The Best Works of Outdoor Public Art to See Around Boston [02/19/24]

Although we love Boston’s unique art museums and galleries, there’s a special energy about public art that’s created by and for the local community. The Hub’s public art scene is constantly growing and evolving, but you may be surprised at how much it has to offer. Check out these areas to experience murals, sculptures, pop-up art pieces, and more.

by Celina Colby

1) HarborArts

Where: East Boston

Transit: Take the Blue Line to Maverick, then walk 10 minutes

Info: In the shipyard where the ICA has their Watershed location, HarborArts has activated the industrial area with dozens of murals and sculptures, most by local artists. Many of these art pieces address climate change and shrinking shorelines, particularly poignant subject matter with the water in view.

[Photo by Harbor Arts]

2) Northeastern Centennial Common

Transit: Take the Green E line to Northeastern

Where: East Fenway

Info: The Northeastern campus is packed with public art from local and national artists. From the Centennial Common between Huntington Avenue and Ruggles Station, you can view a number of murals at once from the comfort of an Adirondack chair.

[Photo by Northeastern University]

3) Rose Kennedy Greenway

Transit: Take the Red Line to South Station

Where: Downtown

Info: The Greenway has a robust public art program that’s always changing. Catch a large-scale mural by local artist ProBlak in Dewey Square, plus sculptures and installations stretching from Chinatown to the North End. Even better, the Greenway offers free WiFi and QR codes linking to more information about the artists.

[Photo by @bretclancy]

4) Centre Street

Where: Jamaica Plain

Transit: Take the 39 bus to Centre Street at Myrtle Street

Info: Centre Street in Jamaica Plain has a lot to offer starting with jerk chicken and empanadas and ending with charming locally-owned shops. While strolling the strip you’ll spot many murals by local artists depicting abstract designs, scenes from history, and more.

[Photo by Purple Cactus]

5) Underground at Ink Block

Where: South End

Transit: Take the Red Line to Broadway then walk 7 minutes

Info: Underground at Ink Block is a dynamic public space underneath the elevated highway in the South End. This Urban Park features events, exercise classes, a dog park, walking and bike paths, and more than 20 murals utilizing the underpass in unique and beautiful ways.

[Photo by Underground at Ink Block]

6) Boston Common (and beyond)

Where: Downtown

Transit: Take the Green or Red Line to Park Street

Info: Boston Common and the Public Garden host many sculptures representing Boston’s history. Check out one of the newest additions, ‘The Embrace,’ by Hank Willis Thomas, celebrating Coretta Scott King and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Boston love story. Then visit one of Boston’s most beloved sculptures, the ‘Make Way for Ducklings’ bronze statues by Nancy Schön in the Public Garden.

[Photo by @jackdarylphotography]

7) Nubian Square

Where: Roxbury

Transit: Take the Silver Line, 1, 8, 14, 15, 19, 23, 28, 41, 42, 44, 45, 47, 66, or 171 bus to Nubian Station

Info: In Nubian Square, you’ll find a wide range of artistic styles in the murals that paint the neighborhood. The ‘Faces of Dudley’ mural by Mike Womble and Mayor’s Mural Crew is a slice of history, showing the old elevated Orange Line and gentlemen in dapper suits of a bygone era. Just down the street, a black-and-white unnamed mural by the artist Grotesk brings a more contemporary, abstract feel.

[Photo by City of Boston]

8) Zone3 Western Ave

Where: Allston

Info: Zone3 is a Harvard-fueled initiative popping up shops, events, restaurant concepts, and public art pieces in an often neglected section of Allston. Stroll the area to see lots of works by local artists, including the most recent mural installation by Sophie Tuttle that covers the entire facade of a former historic building.

[Photo by Drew Katz, Graffito]

9) Central Square

Where: Central Square, Cambridge

Info: One of Central Square’s most beloved public art spots is Graffiti Alley, where decades of graffiti talent have left their tags to create a beautiful abstract tunnel. Additionally, you can spot works by local artists like IMAGINE, Sylvia Lopez-Chavez, Cedric “VISE 1” Douglas & Julz Roth, and more.

OUTSIDE THE CITY

Punto Urban Art Museum

Where: Salem

Transit: Take the Newburyport/Rockport Commuter Rail Line to Salem

Info: Just a 25-minute train ride from Boston you can visit the Punto Urban Art Museum in Salem. Slightly removed from the witchy hub of downtown, this outdoor museum has attracted muralists from all over the world. There are more than 75 murals in a 3-block radius. Best of all, the mission-driven museum program advocates for affordable housing in the neighborhood.

[Photo by Punto Urban Art Museum]

Beyond Walls Lynn

Where: Lynn

Transit: Take Newburyport/Rockport Commuter Rail Line to Lynn

Info: Lynn has more than 65 murals by local, national, and international artists, and many of them are in the very walkable downtown area. No matter what kind of art speaks to you, you can find it in the Lynn street art scene.

[Photo by Beyond Walls]

Photo by @reneeisto

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