Brown University, Providence

Brown University, Providence (must see)

Brown University is an Ivy League university. Founded in 1764, it is the seventh-oldest university in the United States. The main campus is in the College Hill neighborhood. It is surrounded by Colonial-era buildings, a number of museums and the Providence River.

Brown is known as the first college in North America to accept students without proof of a particular religious affiliation. Its charter stated that sectarian differences would not play a role in choosing all members of the board of trustees either.

It was originally founded as Rhode Island College, but in 1770 the college moved from Warren to its current location. The original four-acre lot on College Hill was purchased by John and Moses Brown who began planning the first building, which is now University Hall. The college was renamed after Nicholas Brown left a large gift to the school.

Today's Brown's main campus includes 235 buildings on 143 acres. Most buildings were constructed between 1770 and 1926 in the Georgian and Richardsonian Romanesque architectural style. Some of the most notable buildings are the John Hay Library, the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Library and University Hall. The Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology is a favorite among visitors.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Providence. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from iTunes App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Brown University on Map

Sight Name: Brown University
Sight Location: Providence, USA (See walking tours in Providence)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Providence, Rhode Island

Create Your Own Walk in Providence

Create Your Own Walk in Providence

Creating your own self-guided walk in Providence is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Providence Introduction Walking Tour

Providence Introduction Walking Tour

Providence is the capital city of Rhode Island. Founded in 1636, it is also one of the oldest cities in the United States. It was settled by Roger Williams who was a strong proponent of separation of church and state.

Providence is well known for being the home of Brown University. One of the oldest higher education institutions in the country, Brown continues to remain a high-profile, Ivy...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Brown University Walking Tour

Brown University Walking Tour

Founded in 1764, the prestigious Ivy League Brown University of Providence, Rhode Island is the seventh-oldest institution of higher education in the United States, chartered before the American Revolution.

Brown's historic campus offers a classic New England college experience among brick quadrangles, scenic greens, soaring modern architecture, renovated centuries-old structures,...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Providence Historical Buildings Tour

Providence Historical Buildings Tour

Providence is a beautiful city that was founded on the banks of the Providence River in 1636 by Roger Williams. The city is nearly as old as the United States themselves. It has many interesting historical and architectural landmarks. Take this self-guided walking tour to visit some of the Providence's historical buildings.

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles