RISD Museum, Providence

The RISD Museum was established in 1877 as part of the Rhode Island School of Design. Its collection contains more than 100,000 works, ranging from ancient objects to contemporary art and design. The museum’s close connection with an art school influences how works are presented, with attention given to materials, techniques, craftsmanship, and the creative process.

The galleries cover ancient Egyptian and Mediterranean art, Asian sculpture and prints, European and American painting, textiles, costume, furniture, photography, and modern design. A major highlight is the nearly three-metre-tall Dainichi Nyorai, a 12th-century Japanese wooden Buddha and one of the largest sculptures of its kind in the United States. The Egyptian galleries contain the decorated coffin and mummy of Nesmin, a priest who lived around 2,300 years ago.

Another notable section is Pendleton House, a museum wing designed to resemble an early American Georgian residence. Its furnished period rooms display carved furniture, paintings, ceramics, silver, and other decorative arts from the 18th and 19th centuries. Historic galleries connect to Rafael Moneo’s modern Chace Center. The museum also hosts changing exhibitions, tours, and workshops.