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5 brilliant cultural spaces to visit in Boston

November 15, 2024

What’s Boston known for? So much! Boston has a rich history and is one of the best walking cities in the United States. There’s the historic port, plenty of green space, and many cultural spaces to visit. Head to the app to get all the details you need to plan your Boston culture trip.

Note that app links work best on your smartphone with the Bloomberg Connects app downloaded.

Museum of Fine Arts 

Start off big with a visit to the 20th largest art museum in the world: the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. The MFA Boston was founded in 1870 and today hosts one of the most comprehensive and varied collections of art in the U.S. To help you navigate the space and discover amazing pieces, MFA Boston has created a number of Featured Tours on the app. We recommend checking out art exhibits including “Black Arts and Artists Tour,” “Arts of Japan,” and the “Art of the Italian Renaissance.

Exterior of Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Courtesy of Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Museum of Science 

Then make your way to the Museum of Science, Boston. This museum started as the Boston Society of Natural History in 1830, set up to share the founders’ interest in science. The museum was renamed and relocated a few times over the years but continues with the mission – to inspire a lifelong love of science in everyone. There is so much to see – it’s home to over 100 animals, there are over 700 interactive science exhibits, and New England’s only domed IMAX theater is on site. You can explore wing by wing with “Theater of Electricity” in the blue wing or  “Hall of Human Life” in the green. Why not give the“Space Sciences Tour” a go.

The exterior of the Museum of Science from the bank of the Charles River.
The exterior of the Museum of Science from the bank of the Charles River. Courtesy of Museum of Science, Boston.

ICA/Boston

First founded as the Boston Museum of Modern Art in 1936 as the renegade offspring of the Museum of Modern Art, the Institute of Contemporary Art Boston has a long history of sharing contemporary art in Boston and has the bold vision for amplifying the artists’ voices. Its exhibitions, performances and education programmes invite everyone to experience the excitement of new art and ideas. ICA/Boston is located on Boston Harbor  and you can find all about the “Building Design Highlights” or take in one of the exhibitions on view such as “Igshaan Adams” or “Wordplay.”

Photo of the exterior of ICA/Boston
Simone Leigh, Satellite, 2022. Bronze, 24 feet × 10 feet × 7 feet 7 inches (7.3 × 3 × 2.3 m). Installation view, Simone Leigh, the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston, 2023. Courtesy the artist and Matthew Marks Gallery. Photo by Timothy Schenck. © Simone Leigh

Old North Church & Historic Site

Next up is the oldest church in Boston – The Old North, built in 1723. There are three centuries of history to discover here, including how it became an iconic landmark of the American Revolution – famous for its part in Paul Revere’s midnight ride. The Old North Church & Historic Site’s guide is rich with information – we recommend “Who Sat Here?” to learn all about the fascinating people who have been part of its story and the new video series “Illuminating the Unseen” that shines a light on Black and Indigenous people who have been excluded from the church’s historical narrative to date. 

Photo of Old North Church & Historic Site
Courtesy of Old North Church & Historic Site

USS Constitution Museum 

Across the Harbor, there’s your chance to learn more about American maritime culture aboard the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world: the USS Constitution, also known as “Old Ironsides.” First launched in Boston Harbor in 1797 and a US ship of state, today the USS Constitution Museum is dedicated to sharing stories of its part in national history. Start exploring today through the video tour “Anatomy of Victory Tour” and objects from the navy vessel like the “Java Battle Diagram” and “A page of the Timber Merchant’s Guide.”

Photo of the exterior of USS Constitution Museum.
Courtesy of USS Constitution Museum.

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