The American and European jewelry collection at the RISD Museum, part of the Decorative Arts and Design Department, is made up of more than 800 works, including necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings from the medieval period to present day.

Dear Museum Friends,

As the world bears witness to the recent tragedies of George Floyd’s death, the deaths of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and the countless numbers of Black people before them, it’s difficult to feel like I have anything new to say on a subject that I should meet with respectful listening, but as the director of this institution it is my job to lead both in words and in deeds.

A summer intern’s reinterpretation of a 1600s still life painting as lived ritual and faith in the present

Digital Initiatives intern Ariel Hirschhorn explores the “Maker” field in the museum’s database to examine the collection from a programmer’s perspective

Exploring the process and context behind "Bromance", a new work created by Providence artist J.R. Uretsky.

Exploring the process and context behind "Cold Moon X", a work created by Jamestown artist Georgia Marsh.

Exploring the process and context behind "Providence", a work created by Warren artist William Schaff.

Exploring the process and context behind "The Election Gloves", a work created by Cranston artist Jessica Deane Rosner.

Drawing in a museum is a way of slowing down and experiencing artwork on a nonverbal level.

Curator Maureen C. O'Brien discusses American drawings and watercolors in the RISD Museum collection

Albert Bierstadt was born in Solingen, Germany, but came to the United States with his family in 1832 and settled with them in New Bedford, Massachusetts.