Discover Boston's Art and Monuments on a Self-Guided Audio Tour

Key facts

What's included

Itinerary

1. Stop 1 Pass by

   Start at James Michael Curley Park to hear about the infamous mayor's time in jail and how his statues reflect Boston's political shifts.

2. Stop 2 Pass by

   Visit Faneuil Hall, known as the Cradle of Liberty, and learn why it’s been a hub for debates and gatherings for centuries.

3. Stop 3 Pass by

   See the statue of Red Auerbach, legendary Celtics coach, and discover his impact on Boston's sports culture.

4. Stop 4 Pass by

   Walk through Quincy Market, a bustling food court showcasing Boston’s culinary diversity.

5. Stop 5 Pass by

   Pass by Dock Square Parking Garage, where the quirky tea kettle that once held eight boys is displayed—an intriguing piece of Boston history.

6. Stop 6 Pass by

   Admire the Samuel Adams statue and learn why the likeness might not resemble the man himself.

7. Stop 7 Pass by

   Visit the Bill Russell statue and hear about his influence both on and off the basketball court.

8. Stop 8 Pass by

   Explore the Old State House, Boston’s colonial government seat, and its role in American history.

9. Stop 9 Pass by

   Relax in Readers' Park, a peaceful spot dedicated to Boston’s literary heritage.

10. Stop 10 Pass by

    Reflect at the Boston Irish Famine Memorial, highlighting the Irish community's influence on Boston’s history.

11. Stop 11 Pass by

    See the Democracy Donkey statue and learn how it shifted from an insult to a symbol of the Democratic Party.

12. Stop 12 Pass by

    Pass by Boston Latin School, the oldest public school in America, and learn about its notable alumni.

13. Stop 13 Pass by

    Discover the Boston Athenaeum, one of the oldest independent libraries in the U.S., with its rare books and artworks.

14. Stop 14 Pass by

    See the Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Regiment Memorial, honoring the first African American Civil War regiment.

15. Stop 15 Pass by

    Learn about Mary Dyer, a Quaker martyr, and her fight for religious freedom, symbolized by her statue.

16. Stop 16 Pass by

    Admire the John F. Kennedy statue and hear about his legacy and the effort to capture his likeness.

17. Stop 17 Pass by

    Enjoy the Frog Fishing sculpture, a playful piece adding humor to Boston’s artistic scene.

18. Stop 18 Pass by

    Learn about The Great Elm, a historic tree that stood on Boston Common for centuries, symbolizing endurance.

19. Stop 19 Pass by

    Experience The Embrace, a recent public art piece symbolizing unity and social justice.

20. Stop 20 Pass by

    Reflect at the Crispus Attucks Memorial, honoring the first casualty of the American Revolution.

21. Stop 21 Pass by

    Visit the Lafayette Mall Monument and learn about Marquis de Lafayette, a hero of the American Revolution.

22. Stop 22 Pass by

    Finish at Brewer Fountain, a historic piece of Boston’s public art since 1868, on Boston Common.

Meeting point & pickup

Meet at the starting point

The tour begins at Union Square, at the intersection of Congress and Clinton Streets. The park is behind City Hall, opposite Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market.

Cancellation & confirmation