Our Neighborhood-by-Neighborhood Guide to Public Art in Boston

Skip museum fees and see everything from colorful murals to centuries-old statues.

public art

A mural in Jamaica Plain / Photo by Anna Buckley

Pablo Picasso once said, “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” We can’t think of a better away to wash away the dust from your soul than checking out public art, outdoors, for free.

Boston’s public art scene is sprawling, and not to mention, rich with cultural and historical depth. From massive, colorful murals in Jamaica Plain to centuries-old statues in the Public Garden, we have your guides (and helpful maps, too!) to the must-see works around town, broken down by neighborhood.

Photos by Anna Buckley


Plus: Public Art at Northeastern

See how the university’s campus, from elevators to underground tunnels, is turning into a canvas.

northeastern art

Photo by Olga Khvan