Boston culture
September 23rd, 2009 by judy c
“The Bersha Procession”
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition
Photograph © Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
So you’ve wanted to experience Egypt for a while now, but you haven’t won Powerball (yet) and your MasterCard has been maxed out since Spring Break. But wait…there’s hope! You can visit the and if you squint your eyes tight and layer on enough coconut oil, you can just about imagine your beautiful bronze self in the Sahara. Only thing is, the year is 2,000 BC. (Hey - everyone has it rough right now and beggars can’t be choosers!)
All kidding aside though, beginning October 18th the MFA will feature a fantastic new exhibit that’s worth checking out. It’s known as “” and the is impossible to ignore. Why?
Well in a 1915 excavation, the MFA found the largest burial assemblage of Egypt’s Middle Kingdom ever discovered. The tomb was filled with the funerary equipment of a local governor and his wife, among which was the famous “Bersha coffin,” arguably the finest painted coffin Egypt produced. Envision the afterlife as imagined by ancient Egyptians through Tomb 10A’s contents: jewelry, walking sticks, canopic jars, and miniature models depicting everyday life - shown together for the FIRST time in 4,000 years!
Admission to the Museum includes the cost of the exhibit, so there are no hidden up-charges. Check it out while you can since it’s only on display until May 2010.
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February 10th, 2009 by admin
Shepard Fairey, “Obama Hope,” 2008
Shepard Fairey, the street artist who sprang on the national consciousness as the creator of the Barack Obama “Hope” poster, is having his first solo museum exhibit. Boston’s Institute of Contemporary Art is hosting ”Shepard Fairey: Supply and Demand” from February 6th to August 16th.
The exhibition will cover all aspects of Fairey’s career and the different mediums he has used for his art. Fans of his art — as well as fans of pop-art and political art in general – will be sure to enjoy this first of its kind exhibit.
The ICA, in its stunning new building on the Boston waterfront, is an included attraction for the Go Boston Card, so be sure to use your card for free admission!
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December 8th, 2008 by will n
This past Summer, I had the opportunity to visit the . Sadly, my appreciation of art didn’t mature until I was in my late 20’s, but I’m glad good friends opened my eyes to the art world.
I didn’t realize how fantastic the MFA was until I visited a few months ago. The museum houses work from all the great arts from Monet to Renoir. Additionally, the museum carries special exhibits from all over the world and from various times in history.
The wonderful thing about living in a city with a huge student population is that places like museums practically offer free admission for students. Luckily the MFA offers free admissions for students with the proper ID. However, special exhibits like the Treasures from Assyria in the British Museum exhibit (on display until January 4, 2009) costs an additional charge, but with a student ID it cuts the costs from $17 to $15 on weekdays.
One of my favorite exhibits is the recently added Red Sox exhibit by Norman Rockwell. Not only does it offer pieces from Red Sox history, but also pieces from the 2007 season.
The MFA makes the visiting experience extremely enjoyable. Amenities like a coat check service and a restaurant assures that every minute is spent enjoying art. The museum is easily accessible by public transportation via the Green Line and has plenty of onsite parking.
So don’t wait until you’re in your late 20’s before indulging in the great offerings of the MFA.
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July 17th, 2008 by admin
If you are in Boston for an extended vacation and are looking for something “off the beaten path” to do while you are in town, be sure to check out the Boston Harbor Islands national park area. This year, park visitors are able to explore the islands with the help of a new book: Discovering the Boston Harbor Islands: A Guide to the City’s Hidden Shores . Written by Christopher Klein and including a foreword from Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino, the 224-page book provides readers with historical vignettes and present-day portraits of each of the 34 islands in the national park area.
Out of countless recreational opportunities, Discovering the Boston Harbor Islands highlights the following ten experiences that visitors shouldn’t miss on the Boston Harbor Islands this year:
1. Scale Boston Light. Take a guided tour of the oldest light station in the country and climb the seventy-six spiral steps and two short ladders for a spectacular view.
2. Take a dip. Grab your bathing suit, towel, and suntan lotion and head to the sand and surf at Spectacle Island’s new life-guarded beach.
3. Wander Fort Warren’s dark passages. Explore the spooky tunnels of this historic fort that once held Confederate prisoners during the Civil War.
4. Pitch a tent. Camp out on the islands and catch unforgettable sunrises and sunsets in the shadows of the city skyline. Spend a night on Grape Island for the most bucolic setting.
5. Grab a paddle. Beginning kayakers can spend the afternoon exploring the Hingham Harbor islands, while experienced kayakers can brave the outer harbor to visit the Brewsters.
6. Scale Thompson Island’s ropes and climbing walls. Participate in one of Outward Bound’s programs and challenge your limitations by conquering the ropes course and climbing towers.
7. Pack a lunch. There are fantastic spots to picnic on all the harbor islands, but the picnic areas on Bumpkin and Great Brewster Islands offer unparalleled vistas.
8. Brush up on your fish tales. Fish populations are rebounding along with the harbor’s water quality. Striped bass, bluefish, flounder, and cod are among the fish that are biting.
9. Follow your feathered friends. Grab a pair of binoculars and try to spot some of the more than one hundred species of birds that frequent the Boston Harbor Islands.
10. See Boston in a new light. There’s no better view of the city and harbor than from Spectacle Island’s north drumlin. Private boaters can stay overnight at the marina—bring a chair for the Saturday night movies on the pier, or a blanket for the bonfire on the beach.
Those interested in learning more about the harbor islands should attend the author event on Spectacle Island on July 20, 2008. Christopher Klein will sign books and talk about the fascinating history of the harbor islands. Think: pirates, pilgrims, shipwrecked sailors, and prisoners of war. The public is welcome to attend this event, hosted by the Island Alliance on the beautiful Spectacle Island. Talks will be held at 1pm or 3pm, but make sure you stick around for the live jazz on the porch, or relax on the beach.
Date: Sunday, July 20, 2008
Time: 1pm and 3pm
Place: Visitor Center, Spectacle Island
Directions: Take Boston Harbor Islands ferry from Long Wharf to Spectacle Island. From the South Shore, take the ferries departing from either Quincy Shipyard or Hingham Shipyard. Check ferry schedules for times.
Contacts:
Spectacle Island: Park Ranger, 617-223-8666, Ext.205
boha_information@nps.gov
Ferry information:
www.bostonharborislands.org
Union Park Press: 617-423-0840
www.unionparkpress.com
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April 14th, 2008 by will n
Harvard Square Photo uploaded by
April marks the beginning of tourism season for Boston. Yes, April! Campus visits for incoming freshman to the many local colleges is in full swing. For many visitors, they don’t realize how much of a role academia plays in Boston. There are 122 colleges and universities in the Massachusetts, so it is nearly impossible to go anywhere that doesn’t house or cater to students. Every year releases its list of top colleges and Boston has dominated these lists for as long as I can remember.
Here are some of the must sees when visiting these colleges: (more…)
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April 2nd, 2008 by jamie a
Peter at the ICA Photo uploaded by
My latest field trip proved that spring is a wonderful time of year to visit the Institute of Contemporary Art on the waterfront in Boston. From the magnificent views from the wide windows, to the sun that filters in just perfectly into the galleries, you’ll love the museum’s relationship with its environment.
In anticipation of my visit, I read up on and was very excited about The World as a Stage, the newest undertaking at the museum. In association with the Tate Modern in London, the exhibit features works by 16 international artists, and blurs “the lines between theater, performance, visual art, and everyday life.” The exhibit was a perfect one for myself and my two visiting friends– all certified theater nuts.
The west gallery on the 4th floor features Renata Lucas’ Falha, involving the construction of a stage and playing space, Jeppe Hein’s Rotating Labyrinth, and Rita McBride’s Arena. These works invite the guest into the space to both make it their own and interact with the work, thus forming a concrete relationship between audience and artist. We were also mesmerized by the creepily accurate businessman sculpture named Bob by Markus Schinwald, Geoffrey Farmer’s Hunchback Kit, and we had a ball playing in the shadows of Dominique Gonzales-Foester’s Seance du Shadow II.
On another note, we also discovered a new artist to admire! As part of the ICA’s Momtentum series, Indian artist Ranjani Shettar’s Sun-Sneezers Blow Light Bubbles was one of our favorite works we saw all day. Based on the photic sneeze reflex that causes uncontrollable sneezing when one is exposed to the sun, it’s a whimsical and inspirational take on the ailment. The piece was created especially for a particular space in the museum, where you can walk around, under, and through it to experience its magic. Using non-art materials like muslin cloth and tamarind kernel powder paste, the sculpture takes on a incredibly unique texture that requires up-close inspection to appreciate her handiwork.
(more…)
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March 26th, 2008 by will n
Boston Celtics photo uploaded by
Do you feel the madness?? March is a crazy time for Bay Staters. Even though we are officially in the Spring Season, the 29 degree temperature isn’t quite the spring you may be thinking of, but the madness doesn’t end there. It is basketball season and the NCAA tournament is in full swing.
Even though Massachusetts doesn’t have a representative in the big dance this year, we surely have enough madness to last us through March. If you are planning a sports trip to the Bay State, don’t forget to make a pit stop at the . Boston has made a huge footprint in national history and with the success of our local professional sports; we’re making sure that history attracts an audience for all interests. (more…)
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February 8th, 2008 by jamie a
Alvin Ailey Photo uploaded by
Celebrate Black History Month with the from February 7-10 at the Citi Performing Arts Center.
Founded in 1958 in New York City, this dance troupe has been called “the worlds most successful modern dance company.” Since its introduction at the 92nd Street Young Men’s Hebrew Association, it has changed the perception of modern dance along with promoting the African-American cultural experience.
This weekend includes the world premiere of The Groove to Nobody’s Business, the company premiere of Firebird, a new production of Reflections in D, along with many other amazing performances.
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Boston?
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January 22nd, 2008 by susan j
Brownstones in Boston’s South End Photo uploaded by
One of the things I love most about living in Boston is being surrounded by the city’s rich history, which is reflected in its varied architectural landscape. Whether you’re window-shopping on Newbury Street, strolling along the Freedom Trail, or jogging around Boston Commons, you are bound to notice some of Boston’s distinctive buildings. Here is a short primer on what you’ll see…
Eighteenth Century: As the site of the infamous Boston Tea Party and the Boston Massacre, Boston is steeped (get it? Tea Party + steeped? anyway…) in history. Take, for example, the Paul Revere House, the Old North Church, and the Harrison Gray Otis House, all reminders of Boston’s place in American history.
Nineteenth Century: During the 1800’s, Boston became a major New England port. The Liberty Fleet Tall Ship Adventures documents the region’s maritime history. Many of the brownstones in Boston’s South End, Back Bay, and Beacon Hill neighborhoods also sprang up during the late nineteenth century. One of my favorite buildings in Boston, the Boston Public Library, was built in 1888 by the famous architectural firm of McKim, Mead and White.
Twentieth Century to today: The Victorian period brought us ornate buildings like the Custom House. More modern additions to Boston’s skyline include the John Hancock Tower, the Zakim Bridge, and the Institute of Contemporary Art.
So, what’s your favorite example of Boston architecture? Leave a comment and let us know!
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January 10th, 2008 by jamie a
January 8-13
The Wang Theatre presents for one week only! This smash hit rock-opera by Jonathan Larson took Broadway by storm in 1996 won both a Tony Award and a Pulitzer Prize.
Thursday, January 10 - Saturday, January 12
Head over to the Opera House to see the . With amazing music and traditional dances, this is a wonderful way to experience Chinese culture.
Thursday, January 10 - Sunday, January 13
Warm up with Argentina’s hottest tango company, , at Emerson’s Cutler Majestic Theatre. As The New York Times said, “Glides along as smoothly as an express train without ever derailing…excellent orchestra…daring speed…silken extensions. As the title goes, they were on fire!”
Thursday, January 10 (7 pm)
Join the Harvard Book Store in welcoming , a Harvard alum, as she reads from her first novel, A Golden Age, about her native country of Bangladesh.
(more…)
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Boston?
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