Robinson Hall, Providence

Robinson Hall is home to the Brown University Department of Economics. However, it was originally built as a library in 1878. The building was designed by architects William R. Walker and Thomas Gould in the Venetian-Gothic architectural style. It is noted for its octagonal cupola, stained glass windows and round rotunda.

The building was funded by John Carter Brown who bequeathed the money and land for a library. A marble bust of Brown was originally in the entrance, but it was removed after the statue's nose was broken. In addition to this bust, statues of an owl, a fox and mountain lions appeared near the entrance to the library.

Robinson Hall was renamed in 1946 after Ezekiel Gilman Robinson who was the president of Brown University when the building was constructed. It was given the new name after the John Hay Library became the chief library for the campus and the hall itself was primarily used as classrooms and offices.