[Update: The State House will be open on Saturday from 10am to 1pm, in addition to the regular weekday hours.] Only a few days remain for viewing the Independent Man, brought down from atop the dome last year for repairs and regilding. The bronze and gold statue stands just inside the front door of the Smith Street entrance. You can’t miss him. And you shouldn’t miss him. The actual final day for viewing is a little unclear so I’m going with the report in the Providence Journal. Katherine Gregg is always a reliable source:
Here’s what is happening: The 15-foot statue will be removed from public view by Dec. 9 to begin preparations for its travel back to the top of the State House.
The Independent Man will be lifted back onto the State House dome “sometime between Dec. 12-20,” but the actual date will be weather dependent.
Soooo . . . given that the building is not generally open on weekends, Friday might be the final opportunity for the public to wish him a bon voyage. [Saturday 10am to 1pm has been added to the normal weekday hours.]
Once he is returned to the top of the dome, his unveiling will be done in stages for last-minute touch-ups and the removal of the scaffolding.
We included a little history last May when the refurbished statue was first displayed in all his golden glory.
The State House is closed weekends and holidays. Hours: Monday thru Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm.
The Rhode Island State House, 82 Smith Street, (directions)
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