Things to Do at Brown University
Complete Guide to Brown University in Providence
About Brown University
What to See & Do
Van Wickle Gates
The iconic wrought-iron gates that serve as the ceremonial entrance to campus, traditionally opened only twice per year for freshman arrival and graduation
The Main Green
A historic 22-acre quadrangle surrounded by beautiful brick buildings, perfect for strolling and taking in the classic New England campus atmosphere
Carrie Tower
A 95-foot Gothic Revival bell tower built in 1904 that offers panoramic views of Providence and houses a carillon with regular concerts
John Hay Library
The university's former main library featuring rare books, manuscripts, and special collections including the famous Lownes Collection of sheet music
David Winton Bell Gallery
A contemporary art gallery showcasing rotating exhibitions of student, faculty, and visiting artist works in a beautifully designed space
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Campus grounds are accessible 24/7, but individual buildings have varying hours. Guided tours typically run Monday-Friday at 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm, with weekend tours at 10am, 11am, and 1pm
Tickets & Pricing
Campus visits and self-guided tours are free. Official admissions tours are complimentary but advance registration is recommended through the Brown University website
Best Time to Visit
Late spring through early fall (May-October) offers the best weather and campus atmosphere. Fall foliage season (mid-October) is particularly spectacular
Suggested Duration
Allow 2-3 hours for a complete campus visit, or 1-1.5 hours for the official guided tour
Getting There
Things to Do Nearby
Providence's authentic Italian-American neighborhood featuring excellent restaurants, specialty food shops, and the famous atwells Avenue
The Rhode Island School of Design Museum houses an impressive collection of art from ancient to contemporary, just a short walk from Brown's campus
A tree-lined street featuring the largest concentration of colonial and Victorian architecture in America, including historic houses and museums
An award-winning fire sculpture installation on the downtown rivers, creating a magical atmosphere during scheduled lighting events
One of America's oldest libraries where Edgar Allan Poe courted his future wife, featuring beautiful architecture and rare book collections