Veterans Memorial Auditorium (Providence, Rhode Island) facts for kids
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| Address | One Avenue of the Arts Providence, Rhode Island |
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| Owner | State of Rhode Island |
| Operator | Professional Facilities Management |
| Type | Performing arts center |
| Capacity | 1,931 |
| Opened | January 27, 1950 |
| Website | |
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Veterans Memorial Auditorium--Masonic Temple
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| Area | 1.25 acres (0.51 ha) |
| Built | 1928–1950 |
| Architect | Multiple |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 93001181 |
| Added to NRHP | November 16, 1993 |
Veterans Memorial Auditorium, often called The VETS, is a famous performing arts theater. It is located in Providence, Rhode Island. Building started way back in 1928. However, work stopped because of the Great Depression, a time when many people lost their jobs and money. The theater was finally finished and opened in 1950.
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A Historic Rhode Island Landmark
The VETS is one of the oldest and most important arts buildings in Rhode Island. It is even listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is a special place recognized for its history and design. A local architect named Oresto DiSaia helped finish the building.
Inside The VETS
The VETS has a huge concert hall with 1,931 seats. It also has the largest theater stage in all of Rhode Island! The inside of the theater is very fancy. You can see a beautiful, golden arch around the stage. There are also amazing paintings on the ceiling. These paintings show stories and symbols.
What Happens at The VETS?
Many different events take place at The VETS each year. The Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra performs several concerts there. The VETS also hosts many other shows. These include plays, dance performances, art exhibits, and educational events. It's a busy place for all kinds of arts and community gatherings.
Saving The VETS
After opening in 1950, the theater started to get old and needed repairs. In the early 1980s, the state of Rhode Island thought about closing it down. They even considered turning the area into a parking lot!
But people wanted to save this important building. In 1983, a group called the Veterans Memorial Auditorium Preservation Association (VMAPA) was formed. They worked hard for five years to protect The VETS. In 1988, they received money to fix up the building.
Since then, The VETS has been a major center for the arts. In 2015, it had even more updates. These changes made it a modern place for performances. The Renaissance Providence Hotel is right next to The VETS. This hotel used to be the Masonic Temple.
Who Performs There?
Several arts groups regularly perform at The VETS. These include:
- FirstWorks
- The Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra
- Festival Ballet Providence
- The Rhode Island International Film Festival
- The Art League Rhode Island
See also
