Tufts Blogs

 

SMFA’s campus on the Avenue of the Arts in Boston is a quick trip by foot or public transportation to a wide variety of restaurants, historical sites, shops, galleries, museums, and more.

Explore these personalized maps from the SMFA Admissions team to get a better sense of the city that surrounds us!

 

 

 

 

Julia’s Guide to Public Art Around Boston

Public art is free and fun for all. My favorite pieces of public art in town are all accessible by public transportation or bike (my favorite way to experience Boston). Check them out:

Glove Cycle by Mags Harries

Catch the T (Boston’s subway system) from the Porter Square station, where SMFA faculty Mags Harries’ clever installation, Glove Cycle, lives.

Dewey Square Mural

See a much-larger-than-life, rotating selection of murals in Dewey Square by internationally renowned graffiti artists, muralists, and artists like Os Gemeos, Super A, and Shinique Smith (an SMFA alumna).

The Charlestown Bells by Paul Matisse

Walk from Boston proper to neighboring Charlestown alongside the iconic Zakim Bridge. Where the Charles River meets Boston Harbor, you can play a lovely tune on this interactive installation by local artist Paul Matisse (grandson of Henri Matisse and stepson of Marcel Duchamp).

Sargent Murals at the Boston Public Library by John Singer Sargent

After you study John Singer Sargent’s mural sketches and paintings close up at the Museum of Fine Arts, see his work in action on the walls and vaults of the Boston Public Library. 

Greenway Carousel by Jeff Briggs and William Rogers

Animals native to Boston Harbor (joined by a few imagined creatures), sculpted and painted by locals Jeff Briggs and William Rogers respectively, spin around the Greenway Carousel, delighting visitors of The Greenway and nearby Faneuil Hall, Boston Harbor, and the North End.

Make Way for Ducklings by Nancy Shön

Alongside the tulip-lined pathways of the Public Garden, SMFA Alumna Nancy Shön pays tribute to Robert McCloskey’s beloved tale, “Make Way for Ducklings.” Though maybe not intended as an interactive art piece, the community nonetheless delights in dressing up the ducklings in scarves, sunglasses, or the jerseys of the latest sports team to win something big.

Whale Mural by Ronnie Deziel

MA locals remember driving by the Whale Mural on I-93, in which clown fish spell out “BOSTON”. Nowadays, you can explore the South End neighborhood, passing through the SOWA Arts District, to see the iconic aquatic mural.

Rainbow Swash by Corita Kent

Former nun and prolific Boston artist Corita Kent designed this unlikely Boston landmark, a rainbow splashed across a gas storage tank in Dorchester, Boston’s largest neighborhood.

Giant Milk Bottle by Arthur Gagner

This milk bottle has been around town: originally a humble homemade ice cream stand on a Taunton roadside, its list of owners is varied and includes the Rough and Ready Underwear Company. It now dispenses snacks outside the Children’s Museum in Southie, a short walk from downtown across the Fort Point Channel. Is it art? I don’t know, but it’s definitely cute.

The Wall (Graffiti Alley) Central Square

Locals and internationally known street artists alike (think Shepard Fairey, Stikman, Swoon) collaborate on this colorful alleyway in Central Square.

The Embrace by Hank Willis Thomas

The Embrace represents the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, who met in Boston, where King earned his Ph.D. The larger-than-life abstraction invites viewers to "stand in the heart of their hug" and serves as a representation of our rich history and expansive cultural community.

Look to Your Elders by Victor (Marka27) Quiñonez

This gorgeous mural is one of many by SMFA alumnus Victor Quiñonez, who's also the creative director at Street Theory, an award-winning creative agency.

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Huntington Ave Entrance Commission

The MFA displays annual commissions that invite artists to create site-specific artworks for the Huntington Avenue Entrance. For the inaugural project, the Museum selected internationally recognized artist and SMFA alumnus Alan Michelson, a Mohawk member of Six Nations of the Grand River who was raised in Boston.

 

Virginia's Guide to Beaches Accessible by Public Transportation

1. Revere Beach, Revere

America’s first public beach—just a short ride north. Hosts a fun sandcastle building competition in the summer and a favorite people-watching destination. It’s accessible via the MBTA Blue Line--Wonderland or Revere Beach station.

2. Carson Beach, South Boston

An urban beach along the South Boston shoreline. Home to beach volleyball leagues. Walk several miles along the harborwalk to Sullivan’s at Castle Island, a destination for all things fried! Easily reachable from JFK/UMass on the Red Line.

3. Savin Hill Beach, Dorchester

A smaller, quieter stretch of beach near Savin Hill station on the Red Line.

4. Constitution Beach, East Boston

A unique, man-made crescent beach with playgrounds, bathhouse, and courts—close to Logan Airport. Take the Blue Line to Orient Heights.

5. Wollaston Beach, Quincy

The largest public beach in Boston Harbor, with a long promenade and scenic harbor views. Take the Red Line to Wollaston station.

 

Thomas’s Guide to Bookstores 

1. Brattle Book Shop

One of the oldest bookshops in the country. Antiquarian books on the third floor, $1-$5 sale books in their extensive outside stalls, and everything else in between!

2. The Museum of Fine Arts Bookshop

Our neighbors, our namesake, our one-stop artbook destination. Just cross the street to peruse hundreds of artbooks that reflect the diversity of the MFA’s encyclopedic collection.

3. Brookline Booksmith

“Dedicated to the fine art of browsing.” Book clubs, community events, and lots of recommendations. Used books in the basement.

4. Black Market Flea

Bi-monthly DIY flea market featuring an assortment of local zines and various hand-made sundries.

5. ICA Bookstore

Sit back and let the expert book buyers of the ICA curate your experience. Also, I should add that this is the best collection of art tchotchkes in town.

6. Harvard Book Store (named for the square not the university – though, to be fair, the square was named for the university)

IMHO, the best of the best – a broad range of subjects, a deeply discounted remaindered and used book basement(!), author events, self-publishing, friendly (and knowledgeable) staff. You want it, they got it!

7. MIT Press Bookstore (this one is named for the university)

Get your geek on! Art! Architecture! Computer science! Cognition! Neuroscience! Linguistics! Deep discounts on MIT Press books!

8. Grolier Poetry Book Shop

The name says it all (it’s all poetry!).

 

Dan’s Top Five Local Movie Theaters

Whether you’re just beginning your cinematic journey or you’re a full on cinephile, Boston’s independent movie theaters won’t disappoint! Check out these theaters next time you feel like experiencing a film on the big screen:

1. The Brattle Theatre

The Brattle is your premiere local independent movie theatre! Nowhere else will you find such an eclectic, bizarre assortment of movies both new and old. Everything from classics to cult-hits, you’re sure to find an exciting moviegoing experience here. This theatre also runs many great series including “Screening on 35mm” and “Weird Wednesdays” which can help introduce you to movies you may not normally see!

2. Kendall Square Cinema

Kendall Square Cinema is a bit more modern (this means super comfy seats) and is great for keeping up with newly released independent films. Where else can you see posters for Yorgos Lanthimos and Gaspar Noe next to the latest Marvel movie?

3. Somerville Theatre

This old theatre has a sound system that can pack a punch (and the popcorn is pretty good too). I had the pleasure of seeing 2001: A Space Odyssey on 70mm here and can tell you it was one of the most authentic movie-going experiences I’ve ever had. A lot of care goes into the screenings here, and the staff often give insightful introductions before the movie starts.

4. Cinema Salem

Boston’s commuter rail train system will take you to Salem, a busy town on Boston’s north shore famous for its witch trials and now filled with good food, great art, and of course – movies! Their local theatre is a small, unassuming theatre inside the mall, but they have an awesome team curating their screening selections. This is a great place to go for some “midnight movies” like Eraserhead and House as well as new releases!

5. Coolidge Corner

They run amazing programs including “Big Screen Classics” and “Coolidge after Midnite”. The selection of movies in these two programs alone includes Die Hard, Terminator 2, Rocky Horror Picture Show, and The Shining (on 35mm at that!) If you’re a cinephile, you can’t go wrong here.

 

Nicole’s Guide to Birding the Emerald Necklace

The Emerald Necklace is a 1,100-acre chain of parks, parkways, and waterways that was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. It runs from Boston’s Back Bay through Brookline and Jamaica Plain and ends at Franklin Park in Dorchester.  There are so many great spots to explore and if you look closely you’ll spot some stunning local birds.  Some recommended items to take with you are a sketchbook, camera, or binoculars and a snack and water bottle.  

Stop 1: Back Bay Fens 

The Back Bay Fens is right in the SMFA’s front yard! The Back Bay Fens used to be a stagnant saltwater marsh until Olmstead reinvented the space by combining landscape architecture with sanitary engineering to transform the tidal creek into a freshwater marsh helping to support a wide range of animals.  Fens inhabitants include Canadian Geese, Mallards, as well as Catbirds and variety Sparrows.  If you’re lucky you may spot a Great Blue Heron or a Hooded Merganser fishing in the waterways. 

Stop 2: The Riverway 

Next, take a walk through The Riverway along the Muddy River that runs between Boston and Brookline. You’ll continue to find waterfowl and geese, but this wooded area supports many songbirds as well.  Some common species include American Robins, Mourning Doves, Blue Jays, and more! 

Stop 3: Olmstead Park

Olmstead Park is popular for runners and cyclists with its numerous trails and scenic views.  Olmstead specifically built two islands in Leverett Pond to provide shelter and seclusion for nesting birds.  You may spot a greater number of species during migration and nesting season such as Ring-necked Ducks, Northern Shovelers, American Black Ducks and American Coots.

Stop 4: Jamaica Pond 

Stop by the Boathouse on Jamaica Pond to rent a sailboat and rowboat to get a closer look at the local waterfowl. You’ll find Ruddy Ducks, Wood Ducks, Mallards, and Mute Swans on the water. You’ll spot Tree Swallows catching the bugs along the surface of the pond or Double-crested Cormorants drying their wings along the shore after a fishing excursion. 

Stop: 5 Arnold Arboretum

The Arnold Arboretum is a 281-acre section of the Necklace that includes meadows, forests, and ponds that create a naturalized setting for plants collected from around the globe. It’s a living collection of more than 15,000 plants!  You can hear the many calls of the Northern Flickers, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Cardinals, and Carolina Wrens.  If you're lucky you might be able to spot an elusive Great-horned Owl in the trees. 

Stop 6: Franklin Park

The final top is Franklin Park, the largest of the parks in the Emerald Necklace, it has 15 miles of pedestrian and bridle paths. In the trees and brush of the wooded paths you can find a myriad of songbirds such as Wood Thrush, American Redstarts, and Common Yellowthroat.  You also most likely see some Turkeys crossing the golf courses or Red-Tailed Hawks circling high above. 

 

Mia's Top Five Noodle Bars

If you’re anything like me, few things hit the spot like a hot bowl of noodles- especially when the temperature drops or you’re simply craving something comforting. Whether it’s ramen, udon, or hand-pulled noodles, here are my go-to noodle bars in town that I keep coming back to.

Ganko Ittetsu Ramen

Tucked away inside the Coolidge Corner Arcade and just a 3-minute walk from the Coolidge Corner stop on the Green Line, Ganko Ittetsu Ramen is a true hidden gem. They were the first to bring Sapporo-style ramen to the New England area, and their noodles are imported from one of Japan’s oldest noodle manufacturers. My go-to order is the Tan Tan ramen- a creamy, sesame-based broth with al dente ramen noodles and just the right amount of spicy garlic oil. It’s the ultimate cozy companion on a crisp winter afternoon.

Tsurumen 1000

Just steps from the Davis Square Red Line stop, Tsurumen 1000 is easy to miss with its unassuming storefront, but it’s well worth seeking out. The experience here is casual and efficient: order at the counter, grab your own tableware, and your ramen will be brought out when it’s ready. Chef Onishi’s housemade noodles have a satisfying, wheaty bite that sets them apart. The Shio Classic ramen is a standout—clean, simple and very umami. Don’t forget to add an onsen (hot spring) egg for the perfect finishing touch!

Futago Udon

Bright, clean, and conveniently located near the SMFA Beacon Street residence halls, Futago Udon is a great spot for both casual meals and comforting pick-me-ups. They offer a solid variety of hot and cold udon, along with Japanese appetizers like sweet potato tempura and agedashi tofu. Must-tries include sukiyaki udon and uni cream udon—both packed with flavor and beautifully presented.

Yume Ga Arukara

Yume Ga Arukara, in Japanese, means "Because I Have Dreams". Located inside the Lesley University Porter Square campus, this small niku (beef) udon spot serves up some of the silkiest noodles you'll ever slurp. The menu is refreshingly minimal with only 8 items, but that’s part of the charm- each dish is clearly crafted to perfection!

Lanner Noodles & Bar

This cozy hand-pulled noodle bar, located near the Central Square stop on the Red Line, specializes in authentic Lanzhou beef noodle soup. The beef broth is light yet flavorful, and you can customize your noodles—choose from thin, classic, flat, or wide cuts. I recommend pairing your bowl with their cucumber salad and lamb skewers for a satisfying and balanced meal.