Modern Highlights from RISD Museum’s Decorative Arts & Design Collection

For this unique behind-the-scenes visit to the RISD Museum, participants will have the opportunity to hear about how the museum has collected and exhibited modern design. They will also get to see a selection of modern design highlights, which are typically off-view, up close during this private visit led by Emily Banas, Associate Curator of Decorative Arts and Design.

This tour is part of Providence Preservation Society's week-long Festival of Modern Design, from October 5 - 11, 2025. The Festival website has information about all events associated with the Festival.

Emily Banas is the Associate Curator of Decorative Arts and Design at the RISD Museum in Providence, Rhode Island where she has been working since 2015. Her recent exhibitions span from design works on paper and contemporary enamelwork to historic wallpaper, reflecting a broad, interdisciplinary approach examining form, style, material, and use across 18th to 21st century decorative arts, craft, and design. She earned an MA in decorative arts, design history and material culture from the Bard Graduate Center in 2015, and an MA in art history and museum studies, with a concentration in decorative arts and design, from Georgetown University in 2012.

Ticket Price: $30 PPS Members / $40 General

A portion of the proceeds of this event benefit RISD Museum.

Please meet at the Museum's North Main Street entrance (not the Benefit Street entrance). Discounted parking is available to Museum visitors at all Metropark locations. The closest lot is Metropark Location P5: South Main St Lot at 131 Canal St. Parking is also available at metered spots on adjacent streets.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

RISD Museum, 20 North Main Street, Providence, United States