We all know that Boston has a vibrant arts scene — and we’re not just talking about the Museum of Fine Arts or the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. One of our all-time favorite galleries? Boston itself.
Our city is home to a number of meaningful murals and street art pieces. Today, we’re sharing where to find 13 works of art that really paint a picture of our city.
Chinatown
“Where We Belong” | By Ponnapa Prakkamakul
This Chinatown art piece starts as a bowl of noodles on Essex Street, then transforms into a dragon when viewed on Oxford Street. The mural also features short stories about eating noodles written in both English and Chinese.
“Tale of an Ancient Vase” | By Bryan Beyung
This depiction of a white and blue vase honors Emperor Shun, a legendary figure of ancient China. It was created as part of an Office of Arts and Culture initiative to display the heritage of Boston’s diverse communities.
We’ve got all the heart eyes for this mural.
Photo by @rockyinstyle
Downtown and Back Bay
“Heart and Wings Mural” | By Joan Aylward
This highly Instagrammable piece was made by the same artistic force behind other notable artworks at local bars. Think: The Point, Lucky’s, and Daisy Buchanan’s.
Rob Gibbs’ mural is the showstopper of the Greenway.
Photo by @g.ortizphotography
“Breathe Life Together” | By Rob “ProBlak” Gibbs
If you didn’t get to witness this Dewey Square mural coming to life, stop by the Rose Kennedy Greenway to see part of Rob Gibbs’ series that highlights joyful Black children.
We’re seeing blue.
Photo by @heathercowen401
“Protect the Blue Planet” | By Shepard Fairey
Created for the Sea Walls: Artists for Oceans public art program, this bright blue mural shows a North Atlantic right whale below a globe. The artist Shepard Fairey also designed the “HOPE” poster for Barack Obama’s presidential campaign.
Allston
Learn more about Rita’s legacy.
Photo by @rixyfz
“Rita’s Spotlight” | By Rixy
A relative newcomer to the Allston neighborhood, this mural was installed in July 2022 as part of the city’s Transformative Art Program. It depicts Rita Hester, a Black transgender woman whose murder sparked the Transgender Day of Remembrance.
This Allston mural rocks.
Photo by @crocpaints
“Rock City” | By Dave Croc
Snap a picture with the rock and roll legend from Aerosmith just one block away from where the band used to live in Allston. The Steven Tyler piece is the first public mural by this local artist.
South End
The budget for this artwork? $87,500.
Photo by @marka27
“Souledad” | By Victor “Marka27" Quinonez
Located on the exterior of Washington Manor, this larger than life mural was inspired by the history of cultural gatherings at Villa Victoria. The symbolic images include an authentic Chinese dragon and an African textile wrap with the Puerto Rican flag.
Stop by Underground at Ink Block next time you’re in the South End.
Photo by @rhonainboston
“Cranes in the Sky” | By Victor “Marka27" Quinonez
The outdoor street art gallery “Underground at Ink Block” is home to tons of murals — including this piece you might have seen while driving along I-93. The mural showcases “an Afro-futuristic woman’s face and cranes flying overhead.”
Cambridge
This is a love letter to the Charles River area.
Photo by @percyfortiniwright
“Charles Gate” | By Percy Fortini-Wright
Head to Kendall Square to see fish, birds, water, and even the MBTA along Main Street. The artist drew inspiration from the diversity of the Charles River area in hopes of connecting Greater Boston to the watershed.
Bonus: Plan a visit to Cambridge’s “Graffiti Alley,” an 80-ft walkway on Massachusetts Avenue with abundant street art.
Charlestown
“Connected Through Time” | By Silvia Lopez Chavez
The local dairy company HP Hood commissioned this Charlestown mural to celebrate the company’s 175th anniversary. The focal point is two women embracing and welcoming viewers to the neighborhood.
Dorchester
“The Beloved Community” | By Alex Cook
A collaboration with Boston Student Advisory Council, this mural features a community surrounding the word “love.” The aim is to bring awareness to the issue of gun violence across the city.
East Boston
Pandora is seen trapped in a bottle.
Photo by @mienlaza
“Plastic Pandora” | By Lauren YS
Presented by HarborArts, this piece references the Greek myth of Pandora’s box. The mural evokes a call to action about reducing plastic waste.
Want to make a day out of finding all the murals our city has to offer? Have a peek at the city’s mural map + share photos of your artsy adventure with us on social media by using #BOStoday.
