Audio Guide of the Rhode Island State House

The building is generally open to the public Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and is closed on weekends and holidays. To enter, you must go to the public safety entrance (usually on Smith Street) and pass a security check; check the latest tour schedules on the Secretary of State's website.

No, admission to the Rhode Island State House is completely free, including guided tours. It's one of the best free cultural activities you can enjoy in Providence, perfect for any travel budget.

I recommend setting aside about an hour for your visit, since guided tours usually last around 50 minutes. If you choose to explore on your own with an audio guide to appreciate the architecture at your own pace, that time is more than enough.

This building boasts the fourth-largest self-supporting marble dome in the world, behind only St. Peter's in Rome, the Taj Mahal, and the Minnesota State Capitol. It also houses the 1663 Royal Charter and Gilbert Stuart's famous portrait of George Washington.

The best time is a weekday morning (Tuesday or Wednesday), when legislative activity is lower but tours are still running. Keep in mind that since it's an active government building, it's closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

Yes, the building is ADA-compliant and fully wheelchair accessible. It has ramped or ground-level entrances (typically through the garage or side entrance) and elevators that provide access to the legislative chambers and the rotunda.

Right across the way you'll find the Providence Place mall and the beautiful Waterplace Park, famous for its WaterFire events. You're also a short walk from historic Benefit Street and the Roger Williams National Memorial.

You must bring an official photo ID to pass the security check, so don't leave it at the hotel. To really understand what you're seeing, I suggest downloading an audio guide before going in so you can discover the secrets of the dome's murals at your own pace.