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Last Updated: 10:15am
Last Updated: 10:15am
The Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Bridge, located in Providence, Rhode Island, is a pedestrian bridge that spans the Providence River, connecting the east and west sides of the city. Originally built as part of the I-195 redevelopment project, the bridge was named in honor of Michael S. Van Leesten in recognition of his contributions to civil rights, economic development, and community leadership in Providence.
The bridge offers both functional and aesthetic value, providing a key pedestrian and cyclist connection between neighborhoods and serving as a public gathering space. The design of the bridge is modern, with sweeping curves and integrated lighting, making it a visually striking addition to the city’s waterfront. It plays a significant role in connecting various public spaces and has become a symbol of unity and progress in the city, reflecting Van Leesten's lifelong commitment to bridging divides within the community.
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Manchester street station
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#Sony #longexposure #longexposure_shots #architecture #night #providence #rhodeisland #manchesterstreetpowerstation #michaelvanleestenpedestrianbridge
Pedestrian Bridge, Providence RI
Expertly modeled by m_piedmonte and Eric D’Agostino •
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#providence #rhodeisland #pvd #newengland #ri #brownuniversity #pawtucket #providencenightlife #providenceri #nightlife #usa #hookah #eastprovidence #footbridge #pvdpedestrianbridge #photography #exploremore #travel
This backdrop is even better with a beat #pronk #PVD #pvdpedestrianbridge #foxpoint
🌻 PVD appreciation post 🌻
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What a stunning sunset in providence tonight! Can you believe this is unfiltered!?
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#russillorealestate #rhodeislandrealestate #rhodeislandrealtor #rhodeislandhome #rhodeisland #providence #providenceri #pvd #1000suns #michaelvanleestenpedestrianbridge #providencerhodeisland
Just a normal day in downtown Providence
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#providence #rhodeisland #pvd #ri #providenceri #newengland #rhody #love #oceanstate #downtownprovidence #pvdpedestrianbridge #sightseeing #photography #instapics #goprovidence #ig_providence
If you can dream it, you can achieve it ✨ #happyvalentinesday❤️ #travelphotography #providence #michaelvanleestenpedestrianbridge
Senior portrait session with Olivia from earlier today at the new PVD Pedestrian Bridge! .
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#seniorpictures #seniorportraits #providence #pvdpedestrianbridge #portraitphotography #canon #canon5dmarkiii
Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Bridge in Providence, RI. I took this photo at night when my brother, sister-in-law, niece, and nephew were visiting a couple of weeks ago. They love this pedestrian bridge, as do I.💙
#providence #providenceri #michaelvanleestenpedestrianbridge #rhodeisland #lilrhody #bridges #bridgesofinstagram
Thank you to everyone who participated in the inaugural Red Scarves Across the River World AIDS Day even hosted by hello_apri. The red scarves along the bridge honored those who we’ve lost since the beginning of the AIDS epidemic, recognized people living with HIV, and helped raise awareness about HIV. Thank you to all of those who volunteered, knit scarves, and stopped by. We greatly appreciate your generosity. Also, thank you to our partner plantcitypvd who made delicious red velvet cookies for the occasion. And finally, thank you to all of my colleagues at APRI who deliver critical services to people living with and at risk for HIV every day. #redscarvesacrosstheriver #worldaidsday #pvdpedestrianbridge #pvd #redscarfproject #plantcityprovidence
Breathing a bit with my love tallulahstacos #waterfront #michaelvanleestenpedestrianbridge #PVD #TGIF
Taken in 1958 by Providence photographer Lawrence Tilley as part of the ongoing Historic American Buildings Survey, this photo documents the rare occasion of a parking lot becoming something better. Prior to becoming a parking lot, this area was filled with buildings, including the original location of Brown & Sharpe.
Historical context courtesy of @pvdnowandthen.
Michael S Van Leesten Memorial Bridge is owned and managed by the City of Providence.
<p>Del’s Lemonade is a classic Rhode Island sweet treat known for its signature frozen lemonade, offering seasonal flavors like original lemon and watermelon, plus make-at-home mixes. This long-standing local favorite also caters events with mobile service, bringing its refreshing, slushy-style beverages to gatherings across the area. Visit the website to explore flavors, shop mixes and merch, or book Del’s for your next event.</p>
<p>The Fox Point Hurricane Barrier is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers flood-protection landmark that shields about 280 acres of downtown from tidal surges and hurricanes. Completed in 1966, the 700-foot concrete structure spans the Providence River and features three large tainter gates, flanking earthen dikes, and a pumping station capable of discharging river floodwaters into Narragansett Bay. Built in response to devastating floods from the 1938 hurricane and Hurricane Carol in 1954, the barrier helps protect the city’s commercial district, infrastructure, and homes, with operations shared between the Corps and the City of Providence.</p>
<p>La Gondola Providence, Inc. offers private Venetian-style gondola rides along the Providence and Woonasquatucket rivers, featuring romantic outings, family-friendly trips, and customizable group tours. Guests can choose from trip packages that may include historical narration, live Italian music, and special event options such as weddings, reception cruises, and photo sessions. The company operates seasonally, weather permitting, and provides gift certificates for memorable experiences on the water.</p>
<p>LUMUKU is a creative studio and public art initiative focused on uplifting communities through vibrant illustration, large-scale design, and playful, educational games. Their work spans murals, exhibitions, and interactive experiences that encourage connection, learning, and joy, complemented by a shop featuring art and game products.</p>
<p>Plant City is a plant-based food hall and marketplace featuring multiple chef-driven restaurants, a coffee bar, and a retail market offering vegan groceries and goods. Open daily with extended weekend hours, it serves a wide range of cuisines and menus, including the SĒZN dinner experience on select evenings. The spacious, stylish venue hosts private events and community programming, and provides online ordering and reservations through its website. Suitable for vegans and non-vegans alike, it’s a destination for dining, shopping, and gatherings in Providence.</p>
<p>Providence Kayak offers single and tandem kayak rentals on the Providence and Woonasquatucket Rivers, letting paddlers explore Riverwalk, Waterplace Park, and scenic downtown waterways under historic bridges. Rentals start at 45 or 75 minutes, with staff assistance for easy launch and landing plus route and safety guidance. Seasonal operations also include a second location at Lincoln Woods State Park for freshwater paddling on Olney Pond. Booking and gift cards are available online.</p>
<p>Seasonal outdoor beer garden set along the Providence River in the 195 District Park, featuring The Guild’s craft beers and rotating guest pours, weekly food trucks, and occasional special events. Open May through October (weather permitting) with family-friendly, park-style seating and skyline views; check the website for current hours, on-tap lists, and event details.</p>
<p>Lively waterfront bar offering casual pub fare, cocktails, and a busy events calendar with karaoke, trivia, and weekend DJ sets. Open daily into late night, it features burgers and bar classics, online ordering, and a rewards program, with periodic specials like service-industry discounts on Sundays. Popular for group hangouts and harbor views, it blends a relaxed daytime scene with an upbeat nightlife atmosphere.</p>
<p>Tizzy K’s serves small-batch cereal milk ice cream with rotating flavors, crafted by steeping popular cereals into a rich base for a smooth, creamy finish. Each scoop is topped with cereal crunch and a Rice Krispies treat, and the shop operates seasonally with hours that may vary due to weather. Recognized by local and regional press and named Best Ice Cream in Rhode Island by RIFOODFIGHTS, it’s a sweet stop near the pedestrian bridge for inventive, nostalgia-inspired treats.</p>
Join us in preserving and enhancing the Downtown Providence Park Network (DPPN)
Getting into the holiday spirit ✨🎁
The PVD Holiday Festival is happening December 4–7 — cozy vibes, local makers, and all the seasonal magic downtown. See you there! ❄️❤️
#PVDHolidayFestival #DowntownPVD #ProvidenceRI #HolidaySeason #HolidayEvents RhodeIslandEvents PVDHolidayMagic
Edward Mitchell Bannister and Christiana Carteaux Bannister built one of the most influential artistic partnerships in Providence history—one grounded in creativity, courage, and shared purpose.
In 1850s Boston, Edward dreamed of becoming an artist while working in Christiana’s successful salon. As a Black painter, the barriers were steep, but Christiana’s business expertise, financial support, and belief in his talent helped make his artistic career possible.
After their marriage, Christiana’s salons became powerful gathering places for abolitionists, artists, and community leaders. She advised Edward on his work, connected him with patrons, and helped him enter spaces that were often closed to Black artists.
When they moved to Providence in 1869, Edward’s career flourished. His painting Under the Oaks won first prize at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition—a victory challenged when judges learned he was Black, but ultimately upheld thanks to fellow artists who insisted on fairness.
Today, Edward’s statue in Market Square symbolizes his legacy, but Christiana’s influence is inseparable from his success. Together, they remind us how partnership, resilience, and love can shape art—and history—for generations.
#EdwardBannister #ChristianaCarteauxBannister
@le_patin_libre Returns to Downtown Providence! ⛸✨
They stole our hearts at Lumina 2024 with their breathtaking artistry on ice, blending movement, music, and light into something truly unforgettable. Now, they’re back to dazzle Providence once again at The Providence Rink!
Experience Le Patin Libre, the internationally acclaimed contemporary ice-skating group presented by @providenceact @firstworksri in a free performance at 7 PM on Friday, December 5, as part of the PVD Holiday Festival.
From December 4–7, downtown will sparkle with performances, music, lights, and city spirit — all made possible by the incredible partners coming together to make this festival a joyful celebration for everyone.
Don’t miss the magic, the movement, and the wonder of the season, plus a Basin @waterfireprov lighting to complete your downtown experience with loads of free experiences by many many partners!
🎄✨ Come downtown. Celebrate together. Feel the energy of our city! @providenceact @pvdmayor
#PVDHolidayFestival
The Wedding Cake House is one of Providence’s most iconic treasures — a stunning 1867 mansion that later became a couture dressmaking studio run by two remarkable sisters, Anna and Laura Tirocchi. Read more in stories!
It’s one of the many stories woven into our You Belong Here Wayfinding Project, celebrating the people and places that shape our downtown.
📍 Have you walked by it? Share your favorite hidden-gem spots in Providence and tag us.
#DowntownProvidence #YouBelongHere #DPPN #ProvidenceHistory #PVDStories
Still thinking about the lights, the music, the art, the smiles. Last year was something special. Here’s a look back while we gear up for this year’s Holiday Festival. ❄️
@providencetourism @pvdmayor @providenceact @indowncitypvd @providencerink @theprovidencedrumtroupe @circusdynamics @avenuepvd @goprovidence @provdowntown @bignazo @reliquarium
30 Exchange Terrace
Providence, RI 02903
