Outside the Frame: Public Art Walks with Julia Swanson
Explore. Discover. Learn Together.
Welcome to Boston Public Library’s Public Art Walks — a citywide celebration of creativity, community, and storytelling through street art. Designed for all ages, this engaging program invites neighbors, families, students, and art enthusiasts to step outside and explore the revolutionary public art that colors our streets and shapes our shared spaces.
What are Public Art Walks?
Public Art Walks are a guided and self-paced walking tour series that highlights the diverse public art woven into the fabric of our neighborhoods. Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the area, each walk offers an opportunity to see familiar streets through the lens of murals, sculptures, installations, and creative expressions that speak to our city's identity, history, and aspirations.
Why is Public Art important?
Public art is more than decoration, it's a dialogue. It sparks conversation, honors untold stories, and invites us to see the world from new perspectives. This program is a chance to connect with your community, learn about local artists and movements, and deepen your understanding of how public art reflects the cultural pulse of our city.
How can I take an Outside the Frame Public Art Walk?
Guided Walking Tours: Led by knowledgeable art educator and local artist Julia Swanson, these tours offer insights into the stories, techniques, and messages behind each work.
- Start at Jamaica Plain Branch & End at Connolly Branch
- Start & End at the Shaw-Roxbury Branch
Do you prefer to explore on your own? You can...
- Pick up a copy of the map at the Jamaica Plain Branch, Connolly Branch, or Shaw-Roxbury Branch
- Download one of our neighborhood-specific maps and take your time discovering the hidden gems in your area:
English
Español
Special Collaborations
We’re proud to collaborate with artist and founder of The Art Walk Project, Julia Swanson and organizations to curate experiences that are both educational and inspiring. Their expertise brings fresh perspectives and local context to each tour. To find Art Walks in other parts of the Greater Boston area and beyond visit theartwalkproject.com!
Whether you’re exploring your first mural or your fiftieth, Public Art Walks offers a space to slow down, look closely, and rediscover your neighborhood through art. Go uncover the stories painted on every wall.