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!
The Museum offers free School Tours and discounted Group Tours. Click here to learn more about School Tours and email jbh@rihs.org or call 401.331.8575 x362 to schedule a Group Tour.
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.
- 18th-century wall maps depicting a very different world view.
- A fully restored 18th-century carriage.
- Knowledgeable staff that are able to discuss a variety of historical subjects including Rhode Island’s special role in the Revolution and participation in slavery and the slave trade.
Did You Know?
- John Quincy Adams wrote in his diary that this house was “the most magnificent and elegant private mansions 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
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Hours
We welcome visitors year-round, although hours vary by season. December through March: Saturdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. April through November: Tuesdays through Fridays 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 pm and Saturdays 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- Closed
- Wednesday
- Closed
- Thursday
- Closed
- Friday
- Closed
- Saturday
- 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Sunday
- Closed
Visitors may have the option of a guided tour at 10:30 am, 12:00 pm, 1:30 pm, and 3:00 p.m., or a self-guided audio tour during open hours. Tours last approximately 60 minutes. The last entry is at 3:30 pm.
The Museum is closed on New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve
Tickets
Adults: $10
Adult Combination Museum Ticket: $15 Includes admission to the Museum of Work & Culture. Good for 1 year from the purchase date.
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)
FREE Admission Days:
Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving.
Smithsonian Museum Day (April) and other special event days. Check our events calendar for more details.
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. Please ring the buzzer at the door.
The John Brown House Museum 52 Power St Providence, RI 02906
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
- Assistive Listening Systems
- Audio Description