Massachusetts has world-renowned museums and festivals, glamorous theater venues, and world-class public art. Massachusetts also hosts a host of arts and cultural organizations spanning large institutions with multiple layers of activities to smaller groups serving specific neighborhoods or communities.
Explore Massachusetts' breathtaking landscapes through the eyes of esteemed local artists at various gallery exhibitions.
Theaters
Massachusetts boasts an energetic professional theatre scene that caters to fans of Broadway plays, period theater, or contemporary work - be it period plays, period theater productions, or contemporary works. Some venues are internationally acclaimed while others focus on regional productions; opera houses to charming neighborhood theaters - you're sure to find the ideal show in Massachusetts that fits both your taste and budget!
Boston's vibrant theater scene thrives throughout the year. From internationally acclaimed touring productions to unique, experimental local productions, there is never a lack of memorable performances to enjoy.
Many theaters also host special events and educational opportunities for their patrons. For instance, Boston Children's Theater features live theater performed entirely by children themselves while Amazing Things Art Center in Framingham offers performances tailored specifically toward youngsters. If you have budding thespians on your hands, Boston Little Thespians offers support services that can nurture their talent.
Colonial Theatre opened its doors in 1900 with a successful run of Ben-Hur. Since then, this historic theater has continued to attract culture enthusiasts and history enthusiasts, often serving as the stage before they make their official Broadway debuts--such as Anytime Goes and Oklahoma!
Somerville Theatre in Davis Square offers live theater performances as well as concerts when films aren't being shown; additionally, this venue holds a 10-day film festival each February.
At Landmark Kendall Square Cinema, moviegoers can experience an excellent mix of foreign language, restored classics and independent, limited-release releases, and documentary films. Plus, its high-quality screens and comfortable reclining seats. Beer and wine are also offered; special popcorn flavors created by top local chefs complete the experience.
Over the past several years, Boston theaters have experienced a change in leadership. As male directors have retired or stepped down, women have assumed these roles. This shift echoes a larger trend where more women have taken prominent positions within public service organizations, government (Maura Healey and Michelle Wu are prime examples), arts organizations, and public service.
Museums
Massachusetts boasts a long and storied history and culture, so it should come as no surprise that it boasts an active museumthe scene. These institutions are an excellent way to beat the heat this summer while enjoying art or learning more about a certain period.
Massachusetts museums boast an array of offerings to appeal to visitors from every background and interest. You might enjoy taking in Monet's art, or want to delve deeper into key US events - no matter the case there's sure to be one nearby that fits the bill!
The Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History and American History are two of the most beloved institutions in Boston, showcasing an array of exhibits sure to please everyone. Also worth exploring is nearby Museum of Fine Arts which boasts an impressive collection of European, Asian, and American artwork.
Massachusetts boasts several noteworthy museums, including the Cape Cod Maritime Museum which hosts an array of maritime exhibits that will fascinate anyone with an interest in maritime history and marine biology. Additionally, this museum houses one of New England's most technologically advanced digital theaters - Charles Hayden Planetarium.
The Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art offers an amazing array of artwork spanning ancient Chinese scroll paintings to modern installations. Additionally, educational programs and hands-on workshops can help expand your artistic horizons or simply broaden existing knowledge.
Massachusetts boasts many worthwhile museums to visit, such as the Captain Lemuel Clap House in Dorchester which displays an intriguing assortment of Colonial artifacts. Open to visitors every third Saturday of each month.
Sandwich Museum of Natural History boasts more than 100 acres of lush woodlands and features local plants and animals in their natural environments - as well as offering classic carousels! Perfect for families with young children looking for fresh air while seeing an array of animals at play!
Festivals
Massachusetts offers an exciting festival scene to match its vibrant university community, with events to suit various interests and passions. Take your pick of music, art and food at local fairs and festivals across Massachusetts throughout the year. Sample maple syrup, cheeses, chowder, seafood, or craft beer; shop handmade art or crafts or sample local foods like maple syrup cheese chowder seafood craft beer as well as craft beer or even attend celebrations from world cultures such as Scottish Irish Italian French Canadian and Portuguese cultures!
Massachusetts hosts numerous major events each year, such as the Boston Calling music festival which brings top acts like Foo Fighters and The Lumineers for an electric dance party every Memorial Day Weekend. Or you might enjoy visiting Revere Beach Sand Sculpting Festival which allows visitors to stroll along its shore and admire impressive sculptures made out of sand.
Attractions that you might experience on your trip include the Chinatown August Moon Festival, which celebrates Asian culture and thanks for a successful harvest through dancing and arts and crafts; Lilac Sunday at Arnold Arboretum features cherry trees and rhododendrons in bloom; don't miss the annual New Year's Eve celebration, First Night (held annually since 1975), which features live music performances, fireworks shows, and family-oriented activities!
Greenfest, an environmentally-conscious event designed to foster care of the planet through music, dance, sustainable products, electric vehicles, and more, aims to engage communities to care for our earth through music, dance, sustainable products, and electric vehicles. For animal enthusiasts out there - be sure to attend Harpoon Brewery's Dogtoberfest celebration in October for an extra dose of canine fun!
Massachusetts is home to numerous lively parades and public events, from seafood celebrations to feasts in honor of St. Agrippina di Mineo. Or experience something truly unique by exploring Minute Man National Historical Park; here you can witness first-hand how revolutionary war battles began unfolding in historic Concord and Lexington.
Public Art
Public art brings life and vibrancy to our streets - from an impressive sculpture depicting Boston's legendary lion and unicorn atop Old State House to vibrant murals depicting dogs and cats on sidewalks in Somerville - by providing color, depth, and joy for our communities. High-quality artwork enriches not just famous parks or public spaces in our cities but every neighborhood too.
Art inspired by water can bring people together and strengthen communities in multiple ways, from an immersive sound and visual experience at the Esplanade's Hatch Memorial Shell to community installations honoring descendants of slaves in Chelsea. Art created around water brings people closer together while strengthening local identities.
Street artists add vibrancy and culture to each community through murals that celebrate culture and history. Look out for works by Kenji Nakayama near Washington Street in Somerville; Dana Woulfe in East Boston's Newmarket area; Kimou "Grotesk" Meyer around Dudley Square; Alex Lukas on Dorchester Avenue in South Boston or Caleb Neelon all over Boston or further afield.
At SMFA, Puerto Rican-born artist Sofia Cordova welcomes visitors with a billboard outside its building entrance titled Braid & Huddle: A Touch Could Be the Spark to coincide with her solo exhibition Backed Up Into Dawn that runs through October.
Making It Public Training Series, offered to Massachusetts artists and municipalities by NEFA, fosters an evolving community of practice aimed at creating more vibrant public spaces through public artmaking. Explore this free training, and apply now to participate in 2024!
On the MBTA Orange Line inbound from Sullivan Square toward North Station, an old bus shelter has become an exhibit space for local artists to display their artwork - from bubble-lettered throw-ups by local street artist Wolftits to gigantic topless wolf women with giant clawed hands by local street artist known as Wolftits - making their mark both playful and profound.
Art in our cities, towns and neighborhoods can reflect the diversity of its population. From commemorating African American regiments who served during the Civil War to monuments honoring descendants of slaves living in Chelsea or an evocative horse and rider sculpture at Chelsea Art Museum - high quality place-based art is central to defining Massachusetts identity.
Post a Comment