Boston's Best Art Walks

Boston is one of the finest walking cities in the United States. Everything in the core of this bustling city is within walking distance of everything else, including art. The art walks of Boston range from touring existing works in the city to special events where local artists peddle their wares to walkers. Some even have family activities that create walking art festivals of sorts. Experience art by foot with one of these great options in Boston.

MFA Outdoor Tour
Museum of Fine Arts Boston (Sharf Visitor Center)
465 Huntington Ave
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 267-9300
www.mfa.org

Dates: First and third Saturday of every month between May 5 and October 20, 2012
Price: Free with admission. Admission prices are free to $22 depending on age, membership status and student status.
Hours: 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The MFA Outdoor Tour is a walking tour conducted by the Museum of Fine Arts. Guests meet at the Sharf Visitor Center. They then walk through the beautifully-landscaped Japanese Garden on museum property, tour the museum's outdoor artwork and view the neighborhood's architectural highlights. Also on display is The Back Bay Fens, a local park and garden that is an artistic gem of Boston.

The Beacon Hill Art Walk
Beacon Hill
Corner of Cambridge St and West Cedar St
Boston, MA 02108
www.beaconhillartwalk.org
Date: June 3, 2012
Price: Free
Hours: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. (rain or shine)

The Beacon Hill Art Walk is an opportunity for local artists to present their work or perform for guests and locals. Beacon Hill hosts a variety of artists for entertainment and viewing pleasure during the walk. There will also be artists selling their creations so guests can bring home a piece of Boston art when the day is over. Have a picnic in nearby Boston Common or the Public Garden before heading off to enjoy your tour.

Related: Boston's Best Free Arts

SoWa Art Walk
South of Washington St in the South End
Boston, MA 02118
www.sowaartwalk.com

Date: May 6, 2012
Price: Free
Hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The SoWa Art Walk is an annual celebration of the arts that takes place in the South End thanks to GTI Properties. Dozens of artists showcase and sell their work during the event and numerous galleries open their doors to the public. During the walk, an atmosphere of creativity and community permeates the bustling district.

Public Art Walk
Various locations throughout Boston
Boston, MA
(617) 635-3911
www.publicartboston.com

Dates: Year round
Price: Free
Time: All day, every day

Boston's Public Art Walk is less of an event and more of a changing outdoor museum. Art, both old and new, dots Boston's streets. The local government took advantage of this and put together this public art walk. You will find yourself winding through Back Bay, Beacon Hill, the Financial District and the North End. Their website contains all of the information for the walk's exhibits and route. Call (617) 231-4053 for a recorded audio guide of the walk. Like the Freedom Trail, visitors simply follow these directions and enjoy the walk at their own leisure.

Fort Point Open Studios
Fort Point Arts Community from Channel Center St to Farnsworth St
Boston, MA 02210
(617) 423-4299
www.fortpointarts.org 

Dates: May 11-13 and October 19-21
Price: Free
Times: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

This year will be the 33rd annual Fort Point Open Studios with a session in the spring and fall. During these open studios, guests will be able to walk around the arts community and enter the studios of local artists. Studios include work of fashion designers, printmakers, ceramicists, jewelers and many more. There are also outdoor activities and opportunities to purchase works of art directly from the studio.

Related: Free Culture in Boston