Regarded as one of the most cultural cities in the US, Boston has an abundance of art venues, from galleries to theatres.
Visual Art
There are plenty of magnificent public art collections in Boston. Start by heading down Huntington Avenue. This area has been dubbed ‘The Avenue of the Arts’ as it is home to many important artistic venues, most significantly Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts. One of the largest museums in the United States, it houses approximately 450,000 works of art, making it the second largest art collection in the Western World. Over a million visitors flock to the museum each year. Its extensive collection comprises of an array of Egyptian artefacts, French Impressionist paintings, including of the largest collection of Monet paintings outside of France, and the biggest collection of Japanese art outside of Japan. The Museum of fine arts is free on Wednesday afternoon after 4pm.
Just a block away on Palace Road is the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, which is also known as Fenway Court. Established in 1903 by art collector and philanthropist Isabella Stewart Gardner, the museum has over 2,500 works on display. Included in the collection are both historic and contemporary pieces from Europe, Asia and America. Besides paintings, the collection also consists of sculptures, tapestries and decorative art. This unique museum is three floors and surrounds beautiful covered garden courtyard. Isabella Steward Gardner was an adamant supporter of the arts, and Boston. To this day anyone named Isabella is offered free admissions to the museum.
Bringing modern art to Boston audiences is the Institute for Contemporary Art. The internationally renowned gallery has played host to some of the world’s leading contemporary artist including Pablo Picasso, Edvard Munch and Andy Warhol. Besides visual art, the ICA exhibits work in a variety of media including film, video installation, performance art, music and literature. Recently relocated to a visionary building on Boston's Fan Pier, the gallery’s modern glass and steel structure is an art piece in itself and definitely worth the visit. Free admissions to the ICA is offered every Friday after 5pm
Performing Arts
Boston’s Theatre District is the heart of Boston’s theatrical world. Home to some of the finest theatres, here you’ll find The Cutler Majestic Theatre, Boston Opera House and The Wang Centre of Performing Art, where the prestigious Boston Ballet frequently holds performances. Downtown Boston is where performance and history meet, as this area contains three historic theatres: The Colonial Theatre, The Wilbur Theatre, and The Charles Playhouse. Here you’ll be able to see some of the newest Broadway hits in some of the oldest theatres in the city. There are many more playhouses scattered throughout town, and you are guaranteed to find performances to suit all ages and tastes. Thinking of taking in a show? Then check out our What’s On guide for recommended viewing.
However, in Boston you don’t have to go to a theatre to be entertained. Dancers, musicians, jugglers, clowns, puppeteers and a host of other street acts enliven Quincy Market at Faneuil Hall. Buskers perform here every day of the year, but every May these buskers are given the chance to shine at the Annual Street Performers Festival.
