The John Brown House Museum
About The John Brown House Museum
More than a house: It is history’s home…
Whose hands built the landscape we see around us? What was life like for women, children, and men of diverse stations? What peoples and ideas thrived here, and to what far-flung corners of the world did they venture to seek their fortunes? How did Rhode Islanders grapple with slavery, when freedom and independence were on everyone’s minds and pens? Indulge your curiosity and explore Rhode Island’s history at the John Brown House Museum!
School and Group Tours:
The Museum offers free School Tours and discounted Group Tours. Click to learn more about School Tours and email jbh@rihs.org or call 401.331.8575 x362 to schedule a Group Tour. Looking for virtual school programs? Visit our Virtual Tours and Resources page for more information.
Become a part of the Museum’s dedicated team of volunteers and help provide educational programming and support special events.
What You'll See & Experience Here
- Furniture, sculpture, artwork, silver, porcelain, textiles, and other selections from our extensive collections.
- Exhibits and objects reflecting Rhode Island’s role in the Revolution and participation in slavery and the slave trade.
- 18th-century wall maps depicting a very different worldview.
- A fully restored 18th-century carriage.
- Knowledgeable staff who are able to discuss a variety of historical subjects
- Our new permanent exhibit From Forest to Foyer: Rhode Island and Mahogany in the 18th Century
- On display now: Dark Work Exhibit, The Girl of My Dreams- Sylvia: A 19th Century Life Exhibit
Did You Know?
- John Quincy Adams wrote in his diary that this house was “the most magnificent and elegant private mansion that I have ever seen on this continent.”
- John Brown’s carriage that is on display at the museum became known as the “Washington’s Chariot” because President George Washington is said to have ridden in it while visiting Rhode Island.
- Rhode Island banker Marsden Perry purchased this property in 1901 and made many improvements to the house and grounds, including a landscape designed by the Olmsted Brothers.
Events & Programs at The John Brown House Museum
-
May3
-
May9
-
May17
-
May29
-
Jun12
Hours
Patrons may purchase their tickets in advance of their visit. Please visit our ticketing page to book.
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
- Wednesday
- 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
- Thursday
- 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
- Friday
- 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
- Saturday
- 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Sunday
- Closed
The Museum is closed on New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve.
Winter Hours run from December 1st through March: Fridays from 1pm-4pm and Saturdays from 10am-4pm.
Tickets
Adults: $10
Seniors (62+), Veterans, and Students: $8
Children 10-17: $6
Children under 10: FREE
RIHS Members: FREE
EBT Cardholders: FREE (up to four individuals per EBT card)
Location & Directions
The visitor's entrance is located to the rear on the right side of the John Brown House. Please follow the driveway through the courtyard gate and up the ramp for admittance.
The John Brown House Museum 52 Power St Providence, RI 02906
Phone: (401) 273-7507
Email: jbh@rihs.org
Free Museum parking is accessed from Charlesfield Street, which runs parallel to Power Street. The entrance is close to the corner of Charlesfield and Benefit Streets.
Accessibility
- Accessible
- Access for Low Vision
- Access for Hearing Loss
- Audio Description