Uniquely Rhode Island

From the beginning, Veterans Memorial Auditorium (VMA) has held a unique place in the cultural life of Rhode Island as a performance venue for legendary artists, local performers, and community traditions. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and named as a living memorial to Rhode Island veterans, VMA is acclaimed for its unique combination of scale and intimacy, superb acoustics, excellent sight lines, grand proscenium stage, and beautiful interior with its one-of-a-kind ceiling featuring the heraldic shields of Rhode Island's original 39 communities.

Located in Rhode Island's capital city, on a prestigious site next to the Rhode Island State House, the story of completing Veterans Memorial Auditorium and its neighbor, the long-unfinished Masonic Temple (now the Renaissance Providence Hotel), is part of Rhode Island lore.

1920's: Auditorium begins as component of grand Masonic complex

The 1920's saw the rise of grand Masonic complexes across the United States. As part of the movement, the Rhode Island Freemasons planned an ambitious complex designed by Osgood & Osgood, one of the era's noted architectural firms. Work began in 1927, and foundations and building frames were constructed before economic times changed drastically in 1929. Work was halted, and the project lay dormant until the 1940's.

1940's: Auditorium component is completed as performance venue

By the 1940's, the dormant project had become owned by the State of Rhode Island. Near the end of World War II, a community groundswell arose to complete the Auditorium component as Rhode Island's first professional performing arts venue.

1950: Veterans Memorial Auditorium is dedicated

On January 27, 1950 the Auditorium is officially opened. The dedication plaque reads:

"The Veterans Memorial Building is dedicated as a living memorial to all Rhode Island veterans in recognition of their patriotic service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America during times of war."
- Governor John O. Pastore

1950's -1970's: An illustrious past

Over the first three decades of operation, scores of legendary performers illuminated VMA's grand proscenium stage, including such classical and contemporary greats as Parvarotti, Nureyev and Tony Bennett. Local high school graduations were established as a treasured community tradition.

1980's: Falling on hard times

As the economic vitality of Providence shifted to other areas of the city, VMA and the surrounding area began to decline

1990's: On the rise again

A community groundswell to save VMA, coupled with public investment to partially refurbish and restore the Auditorium, provided the impetus for resuming performances community traditions.

"The Veterans Memorial Building is rededicated as a monument to all Rhode Island veterans in honor of their faithful and patriotic services in the United States Armed Forces and as a testament to the flourishing of the arts in Rhode Island."
- Governor Edward D. DiPrete - October 30, 1990

The path to transformation begins...