Visiting Campus

Every day RISD welcomes visitors from both near and far. Prospective students and families come to campus to learn more about our programs, studios and student life. Others come for exhibitions in our galleries and at the RISD Museum. We also host a range of lectures, films and performances throughout the year.

Whatever brings you to campus, we invite you to connect with our creative community.

Navigating campus

If you plan to visit a specific campus building, you can find directions via Google Maps or by downloading and printing this campus map. The map also provides a guide for locating RISD offices.

If you are a prospective first-year, transfer and graduate student, we invite you to register for guided campus info programs led by our Admissions team.

Driving to RISD

From either I-95 South or I-95 North, take Exit 37B (Downtown, Memorial Boulevard). Proceed straight through the first four sets of traffic lights and enter the left-hand turn lane as you approach the fifth set of lights. Take a left over the bridge and proceed on College Street to the next intersection. Turn left onto North Main Street. The Chace Center and entrance to the RISD Museum is on this block—to the right, with the RISD Auditorium to the left.

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Follow I-195 West to Exit 1C (South Main Street). Travel down South Main Street through the first light at College Street, where South becomes North Main Street. The Chace Center and entrance to the RISD Museum is on this block—to the right, with the RISD Auditorium to the left.

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Follow Route 146 to I-95 South. Once on I-95 South, follow the North and South directions above.

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RISD parking map

Traveling to Rhode Island

Located about 10 miles south of Providence, Green Airport is Rhode Island's only airport, with direct flights to and from many cities around the country. It also services a few international destinations.

Transportation options from the airport to Providence include the Metro Boston Transit Authority commuter rail and Rhode Island Public Transit Authority buses. You can also request a ride with Uber or Lyft, or rent a car at the airport.

Logan International Airport in Boston, MA is approximately 50 miles north of Providence. Peter Pan bus company provides Logan travelers with bus transportation to downtown Providence.

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The Providence Peter Pan bus terminal is located just north of RISD, with Peter Pan Bus Lines providing free shuttles service to Kennedy Plaza downtown, just a short walk from campus. Greyhound and Megabus also offer bus service to downtown Providence.

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Amtrak and the Metro Boston Transit Authority provide train transportation via Providence Station in downtown Providence, just a short walk from the heart of campus.

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Getting around Providence

Rental cars are available at Avis, Budget and Enterprise locations a short walk from Providence's Kennedy Plaza bus terminal and at T.F. Green and Logan airports. Access to on-demand transportation is also available through Uber, Lyft or at dozens of zipcar locations on or near campus.

Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) provides public transportation within Rhode Island, including buses, trolleys and the Providence/Newport water ferry service.

Spending the night

If your visit involves more than a day trip, please check the RISD accommodations portal for reduced rates at selected hotels in downtown Providence, or choose from several other hotels around campus.