This Is Your Last Chance to See Rhode Island’s Independent Man Up Close

If your weekend plans don't already include a trip to Rhode Island, here's why you may want to change that.

A 14-foot bronze and gold statue that hadn't been on the ground in nearly 50 years.

Last December Rhode Island's famed Independent Man was taken down from his lofty perch in Providence to receive some much needed repair and repainting.

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It had been nearly 50 years since the Independent Man was on the ground. Maintenance in 1976 brought him down the last time and repairs are what returned him to Earth again.

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Back in September 2023, drone footage discovered a dangerous gap in the Independent Man's marble base. The decision was made to remove the statue, repair the base and give the gold leaf on his larger-than-life frame an update.

Now after a year of being refurbished and on display to the public, the 125-year-old statue is heading back atop the State House dome.

And there's only three days left to see him up close inside the Rhode Island State House's Smith Street entryway.

Though initially thought to return to his dome over the fall, delays in fixing the dome meant a mid-December return instead. Depending on the weather, you should expect to see the Independent Man overlooking Providence again between December 12-20.

That means he must be prepared for his return home and leave the State House entryway by Monday December 9.

So if you're doing the math, people have just today, Friday and Saturday morning to view the Independent Man up close for what may be another 50 years.

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The State House is always open to the public weekdays from 8:30 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. Though typically closed weekends, this final weekend for the Independent Man means special Saturday hours from 10 A.M. - 1 P.M.

See this Rhode Island staple for yourself while you can!