Because they offer entertaining methods to learn about science, culture, and history, museums are well-liked tourist destinations. They gather and display objects of great significance, usually centered on a theme, subject, or location, in their capacity as custodians of our society. Some museums focus on very specific subjects like mustard, play, hot air balloons, and even funeral history, while many encompass subjects like art, science, or natural history. In the end, museums provide a window into various historical periods so that people can gain knowledge about the past.
The idea of gathering, preserving, and showcasing objects is not new. Princess Ennigaldi-Nanna, a Babylonian with a collection of Mesopotamian artifacts, founded the world’s first museum in 530 B.C. The Capitoline institutions in Rome, a group of art and archeology institutions founded in 1471, are the oldest public museums still standing. The oldest museum in America was established before the nation was even founded. In 1773, the Charleston Museum was established to preserve the history of the South Carolina Lowcountry.
Museums are significant because they can enhance our well-being in addition to preserving significant aspects of our history and culture. Of course, museums may be enjoyable in addition to fostering knowledge and learning. Art museums can boost people’s sense of belonging and lower despair, according to research on the subject. People can calm down and unwind in quiet museum settings, and viewing exhibitions can help people feel less stressed. By organizing socially stimulating events, activities, and tours, museums help promote community.
It’s no surprise that they receive close to 900 million visits annually.
There is something for everyone at the nation’s more than 30,000 museums.As of August 11, 2025, Stacker created a ranking of Rhode Island’s top museums based on Tripadvisor ratings. The average rating and quantity of reviews are taken into account while determining Tripadvisor rankings. To find out which museums are in your state, continue reading.
#28. The Sailing Museum & National Sailing Hall Of Fame
4.9 out of 21 reviewsCity: NewportVisit Tripadvisor to learn more.
#27. Museum of Work and Culture
Score: 4.7 out of 70 reviewsCity: Woonsocket Visit Tripadvisor to learn more.
#26. Artillery Company of Newport
Score: 4.9 out of 20 reviewsCity: NewportVisit Tripadvisor to learn more.
#25. Herreshoff Marine Museum
4.5 out of 106 reviewsCity: BristolVisit Tripadvisor to learn more.
#24. Clouds Hill Museum
4.8 out of 5 stars (28 reviews)Warwick is the city.Visit Tripadvisor to learn more.
#23. Kingscote
4.4 out of 161 reviewsCity: NewportVisit Tripadvisor to learn more.
#22. Frosty Drew Observatory
4.6 out of 21 reviewsCharlestown is the city.Visit Tripadvisor to learn more.
#21. Belcourt of Newport
3.5 out of 73 reviewsCity: NewportVisit Tripadvisor to learn more.
#20. Gilbert Stuart Museum
4.7 out of 69 reviewsNorth Kingstown is the city.Visit Tripadvisor to learn more.
#19. Museum of Natural History and Planetarium
4.1 out of 57 reviewsProvidence is the city.Visit Tripadvisor to learn more.
#18. John Brown House Museum
Rating: 4.2/5 (93 reviews)Providence is the city.Visit Tripadvisor to learn more.
#17. Isaac Bell House
Rating: 4.5/5 (107 reviews)City: NewportVisit Tripadvisor to learn more.
#16. Newport Art Museum
Rating: 4.3/5 (103 reviews)City: NewportVisit Tripadvisor to learn more.
#15. Old Slater Mill National Historic Landmark
Rating: 4.6/5 (146 reviews)City: PawtucketVisit Tripadvisor to learn more.
#14. Providence Children s Museum
Rating: 4.4/5 (204 reviews)Providence is the city.Visit Tripadvisor to learn more.
#13. Lippitt House Museum
Rating: 4.8/5 (53 reviews)Providence is the city.Visit Tripadvisor to learn more.
#12. Audrain Automobile Museum
Rating: 4.4/5 (246 reviews)City: NewportVisit Tripadvisor to learn more.
#11. St. Ann Arts and Cultural Center
Rating: 4.9/5 (158 reviews)City: Woonsocket Visit Tripadvisor to learn more.
#10. National Museum of American Illustration
Rating: 4.8/5 (413 reviews)City: NewportVisit Tripadvisor to learn more.
#9. International Tennis Hall of Fame
Rating: 4.4/5 (612 reviews)City: NewportVisit Tripadvisor to learn more.
#8. Rosecliff
Rating: 4.4/5 (1,060 reviews)City: NewportVisit Tripadvisor to learn more.
#7. Newport Car Museum
Rating: 4.9/5 (227 reviews)City: PortsmouthVisit Tripadvisor to learn more.
#6. Rough Point Museum
Rating: 4.7/5 (606 reviews)City: NewportVisit Tripadvisor to learn more.
#5. The Elms
Rating: 4.7/5 (1,917 reviews)City: NewportVisit Tripadvisor to learn more.
#4. Rhode Island School Of Design Museum Of Art
Rating: 4.7/5 (988 reviews)Providence is the city.Visit Tripadvisor to learn more.
#3. Marble House
Rating: 4.7/5 (1,805 reviews)City: NewportRead more on Tripadvisor
#2. Newport Mansions
Rating: 4.7/5 (1,647 reviews)City: NewportRead more on Tripadvisor
#1. The Breakers
Rating: 4.7/5 (6,282 reviews)City: NewportRead more on Tripadvisor
This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Jill Jaracz, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 51 states.
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