Rhode Island Hall was constructed in 1840, making it the fourth oldest building on Brown University’s Main Green. The Joukowsky Institute for Archaeology and the Ancient World was founded in 2004. The Rhode Island Hall was assigned as the Institute’s new home. But first, the building needed to be gutted and renovated. The goal was to create a place where teaching and fun could coexist.

Now when visitors and students enter through the front entrance they are greeted with a hallway that leads straight through the building. The first rooms they will see are to their left. The rooms are offices belonging to Brown employees and are where most of their work occurs.

These hallways are covered. Small exhibits of artifacts from the Institute’s permanent collection give life to the building. While explaining the history it holds.

When walking through the hall visitors can notice a small hallway branching off to their left. This hall leads to a faculty-only kitchen bathroom, and Common Room. 

This hallway also displays photos from history along with descriptions to inform the readers of their importance.

The Common Room has ample space for students or visitors to have meetings, study, or even have lunch. This room can also be reserved in advance granting privacy. The room has a monitor, meeting table, lots of seating, paintings, and even a small display of artifacts. The widows allow plenty of natural light in. 

If guests continue down the main hall of the building, there is a lecture room to their right filled with desks, a podium, and a projector. Many students sign up for classes that take part in that very room.

Outside of that room is a seating area that students use to wait for class, have a break, or even study. chairs to the side of each door accompanied by a small table. It’s relatively quiet, even if a class is going on. 

The wall can be retracted via a key on the outside and inside of the room. Both must be activated at the same time.

Now, visitors are welcome to use either the stairs or the elevator. The stairs are located to the left of the common room the elevator is near the offices on the left. The stairs also feature a small amount of art on the wall.

There are three floors total in the building.

The second floor is the library. It has seating for a small study group, individual desks to work independently, a staff-only kitchen, and offices. 

The Institute is home to hundreds of books, journals, and resources. It’s a perfect place for students to study and stay focused.

All the individual desks are placed away from each other, for optimal productivity and privacy. They also come with reading lights to help guests and students read.

They are perfect for getting work done.

The third floor is a perfect place for study groups and to relax. The floor is separated into two parts:

To the left, there’s a small lounge area and a desk with computers. This area is the perfect place for study groups or to do some research.

To the right, there’s a long table with multiple seats surrounded by desks with computers. This area is a prime spot for doing a ton of research and projects. Some small classes are also taught here.

The first and second floors also display artifacts. However, guests and students will notice that the second floor holds significantly more. 

All the artifacts on display do have descriptions. So guests or students can read more about them.

The Joukowsky Institute for Archaeology and the Ancient World is an amazing experience for students and guests. It’s a place worthy of respect. 

– Haylee Guellar, Joukowsky Institute PrepareRI Intern, Summer 2024