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Veterans Memorial Auditorium

Providence, Italy

Veterans Memorial Auditorium

Veterans Memorial Auditorium (The VETS; formerly VMA) is a performing arts theater in Providence, Rhode Island. Construction began in 1928 but was delayed by the Great Depression. The theater was finally completed in 1950. Noted local architect Oresto DiSaia was given the contract to plan the comple

tion. The VETS is among the oldest arts venues in Rhode Island and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The adjacent Performing Arts Complex was erected in 1970 and is partially owned by the Veterans' Memorial Foundation. It was completely restored in 1990. The ornately designed 1,931-seat concert hall houses the largest theater stage in Rhode Island. The performance space features a gilded proscenium arch, as well as allegorical and heraldic ceiling murals. The Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra holds several concerts at The VETS each year. In addition, The VETS hosts a broad range of events each season, offering a variety of performances, rehearsals, exhibitions, concerts, educational events, meetings, and other special events. Since 1950, when the theater opened, it began to fall into disrepair. In the early 1980s, the state of Rhode Island was thinking of closing the auditorium...

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