st ann arts and cultural center

Rhode Island's most treasured masterpiece. A visit here should be on everyone's visit list when in Rhode Island. The volunteers who SAVED this masterpiece did a fabulous job restoring it. No need to fly to Rome and visit the Sistine Chapel. The frescos, paintings, stained glass, woodwork, floors, etc. are all beautifully restored and just GLEAM. Best to call ahead and make sure the place is open for tours. It has the best natural lighting that I've ever seen in a church and I have been to many all over Europe.

Absolutely beautiful. Had my wedding there and could not stop looking up at the beautiful artwork on the ceiling. Def a must see.

Absolutely beautiful place. A must see if you are in the area. The volunteers are so wonderful! My husband and I were married here and it was incredible, everything was perfect and we will never forget our experience there!

On our way to Providence we took a detour and stopped in Woonsocket Rhode Island. We read in Trip Advisor about St Ann's and stopped by hoping we could visit unfortunately it was closed, however we were fortunate that will the president of the nonprofit that oversees the building let us in and took us on an outstanding tour. The history of the former Catholic church tied closely with the immigrants who came to Woonsocket for work is fascinating. The role of the Catholic Church in connection with St Ann's is interesting. I encourage art lovers to visit this remarkable building. The stained glass and the frescos are beautiful

The name is really deceiving and doesn't do this church justice. This is a former Roman Catholic Church with just amazing fresco paintings and stained glass (look at the photos). My wife and I are only a couple hours drive away, have been frequent visitors to Rhode Island, and yet never heard of this until an article in a local newspaper. It is (and quite unfortunately) a seemingly well-kept secret.Tours are only on Sunday, and done by volunteers. You have to pay and get the tour to get inside, and it is absolutely worth it. It really is breathtaking! If you are in the area (anywhere in Rhode Island, Boston, the Foxborough area, even CT) I would take some time to see this. There are plenty of other activities in the area to fill a day.I only hope enough interest is paid to this so that it can survive. With the maintenance costs for such a large church and it not being a premier destination at this point, I have trouble seeing how it can stay afloat.

The tours which are offered on Sundays are very interesting and there isn't a church with wall to wall and ceiling frescos anywhere else in the US.

Had a tour of the church and it has marvelous frescos. I can't remember when I've see more anywhere. In the basement of the church there was Cajun entertainment. Lots of fun and dancing and very nicely decorated.

I am a life-long resident of Woonsocket and had never been in St Ann's Church prior to my recent visit for a breakfast supporting Mt Saint Rita's Rehabilitation Center. The Fresco paintings and stained glass windows were breath taking. A magnificent spot for any function. I will return soon.

This is one of the most beautiful churches I have ever seen. It is a must see if you are in the area. I have not been in the Sistine Chapel but I doubt htat it is any nicer than St. Ann's.

a very nice place,well kept,clean,interesting history. I think my friends liked it as well.we have some very great places here in R.I.

It is just a church. It isn't like they can claim anything great abouty it.

Once you enter St. Ann's Church you feel like you have traveled across the globe to Europe. The frescoes are as beautiful as any I have seen in Italy.

This is one beautiful church/arts center! The frescoes rival those in the Chapel in Rome and this center is in New England. Shows and events there are extra special and I could just sit and stare at the ceilings for hours. There is nothing like this anywhere else in the US as far as I know. Worth checking it out if you are ever in the area.

Born in 1952, my husband grew up and was an alter boy in St. Ann's Church (84 Cumberland Street, Woonsocket); he also attended St. Ann's Catholic School through 9th grade. This beautiful, historical cathedral is near and dear to our hearts. In 2008, we visited our family in Woonsocket, and to our dismay, the St. Ann's Cathedral was blocked off due to bricks falling from the exterior church walls high above. Preserving the frescoes (watercolor murals which took over 8 years to hand paint by Italian hunchback Guido Nincheri [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guido_Nincheri]) has been paramount to a handful of volunteers; however, to date, the funds are far too few. It will be a shame to lose this part of history!!!The Woonsocket Call (local newspaper) had an article that told how funds were not available to restore the beautiful, historical church! I thought that was a shame! I would recommend visiting St. Ann's if its doors are opened again!!!

The world should know about St. Ann's Church in Woonsocket (actually, now it's the St. Ann's Art & Cultural Center). It's located at 64 Cumberland Street, in the heart of the city's Social district. Chocked full of history of the Franco-American influx into Woonsocket's textile mills in the 19th & 20th centuries. But mostly, everyone should see it for the hundreds of frescos that fill the walls, the ceilings-- every inch of available space, it seems, This must be one of the largest collections of top qulaity fresco anywhere in the United States. The stained glass windows (from Chartres) are magnificent, too. You could spend hours here just gazing at these artistic wonders. Yet, the place is largely unknown (even to Rhode Islanders) which is a tragedy and a crime! If you are ever within a few miles of northern Rhode Island, find out how you can get in to see these treasures.