A Special Note to Visitors

A key component of the Providence Athenaeum's successful 250 + years of operation has been engaging new community members in our institution. Click here to find out why we'd love to have you stop by and get to know the Athenaeum for yourself!

Directions

Click here for a Mapquest map of the Athenaeum's location.

Be Advised: Because of construction, directions from I-195 East-bound may vary slightly. Internet mapping websites and GPS devices may not reflect these changes. During construction, we recommend that you use the directions from I-95 north or south as an alternative.

From I-195

I-195 East-bound, take Exit 1 Downtown Providence, and at the first traffic light turn right onto Dyer Street. Continue to the third set of lights and take a right turn onto College Street. Proceed through the first traffic light (South Main Street). You will be heading uphill. The first stop sign is Benefit Street and the Athenaeum is directly across the street on your right.

I-195 West-bound, take Exit 2 for South Main Street. Continue to the first traffic light and take a right at that light onto College Street. You will be heading uphill. The first stop sign is Benefit Street and the Athenaeum is directly across the street on your right.

From I-95

Take Exit 22A to Downtown Providence. Continue straight on Memorial Boulevard. Next, turn left onto College Hill at the 4th set of traffic lights. Proceed through the next set of lights (South Main Street) and up the hill. The first stop sign is Benefit Street and the Athenaeum is directly across the street on your right.

Parking

There are a small number of parking spaces available behind the Athenaeum, off of College Street. Please note that these are reserved for library members only. Thank you!

Accessibility

The Athenaeum is accessible to persons with disabilities. Handicapped members and guests can enter the Athenaeum via the back entrance off of College Street. This entrance will grant access to the main floor of the library.

The lower floor of the library is handicapped accessible through a door that leads to the garden. (As this door is typically locked, please call ahead if you wish to use this entrance upon your arrival.) The top floor is unfortunately not accessible to visitors in wheelchairs.