Take in an ice-skating lesson at The Providence Rink at the Bank of America City Center, boasting more ice than Rockefeller Center, within a downtown skyline of Colonial and Modern architecture. Then stroll the winding walkways of historic Roger Williams Park through more than 400 acres of picturesque lakes and dense botanical splendor.
No matter what adventures you choose in Providence, though, don't miss the capital city's arts scene, including the Culinary Arts Museum, housing 5,000 years of culinary history, the world-class Providence Performing Arts Center, featuring Broadway shows, concerts and plays, or go all out with a weekend workshop in blacksmithing, ceramics or welding at The Steel Yard. In the evening, join Gallery Night Providence for a tour of the city's art galleries, museums and historic sites all while enjoying wine, cheese and music. Then bring the whole experience together with the city's signature arts event, WaterFire, where, as the name suggests, water meets fire in a dazzling sights-and-sounds display not soon forgotten.
In 1994, Barnaby Evans sculpted First Fire - a series of 11 braziers burning atop steel tripods placed throughout Downtown Providence. Providence's mayor commissioned the sculpture to celebrate the city's 10th anniversary of First Night Provence - part of a national artistic and cultural New Year's Eve celebration. Over the years, with the help of hundreds of volunteers and generous donations, those 11 braziers grew into a unique, award-winning public art display.
Each year Barnaby added more and more braziers to the ever-growing installment. Now 20 years and more than 10 million visitors later, WaterFire has reached legendary status in the world of public art, boasting more than 80 bonfires across the three rivers of Downtown Providence.
WaterFire is now a celebration of art and music that welcomes visitors from around the world to stroll the river walkways and ignite the senses. The poignant radiance of WaterFire is accompanied by music selected by Evans himself. A mix of natural and eclectic sounds, WaterFire's musical accompaniments complement the sculpture's ritual, religious and symbolic sources.
WaterFire lightings occur at various times throughout the year and are free to the public.
So rethink Providence and experience the city where historic meets modern, where small town meets big city, and where water meets fire.
