Veterans Memorial Auditorium, known as The VETS, is a 2,011-seat performing arts theatre at One Avenue of the Arts in Providence, Rhode Island. Construction began in 1928 as part of a complex for the Rhode Island Freemasons, designed in a Classical Revival style, but was halted by the Great Depression and the building did not open until January 27, 1950. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The VETS houses the largest theatre stage in Rhode Island and is acclaimed for some of the best acoustics in New England. The ornate interior features a gilded proscenium arch, allegorical and heraldic ceiling murals depicting the shields of Rhode Island's original 39 communities, and exquisite period detailing. The venue underwent a four-year, fourteen-point-eight-million-dollar renovation completed in 2015 that added state-of-the-art sound and lighting, twenty securable dressing rooms, and upgraded backstage facilities. In 2022 the original 72-year-old seats were replaced by Irwin Seating Company, increasing capacity from 1,933 to 2,011 with improved comfort and ADA arrangements. The VETS is managed by Professional Facilities Management and has hosted Chris Botti, Wynton Marsalis, Bryan Adams, and Amy Schumer.

Type: Theater / Concert Hall

Address: 1 Avenue of the Arts, Providence, RI, United States, 02903

Telephone: 401-421-2787

Website: https://www.thevetsri.com/

Capacity: 2011

Opening Date: 01/01/1929