Brown University

Guided walking and bus tours from downtown Providence tend to make cursory campus visits en route to Federal Hill, Benefit Street, and other historic sites. If a guided tour isn’t in your plans, you can explore the campus on your own, and visit the Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology and the David Winton Bell Gallery for contemporary art while you’re at it. Campus tours organized by the admissions office are typically limited to prospective students and their parents.

• Architecture fans should look out for historic buildings on campus, dating back to the 18th and 19th century.

• Keep in mind that the campus is part of a working university where students, faculty, and staff live and work.

• Check the university website for a calendar of cultural and academic events.

• The campus is generally wheelchair accessible, and has accessible entrances, parking, paths, and elevators.

Brown comprises a significant swath of east Providence south of Waterman Street—it’s near Interstate 95 and 195 and a short walk or taxi ride from the Providence train station, which provides connection to Boston and is served by Amtrak and the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA).

For an immersive experience, visit on a weekday when campus activities are in full swing, allowing you to witness student life and engage with academic communities. During the summer, major holidays, and academic breaks, the campus is significantly quieter. You can take free student-led public art tours on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

You might be tempted to head for the admissions office or one of the university museums, but if you’re visiting Brown on your own it’s better to start at the Main Green in the heart of the campus. From there, you can quickly get a feel for student life, and can easily reach the Haffenreffer Museum and the rest of the campus south of George Street.