Boston’s Art and Architecture Make the Best Photo Opps
Public art and architecture is not only food for the head, heart and soul, it offers unparalleled backdrops that can make otherwise average photographs pop.
Quick tips for better photos:
- Utilize color, unique form, reflective surfaces, patterns and unusual angles to form the shot.
- Shoot early or late in the day when shadows are longer and the light warmer.
- Consider how you might interact with the piece besides standing directly in front of it; Can you go inside it, lean against it, have a drink beside it, or run past it? Can you face backwards, in profile or imitate it?
- Keep the building or art piece up close so it fills the frame and doesn’t end up as a speck on the horizon.
- For architecture, look up and look down to spot great photo opps; search out interesting floors, ceilings, stairs, balconies and towers.
Ready to put yourself in the picture? Here are five places around Boston to experience some serious eye-candy and enhance your photographic prowess. All of these locations are no more than 20 minutes from any of Magellan’s Boston partner hotels, some are just steps away.
The MIT Art Walk
MIT is a heavy-hitter with works by Picasso, Alexander Calder, Eero Saarinen, I.M. Pei and Frank Gehry. Many of the art installations are outdoors. However, visit the campus between Monday and Friday when the buildings are open and all the artworks are accessible. Definitely check out Sol leWitt’s Bars of Color within Squares in the Physics Building 6C.
For a complete listing see MIT’s Public Art Map. Want a physical map? Stop by the reception desk at MIT’s List Visual Arts Center.
Seek out Boston’s Murals
Murals are spread throughout the city. Check out the interactive maps so you can – literally – see what’s around the next corner.
Map and Guide to 100 Public Artworks in Boston
Boston Art Commission’s interactive map by neighbourhood
A Guide to Cultural Districts in and around Boston
Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway Conservancy
An engaging linear park in the north end of the city, chalk-full of art installations and surrounded by iconic architecture. For a complete list of permanent and temporary artworks visit the website.
Boston Museum of Fine Arts
465 Huntington Ave, Boston, located on the Avenue of the Arts For hours, visit the BMFA Website
A popular choice for finding photogenic art, interactive sculpture and handsome classical and modern public spaces.
Harvard Yard/Harvard Square
Featuring a mix of dramatic stone architecture and some of the oldest wood buildings in the city, fabled Harvard Yard/Harvard Square are great places to snap casual portraits against movie-quality scenery.
Our Luxury Hotel Consultants Recommend:
Boston Harbor Hotel is one of New England’s most recognizable architectural gems. Dramatic chandeliers and romantic archways make this Boston landmark an unforgettable luxury experience. Boston Harbor Hotel delivers impeccable service and the best waterfront location.
Taj Boston offers a traditional and elegant hotel stay. A 1927 Beaux-Arts architecture landmark, the Taj Boston is surrounded by upscale boutiques, galleries and restaurants. Situated in the heart of Boston’s Theater District, the hotel is steps away from all the city has to offer and provides a luxurious retreat at the end of the day.
Fifteen Beacon is a true boutique hotel where refined, sleek and neutral tones are counterbalanced with fine artwork. Residing in a historic 1903 Beaux-Arts building, the lobby of Fifteen Beacon perfectly blends modern luxury and classic charm. This chic Beacon Hill property provides a tech-savvy retreat that also promises style and functionality.
See all of our Boston Luxury Hotels
Tags:AIA, Alexander Calder, architecture, art, boston, Boston Art Commission, Boston Museum of Fine Arts, Eglston Peace Garden, Frank Gehry, Harvard Yard, I.M. Pei, Map and Guide to 100 Public Artworks in Boston, MIT, murals, Picasso, Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway, Sol LeWitt