by Claudia Fennell '24 on February 22, 2023
A&E Co-Editor

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Arts & Entertainment

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With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it is time to start planning what you are going to do with your boo this year! While many people might dread Valentine’s Day and the pressure that comes along with it, here are three low-budget and low-stress ideas to have fun with your partner this Valentine’s Day. Whether you would like to stay close to our wonderful Providence College or venture further from campus, here are three Valentine’s Day museum date ideas for you.

1. RISD Museum, Providence, RI

An excellent choice only a ten-minute drive from PC’s campus, the RISD Museum is a wonderful museum that works with the Rhode Island School of Design. While relatively small, the RISD Museum collection boasts over 100,000 works of art spanning from the ancient world to the modern art of today’s world, with 2,177 pieces currently on display. In addition to their 18th and 19th Century American, Ancient Egyptian, European, Asian, and Ancient Greek and Roman galleries constantly on display, the museum  is showcasing some interesting exhibitions that are additionally on display right now. The exhibition entitled Being and Believing in the Natural World showcases perspectives from the Ancient Mediterranean, Asia, and Indigenous North America and explores the human relationship with the natural world. Tickets are  free for PC students, so this option is budget-friendly,  interesting, and sure to please.

2. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston, MA

Located in Boston, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is the perfect destination for Valentine’s Day. In addition to their wonderful collection of European, American, and Asian art, what makes the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum special is the courtyard filled with greenery, making the viewer feel as if they are almost outside. The airy and naturally-lit space also makes for the perfect spot to take photographs. Ringing up at only $13 per ticket for students, this is another great option for a Valentine’s Day date.

3. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY

Since its founding in 1870, The Metropolitan Museum of Art has become one of the most famous and prestigious museums in the world, showcasing over 5,000 years of art from all corners of the world. What is unique about The Met are  its size and status, which allow it to house some of the most famous pieces of art in the world. Famous pieces sure to impress include Bridge Over a Pond of Water Lilies by Claude Monet, Self Portrait With Straw Hat by Vincent van Gogh, and Autumn Rhythm (Number 30) by Jackson Pollock. With its massive size and impressive works, one could spend all day in The Met and only see a small percentage of what it has to offer. While farther away from campus, visiting The Met is a special experience that will be remembered for years to come, and only costs $17 per ticket as a student.

Make your partner feel special this year and bring them to one of these beautiful museums to celebrate Valentine’s Day!