If you’re interested in Public Art, and looking to see something new there is probably no better neighborhood to get started than Central Square in Cambridge. Situated directly on the Redline, Central Square is known to be one of the more colourful neighborhoods in the Metro Boston area and has a long history of supporting creative expression in all its forms. With a series of murals and public art installations that date back decades, Central Square recently introduced a series of murals that are part of the Central Square Mural Project, which began in the fall of 2019 and coincided with the 10 year anniversary of “Graffitti Alley,” a.k.a. Modica Way, a local treasure and a Gram-able hot spot known for its vibrant and eccentric rotating gallery of wall and graffiti art.
Even with our lives upended by Covid, Central Square continues to be a vibrant neighborhood that supports new creative voices and community through the addition of new artwork. Some of the newest work is part of the “Speak Your Piece Campaign” designed to promote inclusion and embrace diversity through new public art pieces installed throughout the neighborhood. The truth is there is always new work being planned and installed. The murals feature a wide range of talents, subjects and locations, all are either on Mass Ave or Mass Ave adjacent, and when combined together they make for a fun and engaging afternoon for anyone who misses museum visits and is looking to get out and about, and maybe seek out something new.
Please keep in mind as you tour that the city is a busy place with people from all walks. It is up to you to be careful as you walk around. Please respect the neighborhood(s) and the people who live and work there, and have a safe visit.
Download the map & Artwork list
Total Distance: approx 2 mi/3.2 Kilometers
Estimated Time: 45 minutes – 1:30 min
Neighborhood: Central Square, Cambridge.
Closest Subway: Central Square, Red Line
HUNGRY? There are a lot of restaurants and places to grab food in the area. There are even more if you are willing to branch out and head towards, Harvard Square, Inman Square, or wander towards the river and MIT. If you are looking for ideas for places to eat I recommend taking a look at Boston Eater, it’s an excellent resource for those looking for some good food.
DISCLAIMER
I have taken every effort to provide the most accurate information in the content of this website site. You travel at your own risk. Travel smart and travel safe. I am not liable for any losses or damage arising from the use of the information on this website nor can I be held responsible for any unforeseen situations that may arise while you are using the information provided. I in no way condone trespassing or the destruction of public or private property. I reserve the right to change and/or update the information as needed. Any and all content included on this site is subject to copyright including written copy, images, graphics and maps.
LIST OF ART WORKS
Instagram handles and websites included where found.
- “Series of Portraits” by @jesusmanuelart (Utility Box in front of Cambridge City Hall at 795 Massachusetts Ave.)
- “Untitled” by @soleiarts (in front of 1369, 757 Massachusetts Avenue)
- “Untitled” by @talbotsart (Utility Boxes in front of Pill Hardware, 743 Massachusetts Ave)
- “Cambridge and Beyond” by @percyfortiniwright ( 743 Mass Ave. Look up above Pill Hardware)
- “Power” by @lenamccarthy ( behind Pandemonium Books and Games. Corner of Pleasant and Green Street )
- “Untitled” @goldlemons (utlility box at the corner of River St and Mass Ave)
- “Untitled” Green Street Garage by @vise_1_boston and @julzroth (260 Green Street)
- “Dot Matrix” by Ed Andrews. ( Stairwell. Corner of Green Street and Pearl Street)
- “Untitled” – by @SilviaLopezChavez (Central Square Public Library, Green Street – Pearl Street)
- “Celebrating the Marshland” Lilli Ann Rosenberg (Mosaic, Central Sq Public Library, 45 Pearl St)
- “Tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.” Lilli Ann Rosenberg [Mosaic, Central Sq Public Library, Franklin St]
- “Untitled” Utility Box by @naijahnine (Corner of Mass Ave and Brookline St)
- “Crosswinds” by Daniel Galvez (On the side of the Middle East, 472 Massachusetts Ave)
- “Nocturnal” – by Artists at artbioollaborative.com (Corner of Brookline Street and Green Street)
- “Diurnal” – by the Artists at artbioollaborative.com (Corner of Green Street and Brookline Street)
- “Untitled” @Vyalone (On the corner of Pearl Street and Green Street)
- “For Cambridge With Love from Nepal” by @Imagine876 (Corner of Sidney Street and Mass Ave)
- “Belonging” by the Fearless Collective (Lafayette Park and Columbia Street)
- “Set me Free & Illuminated” by @rixyfz (across from Uhaul) & @rastagrandpa
- “Set me Free & Illuminated by @rastagrandpa (Bishop Allen Drive and Main Street)
- “Minerva and the Muse” by @hueman_
- “Untitled” by @curtistic (Alley Next to 907 Main)
- “Untitled Installation” by @pheebzcpa (Sculptural installation on phone booth) #crazypantsart
- “Central Square Cultural District” sign by Kenji Nakayama @needsignswillpaint (look up)
- “Queendom” by @Marka27 (approximately, 581 Massave. Look up above building)
- Graffitti Alley – Aka “Modica Way” Multiple Artists. (Next to Central Kitchen, near Hmart)
- “Breonna under the Stars” by Youth Artists at @caccambridge
- The Potluck” by David Fichter (On the side of Hmart)
- “See Me” @mz.icar (Next to H-Mart, behind blue pop up shops, I know… sorry]
- The Starlight – Performance Space. You can not miss this. It’s massive. Behind/Next to Hmart.
- “Past, Present, Future” by @felipeortizart – Corner of Norfolk Street and Mass Ave.
- “The Teacher’s Home” by @calebneelonart – On the other side of HMart.
- “View of Mass Ave Circa 1929” by @adam_oday and @sleonxrd. Essex Street and Mass Ave.
- “Faces” by Unknown – (Utility Box) Corner of Mass ave and Essex Street.
- IDEO Building. by @Eltono (Exterior design) (80 Prospect Street)
PHOTO GALLERY
This gallery is in approximate order.
The Central Square Art Walk map and tour is part of The Art Walk Project © Julia Swanson, 2022. To learn more about this and other Art Walks please visit my website jscreatesonline.com.
The Art Walk Project 