Browse the Artwork
The magnificent architecture of the Institute of Contemporary Art Boston draws you in, but when you add to that the incredible collection of artwork, you’re sure to be delighted and enthralled. The modern 65,000 square foot building extends over the Boston waterfront’s edge in a beautiful structure of glass and metal. The interior is characterized by column-free galleries that have moveable walls and a skylight system that allows constant natural light to filter in. Exciting work from leading contemporary artists and new, emerging artists are on display in a variety of exhibitions.
Take a Stroll through the Park
You cannot visit Boston without a stop at the ever-popular Boston Common. Established in 1634, the Common is the oldest public park in the United States and has served many roles throughout its rich history. Today, it’s a place to enjoy natural scenery, a quiet walk or recreational activities. A central gathering place for many local events, it may be hard to imagine that long ago it was the site for public executions, a campground for the British army and a venue for famous speakers including Gloria Steinem.
Ride a Swan
Home to the famous Swan Boats, Boston Public Garden is just next door to Boston Common. This beautiful attraction is the first botanical garden in the United States and is part of the Emerald Necklace, a string of parks in Boston. The grounds feature a lake, many exotic flora and fauna and several statues, including one of George Washington. If you visit during the warmer months, be sure to take a ride on the Swan Boats and enjoy the lovely scenery of the park from the water.
Play With the Animals
People of all ages love visiting the New England Aquarium where penguins, sea turtles, sea lions are many other marine animals live in their own recreated natural environments. Here, you’ll have a chance to interact with a wide variety of marine species that live in the Giant Ocean Tank, the centerpiece of the aquarium. Numerous exhibits, including the Amazon Rainforest, the Gulf of Maine, the Pacific Community Reef and many more provide an up close view of intriguing sea animals that make the waters surrounding New England their home.
All Hands on Deck
It’s only fitting that a city as historic as Boston house a museum dedicated to the oldest commissioned warship. The USS Constitution, or Old Ironsides as she is deemed, sits in the Boston Navy Yard and is now a museum open to the public. Built from the lumber of 2,000 live oak trees, this unique frigate features a diagonal cross-braced skeleton, making it exceptionally strong. A visit to this museum offers you the opportunity to learn more about the ship, its history and how the crew lived and worked centuries ago. The USS Constitution will be in dry dock until 2018. Tours, on a first-come first-serve basis, are available of the upper deck of this vessel throughout this project.