ARCADE BUILDING. (1828) 65 Weybosset Street. Sole survivor of many such temples of trade built in America during the Greek Revival period and America's oldest indoor shopping mall. Now, a lively marketplace with shops and eateries. OPEN: Mon-Sat, 10-6 p.m. Holiday season: Mon-Fri, 10-8 p.m.; Sat, 10-6 p.m.; Sun, 12-5 p.m. 272-2340.

BAYARD EWING BUILDING. (c. 1848) 231 South Main Street. A superior example of Rhode Island commercial architecture. A brick building with Greek-Revival details, it was used by the Fall River Ironworks, the Rumford Chemical Company, and the Phillips Lead Company. It was renovated in 1977 by the Rhode Island School of Design for reuse by its Departments of Architecture, Interior Architecture and Landscape Architecture. Changing exhibitions and lectures are open to the public throughout the school year. OPEN: Mon-Fri, 9-5 p.m. 454-6280.

BENEFICENT CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH ROUND TOP (UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST). (1810) 300 Weybosset Street. Plans were brought from Dublin by its Irish-born pastor, Rev. James ''Paddy'' Wilson (1791-1839), making it one of the earliest classical buildings in America. OPEN: Mon-Fri, 8-4 p.m. ; Sat & Sun, 9-12 p.m. Use Chestnut Street parking lot entrance. 331-9844.

BENEFIT STREET'S MILE OF HISTORY. Benefit Street. The most impressive concentration of original Colonial homes in America. Beautifully restored houses, churches, and museums overlook the city's historic waterfront. Walking or escorted bus tours conducted by the Providence Preservation Society. 831-7440.

BETSEY WILLIAMS COTTAGE. (c. 1785) near Elmwood Avenue entrance to Roger Williams Park. Small-gambrel roofed house occupied by Betsey Williams, donor of first 100 acres of land establishing the park named in honor of her ancestor, Roger Williams (founder of Rhode Island). Contains Colonial furniture and items of historical interest. Guides. OPEN: Apr 10-Jun 12 and Sep 11-Oct 30, Sun, 1:30-4 p.m. 785-9457.

BRICK SCHOOL HOUSE. (1769) 24 Meeting Street. One of the first public schools in Providence. Housed classes of Brown University during the American Revolution. Closed to the public. 272-2760.

BROWN UNIVERSITY. (1764) 45 Prospect Street. A private, non-sectarian, coeducational liberal arts institution. It is the third oldest college in New England and the seventh oldest in the nation. Tour guide service available through The College Admission Office, Corliss-Brackett House (1875-1882), Prospect and Angell Streets, year-round. OPEN: Tours, Mon-Fri, 10, 11, 1, 3, & 4 (11 a.m. & 3 p.m. only during Christmas & Spring vacations) and Sat, 10, 11, & 12 noon, mid-Sep-mid-Nov only. 863-2378.

CATHEDRAL OF SAINT JOHN, Episcopal. (1810) 271 North Main Street. One of four original Colonial parishes in state, established in 1722. Main building built in 1811, became a cathedral in 1929, and renovated and decorated in 1967. Box pews and communion silver from Queen Anne period. Adjoining graveyard is resting place of many who influenced history of church and state. Burial site of Gabriel Bernon who founded the original chapel. Library has artifacts from Diocesan history. OPEN: Mon-Fri, 9-4 p.m.; Sun, 8:30-11:30 a.m. 331-4622.

CATHEDRAL OF SAINTS PETER AND PAUL. (1889) Cathedral Square. On the site of the first Roman Catholic church in Providence (1838). Renovated, 1968-1972, neo-Gothic Church. Unique Cassavant organ, 6,330 pipes from 6 '' to 32'. European stained glass windows. OPEN: Mon-Sat, 7 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. 331-2434.

CITY HALL. (1878) Kennedy Plaza. Designed in the manner of the Louvre and the Tuileries Palaces in Paris. Imposing interior space liberally ornamented. Tours by appointment. OPEN: Mon-Fri, 8:30-4:30 p.m.; Jul & Aug, 8:30-4 p.m. Closed holidays. 421-7740.

DAVID WINTON BELL GALLERY, BROWN UNIVERSITY. (1971) 64 College Street. Located in the List Art Center, an imposing modern structure designed by Philip Johnson, the Gallery presents exhibitions of historical and contemporary art in all media. OPEN: Sep 1-Jun 1, Mon-Fri, 11-4 p.m.; Sat & Sun, 1-4 p.m. Closed holidays. 863-2932.

DR. SAMUEL GRIDLEY HOWE MEMORIAL. (Flagpole), Brown University College Green, near George St. Gate. Dr. Howe was Surgeon-in-Chief to the fleet in the Greek War of Independence and founder of the Perkins Institute for the Blind. Husband of Julia Ward Howe, author of the Battle Hymn of the Republic. Graduated from Brown, 1821. Flagpole was American racing yacht's mast donated by C. Oliver Iselin. OPEN: Year round.

FEDERAL HILL. Federal Street and adjacent blocks between Broadway and Atwells Avenue. The neighborhood spirit is alive and welcoming on Federal Hill where Providence takes on an old-world flair. Savor the nuances of Italian culture and cuisine while visiting authentic bakeries, shops, groceries and restaurants. Take part in traditions which make Providence a rich tapestry of urban life during special festivals and events. 831-7440.

FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH. (1816) Benefit and Benevolent Streets. In its steeple hangs the largest and heaviest bell cast by Paul Revere & Son. Tours may be arranged with the sexton. Church Service: 10:30 a.m., Meeting House. 421-7970.

GENERAL AMBROSE E. BURNSIDE EQUESTRIAN STATUE. East end of Kennedy Plaza, diagonally opposite Civil War Memorial. Indiana-born, adopted son, governor, and U.S. senator from Rhode Island. Led Rhode Island volunteers in defense of Washington. Once commanded Army of the Potomac. Popularized style of wearing sideburns.

GOVERNOR HENRY LIPPITT HOUSE MUSEUM. (1865) 199 Hope Street. Italianate mansion. Home of two Rhode Island governors. Superb interior; decorative details from the Victorian era. OPEN: Tue-Fri, 10-4 p.m.; Sat, 1-4 p.m. Jan-Mar by appt. only. 453-0688.

GOVERNOR STEPHEN HOPKINS HOUSE. (1707; enlarged 1743) Benefit and Hopkins Streets. Home of Stephen Hopkins, ten-time governor of Rhode Island and signer of Declaration of Independence. Chancellor of Brown University. Early clapboard house with 18th century parterre garden. Visited twice by George Washington. OPEN: Apr-Dec, Wed & Sat, 1-4 p.m., and by appt. 751-7067.

HUDSON, FULLER, ST. PIERRE, AND CHACE COLLECTIONS OF RHODE ISLAND ARCHAEOLOGICAL MATERIAL. Rhode Island College, 600 Mt. Pleasant Avenue. In Gaige Hall (G115E). Collections include both surface finds and excavated material from a number of Rhode Island sites. OPEN: By appt. 274-9774, 456-8005.

JEREMIAH DEXTER HOUSE. (1754) 957 North Main Street. Colonial farm house. Site of French troop encampment, 1782. OPEN: By appt. 274-4564.

JOHN BROWN HOUSE. (1786) 52 Power Street. Described by John Quincy Adams as "the most magnificent and elegant mansion that I have ever seen on this continent." Three-story Georgian mansion. The house celebrates many aspects of Rhode Island's heritage, including its distinctive tradition of fine craftsmanship, Providence's rise as a city, and the state's commitment to preserve the fibers of its unique history. OPEN: Tue-Sat, 11-4 p.m.; Sun, 1-4 p.m. Jan & Feb, weekdays by appt. only. Closed holidays. 331-8575.

JOHN CARTER BROWN LIBRARY. (1904) Brown University, corner of George and Brown Streets. An independently funded and administered research library and center for advanced research in the humanities. Affiliated with Brown University, the library is one of the outstanding libraries of the world in the field of Americana. Among some 40,000 volumes are numerous books and pamphlets describing the growth of the European colonies in the New World and the impact of the discovery and exploration of the New World upon Europe. There is also an extensive collection of maps dating from 1477 to the mid-19th century. OPEN: Mon-Fri, 8:30-5 p.m.; Sat, 9-12 noon. 863-2725.

JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER, JR. LIBRARY. Prospect and College Streets. The principal library of Brown University. Otherwise known as the Rock, it houses collections in the social sciences, humanities, and fine arts. Exhibits in the lobby. 863-2167.

JOHN HAY LIBRARY. (1910) Prospect and College Streets. The recently renovated John Hay Library is the location for most of the university's rare books, manuscripts, special collections, and archives. Among the notable materials in the Hay are the Harris Collection of American Poetry and Plays, the Sheet Music Collection, the Mc Lellan Lincoln Collection, the Anne S.K. Brown Military Collections, the Lownes History of Science Collection, and the papers and works of H.P. Lovecraft. The university archives, dating from 1763, contain copies of the official publications of the university and the papers of many of its departments, offices, and affiliated groups. OPEN: Mon-Fri, 9-5 p.m. 863-2146.

JOHNSON & WALES CULINARY ARCHIVES & MUSEUM. 315 Harborside Blvd. One of the best kept secrets in New England is this one-of-a-kind museum containing over 200,000 items related to the field of Culinary Arts and Hospitality. The holdings were amassed by Chicago's Chef Louis Szathmary and donated to Johnson & Wales University. The collection, valued at approximately $2 million, includes rare U.S. Presidential culinary autographs; a gallery of chefs through the ages; tools of the trade from the third millennium, B.C.; Egyptian, Roman, and Oriental spoons, dating back 1000 years; original artwork; hotel and restaurant silver; and periodicals as well as documents relating to culinary arts and entertainment. Guided tours. Mon-Fri, 9-5 p.m.; Sat, 10-5 p.m., closed major holidays. 598-2805.

JOHNSON & WALES UNIVERSITY. 8 Abbott Park Place. The University offers two- and four-year degree programs in business, hospitality, foodservice and technology. Graduate programs leading to the degree of Master of Science and Master of Business Administration are now offered.Tours are also available of the Culinary Archives & Museum. OPEN: Year-round, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tours by appointment, 456-1000. OPEN: Tours by appt. 456-1000.

MEETING HOUSE OF THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH IN AMERICA. (1775) 75 North Main Street at Waterman Street. Oldest Baptist Church in America; congregation established in 1638 by Roger Williams. An artistic triumph, featuring a magnificent Waterford crystal chandelier dating from 1792, designed by Joseph Brown. Flawlessly preserved. OPEN: Year round, Mon-Fri, 9:30-3:30 p.m., guided tours. Guided tours available Sundays, Sep-Jun, 12:15 p.m.; Jul-Aug, 10:45 a.m. Closed Saturdays and holidays. 454-3418.

MUSEUM OF ART, RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL OF DESIGN. (1926) 224 Benefit Street. The Museum of Art, Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) has classical art from ancient Greece and Rome, 18th-century European porcelains, Chinese and Indian works, Egyptian objects, 19th-century French art, modern Latin American works, and masterpieces from the early Middle Ages to the present. Pendleton House, the earliest example of an American Wing in a United States museum, features the Pendleton Collection of American furniture and decorative arts. The Daphne Farago Wing is a center dedicated to the display and interpretation of contemporary art. OPEN: Labor Day through Jun, Tue, Wed, Fri & Sat, 10:30-5 p.m.; Thu, 12-8 p.m.; Sun & holidays, 2-5 p.m. Jun 30-Labor Day, Wed-Sat, 12-5 p.m. The museum is closed on Monday, Jan l, Jul 4, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. 454-6500.

MUSEUM OF RHODE ISLAND HISTORY AT ALDRICH HOUSE. (1822) 110 Benevolent Street. 1822 Federal-style house adapted for museum use and headquarters of the Rhode Island Historical Society. The museum offers changing exhibits on Rhode Island history, architecture, and decorative arts. OPEN: Tue-Fri, 9-5 p.m. Closed weekends & Mondays. Open weekends for exhibitions only. 331-8575.

OLD STATE HOUSE. (1762; 1850-51; 1867; 1906) 150 Benefit Street, between North and South Court Streets. The Rhode Island General Assembly here renounced allegiance to King George III on May 4, 1776. Offices of Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission. OPEN: Mon-Fri, 8:30-4:30 p.m. Closed holidays. 277-2678.

PROSPECT TERRACE. Congdon at Cushing Street. Burial place of Roger Williams and site of Roger Williams Memorial. Panoramic view of Providence skyline. OPEN: Dawn to dusk.

PROVIDENCE ART CLUB. (1791) 11 Thomas Street. Nation's second oldest art club, founded in 1880. Clubhouse and galleries in two Colonial buildings. Features changing exhibits monthly. OPEN: Mon-Fri, 10-4 p.m.; Sat, 12-3 p.m.; Sun, 3-5 p.m. Dodge House, Mon-Fri, 11-4 p.m.; Sat, 12-3 p.m.; Sun, 3-5 p.m. 331-1114.

PROVIDENCE ATHENAEUM. (1838) 251 Benefit Street. One of America's oldest subscription libraries (1753) and cultural centers. Housed in a granite Greek Revival structure designed by William Strickland of Philadelphia, with additions by Norman Isham and Warren Platner. Stephen Hopkins, Moses Brown, and Silas Downer (who served as a librarian) were all active in the library in the 18th century. Legend has it that in the 19th century, Edgar Allan Poe and Sarah Whitman carried on their courtship in the stacks. Changing exhibitions of rare books are on display in the Charles and Deborah Philbrick Rare Book Library. OPEN: Mon-Fri, 8:30-5:30 p.m.; Wed evening until 8:30 p.m.; Sat, 9:30-5:30 p.m. (except in summer, when library is closed Sat). 421-6970.

PROVIDENCE CIVIC CENTER. (1972) One La Salle Square. Arena is the site of numerous sporting and entertainment events with a total capacity of 14,500. OPEN: Mon-Fri, 9-5 p.m. plus hours of events. 331-0700.

PROVIDENCE COLLEGE. River Avenue and Eaton Street. Founded in 1917 by the Dominican Fathers. The only Dominican and Friars college in the United States. Primarily a four-year college of the liberal arts and sciences. OPEN: Year-round, Mon-Fri, 8:30-4:30 p.m. Tours available by appt. 865-1000.

PROVIDENCE PUBLIC LIBRARY. (1900) 225 Washington Street. Second largest public library in New England. Aids Information Center, Literacy Office and program. Collections on whaling, printing, architecture, Civil War and slavery, ship models, early children's books and Irish culture. Foundation Center for Rhode Island. U.S. and R.I. Documents Depository collection. Database searching via national bibliographic databases such as DIALOG. On-line computer book catalog available. Patent Depository Library with computer access to U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Public FAX. OPEN: Mon, 1-9 p.m.; Tue & Thu, 9:30-6 p.m.; Fri & Sat, 9:30-5:30 p.m. Open Sun, Oct-May, 1-5 p.m.; Closed Wednesdays. SPECIAL COLLECTIONS ROOM OPEN: Mon-Sat 9:30-5:00 p.m. Call for an appointment. 455-8000.

RHODE ISLAND BLACK HERITAGE SOCIETY. 46 Aborn Street. Periodic display of Black history and culture. Archives and Gallery. OPEN: Mon-Fri, 9-4:30 p.m. 751-3490.

RHODE ISLAND COLLEGE. 600 Mount Pleasant Avenue. Established in 1854 as the Rhode Island Normal School, RIC is the state's oldest public institution of higher learning. Serving nearly 10,000 students, it is a comprehensive college offering a variety of liberal arts and professional programs for both undergraduate and graduate students. Tours of the entire campus are available throughout the year. 456-8090.

RHODE ISLAND HERITAGE HALL OF FAME. Located at the Rhode Island Historical Society, 110 Benevolent Street. Portraits and photographs of famous or adopted Rhode Islanders (stage and screen star Nelson Eddy; Broadway playwright, producer, composer George M. Cohan; baseball great Napoleon Lajoie, Good Morning America host, David Hartman, etc.) 277-2669.

RHODE ISLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY LIBRARY. 121 Hope Street. Books, pamphlets, newspapers, manuscripts, and graphic materials relating to Rhode Island history and genealogy. OPEN: Sep-May, Wed-Sat, 9-5:45 p.m.; Jun-Aug, Tue, 12 noon-8 p.m., Wed-Fri, 9-5:45 p.m. Closed holidays and Saturdays before Monday holidays. 331-8575.

RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL OF DESIGN. 2 College Street. Founded in 1877. One of the nation's foremost art and design schools. Admissions Office and administrative offices and gallery at Woods-Gerry Mansion, 62 Prospect St. Call main phone number for relevant information on buildings and hours. 454-6100.

RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL OF DESIGN LIBRARY. (1936) Two College St. Northwest corner of intersection of College and Benefit Streets. The library is a major resource for art, architecture and design information in Rhode Island. The library is open to visitors engaged in pertinent research by application to the library director or by referral from another library. OPEN: Mon-Thu, 8:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Fri, 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun, 2-10 p.m. during academic year. Summer and holiday hours differ. 454-6365.

ROGER WILLIAMS LANDING PLACE MONUMENT. Gano Street, between Power and Williams Streets. Where Williams first stepped ashore in 1636, in exile from the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He was met with the Indian greeting, What Cheer and Netop. (Welcome, friend.) OPEN: Dawn to dusk.

ROGER WILLIAMS NATIONAL MEMORIAL. 282 North Main Street, corner of North Main and Smith Street. Rhode Island's only National Park interprets the life and times of Roger Williams, the founder of the first government in the world with complete religious freedom for all. Visitor Center, exhibits, and slides. Original Providence settlement (l636) was here. OPEN: Daily, 9-4 p.m. year round. Closed Christmas, New Year's and Thanksgiving. 521-7266.

ROGER WILLIAMS PARK, MUSEUM, CAROUSEL VILLAGE, GREENHOUSES AND ZOO. (1878) 1000 Elmwood Avenue. A beautiful 430-acre Victorian park, designed by H.W.S. Cleveland. Landscaped terrain, waterways, drives, walks, outdoor gardens, and numerous special facilities. Also, Betsey Williams Cottage, Charles H. Smith Greenhouses, and Casino. Roger Williams Park Zoo houses polar bear and penguin exhibits, a Nature Center, a Tropical Rain Forest Pavilion, and a new African plains exhibit with cheetahs, Grant's zebras, and Oryx and Bongo (extremely rare antelope) in addition to elephants and giraffes. The Museum of Natural History features exhibits on Narragansett Bay Worlds, The Jewel of Providence, and the Cormack Planetarium. Carousel village, includes food, carousel, and antique railroad train. OPEN: Park is open daily, 7 a.m.- 9 p.m. Carousel Village, open daily from Apr 1-Labor Day. Zoo is open, Apr-Oct, Mon-Fri, 9-5 p.m. & weekends until 6 p.m.; Nov-Mar, 9-4 p.m., except Thanksgiving, Christmas, & New Year's Day. Park, 785-9450, Zoo, 785-3510.

SHAKESPEARE'S HEAD. (1772) 21 Meeting Street. Providence Preservation Society and Junior League of Rhode Island, Inc. Headquarters. Erected by John Carter, first postmaster and publisher of the first newspaper in Providence. Colonial garden and house are maintained by and owned by Shakespeare's Head Association. Cassette walking tours of College Hill and historic downtown Providence. Self-guided walking tour booklets. OPEN: Mon-Fri, 9-5 p.m. Closed holidays. 831-7440.

STATE CAPITOL. (1900) 82 Smith Street. Designed by McKim, Mead, and White in 1891-92 of white Georgian marble. Considered to have fourth largest self-supported dome in world. Important architectural landmark. Building contains original Rhode Island Charter of 1663, and historic portrait of George Washington by Rhode Island native, Gilbert Stuart. Many Rhode Island treasures and battle flags on display. OPEN: Mon-Fri, 8:30-4:30 p.m., except holidays. Self-guided tours during business hours; guided tours by appt. only. 277-2357.

TRINITY REPERTORY COMPANY. (Lederer Theater, 1917) 201 Washington Street. Internationally renowned, Tony Award-winning, resident theater company performs classic and contemporary works year-round in two theaters. Oskar Eustis, Artistic Director. OPEN: Performances: Wed-Sat, 8 p.m. & Sun matinees at 2 p.m. Selected Wed & Sat matinees at 2 p.m.; Tue & Sun, 7 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas. 351-4242.

UNIVERSITY HALL. (1771) Brown University College Green. Administrative headquarters of Brown University, the nation's seventh oldest college (1764). Used as barracks by American and French troops during the Revolution. OPEN: Mon-Fri, 8:30-5 p.m. 863-2453.

WOODS-GERRY MANSION. (1848) 62 Prospect Street, at Meeting Street. Rhode Island School of Design maintains the house as an important example of the city's 19th century residential architecture. The three-story house was designed in the Italian Renaissance style by Richard Upjohn in 1860. The ground floor houses exhibition galleries for faculty and student work. OPEN: Mon-Sat, 10-4 p.m.; Sun, 2-5p.m. 454-6140.