Rhode Island is a tiny state hiding plenty of treasures. One of them is the Sistine Chapel of America. Built in the early 1900s, this church is a true work of art in every sense of the phrase. If you haven’t yet visited the St. Ann Arts and Cultural Center, you need to plan a visit to this glorious spot.

The Saint Ann Arts and Cultural Center is a non-religiously affiliated, non-profit organization that is dedicated to preserving the former St. Ann's Roman Catholic Church in Woonsocket. When the church was closed and sold off in 2000, art lovers and former parishioners rallied to save the building and preserve the extraordinary art hidden inside.
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St. Ann's Church was built by French Canadian immigrants between 1914 and 1917. It was designed in the modern French Renaissance style and the architecture is rich in detail.
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The architecture itself is truly breathtaking. Light filters in through over 40 stained glass windows that were created by French artists and installed in the 1920s.
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The interior walls, vaults, and ceilings are a continuation of the awe-inspiring visual. Completely covered in fresco paintings by Guido Nincheri, a native of Florence, the themes are similar to those found in the Sistine Chapel.
Flickr/ Gary Brownell

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The artist used models from the community to complete the paintings featuring more than 475 faces throughout the church.
Flickr/ Gary Brownell
This Rhode Island gem houses the largest collection of frescos in North America. And as you take in each painting, you'll be silenced by all of the glorious art.
Flickr/ Gary Brownell
In 2011, Yankee Magazine called St. Ann's, "The Sistine Chapel of America" for its striking beauty and we couldn't agree more.
Flickr/ Gary Brownell
Today St. Ann Arts and Cultural Center is the site of weddings, receptions, concerts, and other treasured events. They also offer tours on Sundays from April 20th -December 25th.
Flickr/ Gary Brownell
When you need a dose of art and beauty in your life, plan a visit to tour St. Ann Arts and Cultural Center. It is quite a sight to behold.
Flickr/ Gary Brownell
St. Ann Arts and Cultural Center is a non-profit organization with no paid staff that runs solely on the dedication of their volunteers. Learn more on their website. Address: 84 Cumberland Street, Woonsocket, RI 02895.

Have you ever visited this chapel of art? You can also find plenty of Rhode Island’s stunning spots out in nature. Take one of these wonderful hikes that lead to fairytale footbridges to see for yourself.

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