Rhode Island School of Design
2 College Street
Providence, Rhode Island 02903
Providence, Rhode Island 02903
Event Types Welcomed
Corporate Social Events | Family Reunion | Professional Meeting/Training/Conference/Retreat | Wedding Ceremony/Reception | Youth Retreat/CampMaximum
Meeting:550
Meeting:550
Meeting
Rooms:45
Rooms:45
Maximum
Overnight:200
Overnight:200
20 Washington Place Auditorium
20 Washington Place Conference Room 123
RISD Auditorium
Tillinghast Place 
Fleet Library
RISD Auditorium
RISD Museum
Nature Lab
RISD Campus
Tillinghast Place
20 Washington Place Auditorium
15 West Residential Accommodation 
Metcalf Auditorium
20 Washington Place Gathering Place
Danforth Room
Tillinghast Beach
20 Washington Place Gathering Place
RISD Auditorium
Tillinghast Grounds
20 Washington Place Auditorium
Tillinghast Place Wedding Reception
15 West Residential Accommodation 
Tillinghast Wedding
20 Washington Place Conference Room 366
RISD Catering
Washington Place Room 346
One of our beautiful Hill House Accommodations
RISD Catering
About
About Rhode Island School of Design
NOW BOOKING FOR 2021!
We are committed to the health and safety of the community so we will not be holding meetings or events on campus for the remainder of 2020.
We are also committed to helping you host a wonderful event! If you would like information on booking for 2021 or beyond please reach out and our team will walk you through the process!
Located in the heart of downtown Providence, RISD makes Providence among the most culturally active and creative cities in the region. RISD is a top-rated art and design school and shares interest from a wide array of organizations. Supported by unique settings such as the Nature Lab, Fleet Library, and the RISD Museum, RISD is a highly desirable location to host conferences and events. RISD’s ease of access from highway, rail, and air add in making the venue a prime location to host groups, and the campus also provides affordable access to housing during the nonacademic year.
From galleries to auditoriums to conference rooms, RISD’s wide array of spaces can accommodate small and large events such as meetings, receptions, dinners, and lectures. The RISD Auditorium can hold up to 550 guests in traditional stadium-style seating while a smaller, more intimate auditorium in the RISD Museum can accommodate up to 200 people. Reception spaces in galleries and traditional classrooms are also available, depending on your event needs. There are several scenic outdoor spaces that can be utilized for festivities in the warmer months.
RISD’s Campus Services department is available as a resource to assist you in planning conferences and events on campus. The staff has years of experience planning events, as well as knowledge of campus resources and relationships with local service providers that enable them to ensure that any event planned at RISD is a success.
LOCATION + TRANSPORTATION
:Providence, Green Airport - 12 minutes
Taxi | Bus | Train | Lyft | Uber
CATERING
Must Use In-House Catering
Venue Hosted Alcohol Permitted
Self-Service Alcohol Permitted
AMENITIES + UNIQUE EXPERIENCES
MEETING + EVENT SPACE CAPACITIES
550 Attendees
45 Spaces
:
Theatre Style 550 | Classroom Style 100 | Standing Reception 350 | Seated Reception 120
TECHNOLOGY
YesFree
Yes
Yes
RENTAL POLICIES
Alcohol ConsumptionOVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS
200 Overnight Guests
Yes
Free
Cost:
Accommodations
Accommodations
200
Total Number of
Overnight Guests
Overnight Guests
Accommodation Types
| Residence Halls | floorplan | image
From June through August, RISD opens its residence halls, allowing non-RISD organizations to stay overnight, eat in the campus dining facility and utilize RISD’s amenities. Residence halls are affordable and conveniently located in downtown Providence.
Accommodations are available with or without air-conditioning, based on your preference and budget. Buildings contain a variety of housing styles, including rooms with one to four occupants, lounges, full kitchens, and shared and private bathrooms. Each room is furnished with one extra long twin bed, one desk, one chair and wardrobe per person. Free campus wifi is available to all guests.
This accommodation has A/C
From June through August, RISD opens its residence halls, allowing non-RISD organizations to stay overnight, eat in the campus dining facility and utilize RISD’s amenities. Residence halls are affordable and conveniently located in downtown Providence.
Accommodations are available with or without air-conditioning, based on your preference and budget. Buildings contain a variety of housing styles, including rooms with one to four occupants, lounges, full kitchens, and shared and private bathrooms. Each room is furnished with one extra long twin bed, one desk, one chair and wardrobe per person. Free campus wifi is available to all guests.
This accommodation has A/CAmenities + Unique Experiences
AMENITIES
Amenities
Unique Experiences
♦ Bring your group to the RISD Museum of Art. Our collection currently contains more than 100,000 works of art and design dating from ancient times to today including paintings, sculpture, decorative arts, costume and textiles, and furniture from all over the world.♦ Stop by the Nature Lab to examine specimens from the natural world and discover the wonder and complexities of design in nature.
♦ Enroll in a group Continuing Education course and bond in the joy of shared learning.
♦ Head down to Tillinghast Place and enjoy a picnic on the grounds or a stroll on the beach.
Event Spaces
Meeting and Event Spaces
Max Capacities
550
Overall
100
Classroom
Style
Style
350
Standing
Reception
Reception
120
Seated
Catered Event
Catered Event
Meeting + Event Spaces
| 1,833 SQ FT | image | image
Room features: Open auditorium allowing for flexible set up, adjustable temperature control, air conditioning, tables, large windows and blackout shades.
AV Capabilites Include: AirPlay, one fixed microphone at lectern, five mobile microphones, projector and screen, stereo sound, and dimable lighting.
AV Capabilites Include: AirPlay, one fixed microphone at lectern, five mobile microphones, projector and screen, stereo sound, and dimable lighting.
| 6,405 SQ FT | image | image
Room features: 550 fixed stadium seats, stage, lectern, adjustable temperature control, and air conditioning.
AV Capabilites include: AirPlay, fixed lectern microphone, handheld microphones, stage lighting, house PA system, livestreaming and video capability
Room features: 550 fixed stadium seats, stage, lectern, adjustable temperature control, and air conditioning.
AV Capabilites include: AirPlay, fixed lectern microphone, handheld microphones, stage lighting, house PA system, livestreaming and video capability
| image
Room features: Room can accomodate a cocktail reception of 200 people, buffet dinner for 120 people, or a seated dinner up to 150 people. Rental includes use of tables, chairs, podium, baby grand piano, and private access to some museum galleries
Room features: Room can accomodate a cocktail reception of 200 people, buffet dinner for 120 people, or a seated dinner up to 150 people. Rental includes use of tables, chairs, podium, baby grand piano, and private access to some museum galleries
| image
Room features: Fixed seating for 200 people, full spectrum of audio visual capabilites
Room features: Fixed seating for 200 people, full spectrum of audio visual capabilites
| 2,271 SQ FT | image | image
Room features: Lobby space that converts into two separate curtained spaces.
AV capabilities include: AirPlay, two digital touch screens, projector and screen, and stereo sound.
Room features: Lobby space that converts into two separate curtained spaces.
AV capabilities include: AirPlay, two digital touch screens, projector and screen, and stereo sound.
| 918 SQ FT | image
Room features: 56 person capacity, lectern, adjustable tempurature control, air conditioning, windows, blackout shades, magnetic white board, pin-up board, track lighting, rolling classroom table and chairs.
AV capabilities include: AirPlay, DVD player, projector and screen
Room features: 56 person capacity, lectern, adjustable tempurature control, air conditioning, windows, blackout shades, magnetic white board, pin-up board, track lighting, rolling classroom table and chairs.
AV capabilities include: AirPlay, DVD player, projector and screen
| 598 SQ FT | image
The Fleet Library is in the former Rhode Island Hospital Trust Bank at 15 Westminster Street, adjacent to the river. Events are held in the magnificent banking hall that serves as the library’s main reading room.
The Fleet Library is in the former Rhode Island Hospital Trust Bank at 15 Westminster Street, adjacent to the river. Events are held in the magnificent banking hall that serves as the library’s main reading room.
| 860 SQ FT | image
Room features: Conference table for 12 people, lounge area, full kitchen, and outdoor patio.
AV capabilites include: Screen and airplay
Room features: Conference table for 12 people, lounge area, full kitchen, and outdoor patio.
AV capabilites include: Screen and airplay
Food + Beverage
Food + Beverage
Availability
Dining Options
RISD Caters is a full-service catering and event coordination division. Whether you need a small cheese board for a gallery opening, a casual lunch for a meeting or a wedding for 200 people--our team can lend its expertise to assure that your function is flawless from beginning to end. We offer a seasonally-inspired menu for your convenience, and we are happy to work with you to create custom proposals that turn your style, your palate and your vision into a reality.
| Seating Capacity: 300
The Met is the largest dining room on campus and offers a wide variety of freshly prepared items for guests to enjoy in an all you care to eat facility. The menu of traditional, vegetarian, and vegan recipes features innovative entrées and special creative cuisines, as well as an artisan pizza oven, a salad and deli bar and an array of homemade desserts and pastries made on site.
The Met is the largest dining room on campus and offers a wide variety of freshly prepared items for guests to enjoy in an all you care to eat facility. The menu of traditional, vegetarian, and vegan recipes features innovative entrées and special creative cuisines, as well as an artisan pizza oven, a salad and deli bar and an array of homemade desserts and pastries made on site.
| Seating Capacity: 100
Portfolio Café is a full-service eatery located on the ground floor of 15 Westminster. The menu features bistro-type fare – either to enjoy on site or to grab and go.
Portfolio Café is a full-service eatery located on the ground floor of 15 Westminster. The menu features bistro-type fare – either to enjoy on site or to grab and go.
RISD’s Watermark Café offers quick, healthy choices on the go! A wide variety of delicious grab-and-go salads, with vegetarian & meat options, are house-made featuring seasonal locally grown vegetables.
Carr Haus is a student run cafe. The menu includes a wide variety of bagels, sandwiches, juices, coffee, teas and pastries at reasonable prices. It's a great place to take a break and tune into an eclectic range of music. The Café is cashless, with the following methods of payment accepted: dining points, risdbucks, credit cards and Apple Pay. Carr Haus also allows the RISD community the opportunity to enjoy student artwork at the Carr Haus Student Gallery.
Winner of the Loyal E. Horton award, the Jolly Roger Deli is located at 257 South Main Street and offers fast, delicious artisan sandwiches, chips, fruit and baked goods, as well as favorites such as the house organic fair trade coffee and homemade peanut butter.
Location
Location + Transportation
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Nearby Airport
Providence, Green Airport - 12 minutesTransportation + Parking
Nearby Attractions
Nearby Attractions
Nearby Attractions
| website
This award-winning sculpture by Barnaby Evans installed on the three rivers of downtown Providence, has been praised by Rhode Island residents and international visitors alike as a powerful work of art and a moving symbol of Providence’s renaissance. WaterFire’s over eighty sparkling bonfires, the fragrant scent of aromatic wood smoke, the flickering firelight on the arched bridges, the silhouettes of the firetenders passing by the flames, the torch-lit vessels traveling down the river, and the enchanting music from around the world engage all the senses and emotions of those who stroll the paths of Waterplace Park. WaterFire has captured the imagination of over ten million visitors, bringing life to downtown, and revitalizing Rhode Island’s capital city.
This award-winning sculpture by Barnaby Evans installed on the three rivers of downtown Providence, has been praised by Rhode Island residents and international visitors alike as a powerful work of art and a moving symbol of Providence’s renaissance. WaterFire’s over eighty sparkling bonfires, the fragrant scent of aromatic wood smoke, the flickering firelight on the arched bridges, the silhouettes of the firetenders passing by the flames, the torch-lit vessels traveling down the river, and the enchanting music from around the world engage all the senses and emotions of those who stroll the paths of Waterplace Park. WaterFire has captured the imagination of over ten million visitors, bringing life to downtown, and revitalizing Rhode Island’s capital city.
| website
The RISD Museum was founded on the belief that art, artists, and the institutions that support them play pivotal roles in promoting broad civic engagement and creating more open societies. Established in 1877 as part of a vibrant creative community, the RISD Museum stewards works of art representing diverse cultures from ancient times to the present. We interpret our collection with the focus on the maker and we deeply engage with art and artists, presenting ideas and perspectives that can be inspiring and complex.
The RISD Museum was founded on the belief that art, artists, and the institutions that support them play pivotal roles in promoting broad civic engagement and creating more open societies. Established in 1877 as part of a vibrant creative community, the RISD Museum stewards works of art representing diverse cultures from ancient times to the present. We interpret our collection with the focus on the maker and we deeply engage with art and artists, presenting ideas and perspectives that can be inspiring and complex.
| website
In 1872, Roger Williams Park Zoo, the country’s third oldest Zoo, opened its doors to the public with a collection of small animal exhibits throughout Providence’s newly formed Roger Williams Park. Conservation and environmental education were unknown concepts at the time; the animals were simply on display.
Today, Roger Williams Park Zoo provides visitors the opportunity to see animals from all over the globe – some more than a million years old. Naturalistic surroundings are home to more than 160 animals including a Komodo dragon, as well as zebras, red pandas, African elephants, Masai giraffes, snow leopards, bears, anteaters, flamingoes, sloths, alligators, and more! What started as a scattered collection of small animals on display purely for the purpose of entertainment has today evolved into “New England’s great zoo” (The Boston Globe) and one of our region’s foremost centers for conservation and environmental education. In 1986, Roger Williams Park Zoo became the first Zoo in New England to earn accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
In 1872, Roger Williams Park Zoo, the country’s third oldest Zoo, opened its doors to the public with a collection of small animal exhibits throughout Providence’s newly formed Roger Williams Park. Conservation and environmental education were unknown concepts at the time; the animals were simply on display.
Today, Roger Williams Park Zoo provides visitors the opportunity to see animals from all over the globe – some more than a million years old. Naturalistic surroundings are home to more than 160 animals including a Komodo dragon, as well as zebras, red pandas, African elephants, Masai giraffes, snow leopards, bears, anteaters, flamingoes, sloths, alligators, and more! What started as a scattered collection of small animals on display purely for the purpose of entertainment has today evolved into “New England’s great zoo” (The Boston Globe) and one of our region’s foremost centers for conservation and environmental education. In 1986, Roger Williams Park Zoo became the first Zoo in New England to earn accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Testimonials
Testimonials
I wanted to tell you what an amazing job the entire crew did for our wedding- we are still blown away by everything. They did an exceptional job in every aspect - from Anne
seamless planning, Linda going above and beyond with every detail, David’s unbelievably delicious spread, and the scratch-made desserts Stephanie made which people are still talking about. The entire staff was courteous, happy and beyond attentive- they made the whole day
absolutely perfect and we, and all our guests, can’t rave & thank them enough.
Just a quick note to let you know that RISD Caters did our wedding at Tillinghast Farm in September. We had discerning guests such as the owners of Pastiche and Local 121 and everyone said it was the best wedding food they have ever had......and we concur! I even saw someone taking a piece of bread to wipe out the last little bit of the fava bean spread, it was so good.
Anne was so helpful and pleasant, it was a joy to work with her. RISD Caters made it the best wedding ever!
Thank you!
Tillinghast Farm in Barrington, Rhode Island was the beautiful setting for [the] intimate wedding this past Saturday. The day could not have been more perfect with blue skies, a light breeze, and the smiles and laughter from everyone there.
I recently attended the EPIC2019 conference at RISD and was so impressed with the quality of service the staff provided that I just wanted to let you know. There were multiple instances that really touched me and demonstrated the high attention to detail and genuine caring the team put into the work. Thank you and to the team for helping make our conference comfortable and nurturing.
Thank you very much for such a wonderful event this past Saturday. I could not be happier over how it all turned out. You and your team were exceptional and I can't wait for our next event!
Thank you very much for all of your support in our use of the 20 Washington Place lobby and auditorium space for the event + exhibition last night. The event was far better attended than we anticipated and we were so pleased to be able to have the panel discussion followed by the reception within the exhibition itself. We really appreciate your support.!
