Westminster Arcade

The Westminster Arcade, located in downtown Providence, Rhode Island, is recognized as the first enclosed shopping mall in the United States, built in 1828. This historic site showcases stunning Greek Revival architecture, featuring six towering Ionic columns and a skylit interior. Initially slow to attract shoppers, it gained popularity after a fashionable hat shop opened nearby. The Arcade has undergone several renovations, most recently reopening in 2013 as a mixed-use space combining residential and commercial elements. Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1976, it offers visitors a glimpse into early American retail history and architectural innovation.