Curate your exhibit bucket list 🖼️

Local exhibits to explore in 2023

People standing in front of paintings at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston

Let your fellow arts and culture enthusiasts know about these exhibits. | Photo by @vnayakphoto

With so many museums, libraries, and collections in our city, it can be tough to decide which exhibits to explore first.

For fellow curious minds, we’ve compiled five current + upcoming exhibits you’ll want to check out this year.

🌎 Fellow Wanderer: Isabella’s Travel Albums

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum | Now through May 21

The Fenway museum is welcoming all wanderers to see the world through Isabella Stewart Gardner’s eyes. This collection explores global influences on the art collector’s vision through pages from nine of her travel journals.

🗺️ Building Blocks: Boston Stories from Urban Atlases

Boston Public Library | Now through August 19

On your next trip to the Central Library, discover how our city’s urban fabric changed in the period from the Civil War to World War II with the Boston Public Library’s urban atlas collection. Stay tuned for our history of street names story to learn more about how our city has changed throughout the years.

🎥 After Hope: Videos of Resistance

Peabody Essex Museum | March 11-Dec. 31

Drive or catch the commuter rail to visit the Salem museum, which will host this exhibit of 54 short videos exploring the role of hope in art and activism. The collection spans more than six hours and highlights artists from across Asia.

🌊 Hokusai: Inspiration and Influence

Museum of Fine Arts | March 26-July 16

Explore the work of Katsushika Hokusai, the artist behind the “Great Wave.” Visitors will find 100+ woodblock prints, paintings, and illustrated books by Hokusai, plus works that show his influence on other artists.

🔥 Revisiting the Ruins: The Great Boston Fire of 1872

Boston Athenaeum | Opening in April

This historic membership library on Beacon Street will showcase artifacts from the Great Boston Fire, following the event’s 150th anniversary this past November.

If you’re looking for even more to explore, check out our guide to hidden gem museums around Boston.

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Monday, Feb. 20

Monday Movie Night: “Twilight” Edition | Monday, Feb. 20 | 7-9 p.m. | Lamplighter CX, 110 N First St., Cambridge | Free | Whether you’re Team Edward or Team Jacob, all are welcome at this viewing party.

Tuesday, Feb. 21

Kids Interactive Musical Storytelling | Tuesday, Feb. 21 | 1-1:30 p.m. | Boston Public Market, 100 Hanover St., Boston | Free | Bring the kids to this 30-minute musical storytelling event with the New England Conservatory.
Disney-Themed Trivia Night | Tuesday, Feb. 21 | 7:30-10:30 p.m. | Thirsty Scholar, 70 Beacon St., Somerville | Free to attend | Sip three special cocktails inspired by Disney films and put your magical knowledge to the test during trivia.

Wednesday, Feb. 22

Winter Cycling Chat | Wednesday, Feb. 22 | 3-4 p.m. | Upham’s Corner Library, 500 Columbia Rd., Dorchester | Free | Join this winter cycling chat to talk about public bike share programs, clothes to keep you warm, and safety tips for riding in the dark.

Thursday, Feb. 23

Harvard Art Museums at Night | Thursday, Feb. 23 | 5-9 p.m. | Harvard Art Museums, 32 Quincy St., Cambridge | Free | Enjoy free museum admission, mingle in the Calderwood Courtyard, and grab drinks from Aeronaut Brewing Company.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

55º | Cloudy | 10% chance of rain

Announced

Outdoor dining will look a bit different this year. The city’s new permanent outdoor dining program allows restaurants to set up patios on sidewalks or in parking spots if they pay a fee, but North End eateries will be restricted to sidewalk space only. 🍽️ (WBUR)

Development

The BPDA approved plans to redevelop a five-acre site on Lincoln Street in Allston-Brighton into a mixed-use development. The project will include offices, labs, 250+ apartments, and ~18,000 sqft of retail space.

Number

$50 million. That’s how much funding a new state grant program is putting towards “decarbonizing” housing. The money will be used for upgrading electrical panels, adding insulation, and making other energy efficient changes to low-income Massachusetts homes. (WBUR)

Concert

Zac Brown Band will be playing a “10 Years Stronger Benefit Concert” on Sunday, April 16. The MGM Music Hall show commemorates the 10th anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombing + proceeds will go to the Greg Hill Foundation. We’re keeping an eye out for ticket information. 🎤

Sports

The 2023 Isobel Cup Playoffs will begin Thursday, March 16 in Boston and Toronto, with Bentley Arena in Waltham hosting the semifinal series. The Boston Pride are currently leading the Premier Hockey Federation with 40 points. 🏒

Health

Due to increased demand, statewide COVID-19 vaccination clinics will continue through the end of March. No appointments are needed to visit these clinics, which are offering $75 gift cards to local retailers.

Kids

Today marks the start of February school vacation week. If you’re a parent looking for fun things to do with the kiddos, check out our guide to 20+ kid-friendly activities in the area.

Legacy

Local television news reporter Bill Shields died Saturday at the age of 70, following a battle with cancer. The WBZ-TV journalist worked for CBS Boston for 41 years. (Mass Live)

The Word

Baño. That’s Spanish for “bathroom” — something you’ll definitely need to know if you’re traveling to Central or South America this year, like 12% of our readers. Babbel’s easy, bite-sized lesson plans will ensure you know what to say when you have to go. (Read: Be talking like a local in as little as three weeks.) 🌏 *

Shop

Say goodbye to wrinkled clothes. This sleek garment steamer is leakproof and lightweight, making it easy to steam your clothes from home or while on the go. Bonus: It heats up in just 30 seconds and is suitable for a wide range of fabrics. 👚 *

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Calling all cyclists 🚲

Bluebikes annual Winter Challenge returns

Consider this your sign to start biking around town. | Photo by BOStoday team

In an effort to get more Bostonians biking, Bluebikes is once again hosting its winter challenge.

Now through March 15, riders can receive prizes based on the number of trips completed. Take more than five trips to get a shareable digital badge and more than 25 trips for half off a monthly membership.

Those who really put the pedal to the metal and take 65+ trips during the next four weeks will even score a free annual membership.

Bonus: If you’re one of 100 riders who visit the most unique stations, you could win a limited-edition Bluebikes iron-on patch to proudly display on your gear. Keep an eye out for the biking network’s list of one-of-a-kind stations.

To get started, check the map to locate your nearest station. If you’re feeling extra inspired to join the local biking community, check out these city-led cycling events and programs.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Sara.

Editor’s pick: The Charles River Esplanade was always one of my favorite spots for a scenic stroll on BU’s campus. I’m so glad to see the riverside park get the recognition it deserves from USA Today. 🌳

As we look forward to the start of spring and more time outdoors, let me know if you have a favorite local park to frequent.

Missed Monday’s newsletter? Learn about the city’s recent $67 million investment in affordable housing.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Jessica Burton, Sara Frazier, Josh Kranzberg, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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