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    The Arcade Providence

    3.5 (39 reviews)
    Open 7:00 am - 8:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

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    Jason B.

    Historic, yes. Fun to visit, check. We'll lit and clean, you bet. Underutilized and ultimately not worth it, unfortunately yes. Although a great historic building, there really isn't much here other than a couple restaurants that didn't interest me. Overall, if I was in city again I may pop in, but otherwise I'm in no rush to go back.

    Bianca S.

    A cool piece of Providence history that has been underutilized over the last few years. The Arcade is a small mall located in a beautiful building in downtown Providence, and is actually the oldest enclosed indoor mall in the country dating back to 1828. While it is beautiful inside and out and has a popular Lovecraft-themed bookstore and some good restaurants, there are a noticeable amount of empty spaces in here. I believe the second and third floors are used as micro-loft rentals, but can't find much information on them. While I did enjoy spending time here, it seems that with a bit more advertising and effort, the Arcade could truly be revitalized and live up to its potential.

    Robert S.

    The Westminster Arcade (also known as the Providence Arcade, Arcade Providence, or The Arcade) is a historic shopping center at 130 Westminster Street and 65 Weybosset Street in downtown Providence built in 1828. It is known as the first enclosed shopping mall in the United States and has been lauded as a fine example of commercial Greek Revival architecture. It served as a shopping center for many years before falling into decline in the late 20th century. It has since been closed for renovation and rehabilitation several times, and most recently reopened its doors in October 2013 as a residential and commercial mixed-use building. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1976. Today, a bunch of small shops, restaurants and service businesses fill the lowest level (street level). The upstairs has micro lofts that many use as a Pied-à-terre...if you live in other parts of the state or the region. So in 2021, The Arcade Providence started offering these lofts for sale, for the first time, residential and retail condo units. Prices began at $145,000 for a residential studio loft. Many of the units have modern improvements, but the historic beauty of The Arcade Providence's interior atrium and exterior remains intact and unchanged. In the past 10 years many businesses have come and gone, so the experience is different for those who have not been in several years.

    I love this building. So happy it continues to thrive.
    Jen W.

    From an architectural and historical perspective, I absolutely love this building! The Arcade is the oldest indoor shopping mall in America built in 1828. Residing between Weybosset and Westminster streets, Greek Revival colonnades welcome you at both ends, up granite steps, across a small portico into an interior not much changed in almost 200 years. In it's most recent reincarnation, two upper levels house micro-apartments while the ground level continues to house a variety of small, local businesses. During pandemic, many of these unique businesses have closed their doors. Luckily many remain including Impulse hair design, Liv's pockets, Rogue Island and more. I have no doubt this beautiful building will once again be bustling with activity post-pandemic. It's a definite 'must stop' while visiting Providence especually for anyone who enjoys history or architecture. It's worth a stop to check out the eclectic shops and to grab a bite to eat and drink. Also a good spot for taking a break from the weather. ;)

    Arcade
    Alan B.

    This cool little arcade boasts that it is the nation's oldest indoor shopping mall. It's a beautiful building, featuring "Greek Revival columns, granite walls, and classic facades". The downstairs level has shops and local eateries while the upstairs floors are home to very small, and popular apartments. There are 48 "micro-lofts" available, and they are usually accompanied by a long waiting list! How big are the little apartments? They range in size from 225-800 sq. feet, and features typically include a kitchen with full-sized or 3/4 sized refrigerator, sink, dishwasher and microwave. None of these units have stoves! Renters can cook with anything that doesn't have an open flame. The units have a full bath with shower, and built-in beds with seating and storage. Though I haven't been in one of these, the photos online look pretty cool, if you don't mind living small! The arcade only takes a couple of minutes to stroll though - which I highly recommended for anyone interested in history, architecture, or just looking to grab a bite in a unique setting. It's in a great location, a good spot to begin the Providence Public Art Walking Tour.

    Owen R.

    Meh Great looking building One of or the first indoor mall in America.??? But it's basically empty...!? Why is it empty if it's so beautiful!????

    exterior
    Frank W.

    The Arcade is situated only a few steps away from our hotel so we took a walk through on Saturday afternoon. There were very businesses open and even fewer customers seen during our brief visit.

    Since 1828...and you thought your mall was old!
    Neil B.

    I have always been enamored with this historic mall that sits in the middle of downtown Providence and has been there since 1828. Today there are a few places to eat and drink and some eclectic stores. I had a delicious cup of coffee served with a smile at New Harvest Coffee and Spirits then wandered across the mall to the cool little bookshop named the Lovecraft Arts and Sciences Council. I remember that for years businesses could not survive on the second and third levels of the Arcade so it is great that they got creative and converted the space into mini lofts. If you are not from Providence, put the Arcade on your must visit list! And if you are from Rhode Island, support the businesses located here!

    The oldest mall in America
    Kim V.

    This is a very historic building which houses a few shops, restaurants, and micro lofts. It is a national historical landmark, one of the oldest malls in America! The second and third floors consists of apartments. The first floor is open to the public. It's cute and small! It's located in a central location and is in walking distance to many places such as restaurants, bars, and theaters. I love the building, you could tell it has a lot of history; it was built in 1828 and has large columns on the outside. There's a coffee shop in there that also makes mixed drinks. There were a couple of small takeout restaurants. The shops were mainly bookshops and art shops. It's one of those places that you have to stop by. I like the micro lofts concept because you can live very efficiently with very little space. If I were a single person living in the city, this would be my location of choice!

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    Review Highlights - The Arcade Providence

    I have always been enamored with this historic mall that sits in the middle of downtown Providence and has been there since 1828.

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    The Arcade Providence - shoppingcenters - Updated May 2026

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