There are landmarks and tours and restaurants and parks and museums that we can visit in a city to really get a sense of its culture, its history, its cuisine. But there are other things that showcase a bit of its character – that can’t always be found in a guidebook – that also make a city special.
A few years ago, the Boston Art Commission launched the Paintbox Program in an effort to highlight local artists and deter vandalism. The result is utility boxes, that once blended into the concrete sidewalks of Boston, that now jump out at you as you meander the city streets. These boxes now serve as blank canvases for our city’s own local artists.
I love stumbling across new ones, but here are some of my regulars…
Broadway Street, Boston
Corner of Washington Street and Beacon Street, Somerville
Downtown Crossing, Boston
Russell Street, Somerville
What makes your city special?
I’ve never seen any of these! Thanks for giving the locations, I’ll be on the lookout next time I’m out and about
I know it’s so strange how long they’ve been around. I accidentally stumbled upon one and then the rest started jumping out at me!
What a fun tour!
I’ll show you when you come to Boston
They have done this in Stamford, CT too. My favorite is one that looks like a box of crayola crayons