
“The city has a long history of being a place for people who make things with their hands, partially because it is home to the Rhode Island School of Design,” Montgomery says. “Recently, the city has seen a surge of interest, especially in the culture that is so accessible here. Also, Mayor Cicilline is a very arts-friendly leader and a huge advocate of the city’s rich cultural life.”
Indeed, today, as throughout its history, the RISD Museum (www.risdmuseum.org) is an integral part of Rhode Island School of Design and the principal art museum of fine and decorative art and antiquities, housing a collection of 84,000 objects of international significance, for the city, state of Rhode Island and southeastern New England.
“RISD has been around since 1877, so its impact has been felt for many years and, of course, attracts a constant flow of talented artists and designers,” Montgomery says.
Couple that with a historically significant and restored Veterans Memorial Auditorium, Hotel Providence on the revitalized Westminster Street, centrally located Providence Biltmore Hotel, new Renaissance Providence Hotel and Avenue of the Arts, and meeting planners have access to a unique arts, cultural and hospitality destination that’s bringing increased vitality and positive economic impact to a very cosmopolitan area.
“The most fantastic street, Broadway, has huge Italianate, Queen Anne and Second Empire French homes, which have been converted into offices, restaurants, storefronts and condominiums,” Montgomery adds. “But Providence is also known for preserving its great old houses and architecture.”
There’s also the Rhode Island Convention Center Complex (which is comprised of two multipurpose facilities and connected to the Westin Providence), more than 35 hotel properties and the convenient truth that Providence is only a 10-minute drive from the T.F. Green Airport, which offers more than 160 direct flights via major carriers.
Montgomery adds that meeting planners like the convenience offered by Providence because of its central location.
“It’s so close to Boston, New York and the ocean but more of a value than those big cities,” he says.
When it comes to meeting at the RISD, planners have options. The museum is composed of five buildings on a sloping city block between Main and Benefit streets on the historic East Side of Providence. In 2008, the Chace Center opened with 6,000 square feet for special exhibitions and a museum entrance on Main Street.
“With the opening of the new Chace Center designed by Jose Rafael Moneo, the museum has renewed interest and visitorship, and larger space for presenting world-class exhibitions,” Montgomery says.
The museum also offers gallery space for group events. The most spectacular space is the Main Gallery, which boasts bright blue walls and 150 European paintings from the Renaissance through the 19th century. Also, there is a small, elegant lecture hall that overlooks the garden, a 212-seat auditorium with raked seating, a contemporary lobby and other small spaces, such as a walnut paneled porcelain gallery.
“The RISD Museum serves over 100,000 visitors each year, with Providence being a very manageable and walkable city,” Montgomery says. “Yet, it’s a sophisticated urban environment with access to so much art and culture.”
