|
During your Boston vacation, don't miss these great establishments and attractions:
Faneuil Hall
Built in 1742 (and enlarged by a Charles Bulfinch design in 1805), this building was a gift to the town from prosperous merchant Peter Faneuil. This "Cradle of Liberty" rang with speeches by orators such as Samuel Adams -- whose statue stands outside the Congress Street entrance -- in the years leading to the Revolution. Abolitionists, temperance advocates, and suffragists used the hall as a pulpit in later years. The upstairs is still a public meeting and concert hall, while the downstairs holds retail space, all according to Faneuil's will. The grasshopper weather vane, the sole remaining detail from the original building, is modeled after the weather vane on London's Royal Exchange.National Park Service rangers give free 20-minute talks every half-hour from 9am to 5pm in the second-floor auditorium and operate a visitor center on the first floor. On the top floor is a small museum that houses the weapons collection and historical exhibits of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts. Admission is free.To continue on the Freedom Trail: Leave Faneuil Hall, cross North Street, and follow the trail through the "Blackstone Block." These buildings, among the oldest in the city, give a sense of the scale of 18th- and 19th-century Boston. In the park at the corner of North and Union streets are two sculptures of legendary Boston mayor (and Congressman, and federal prisoner) James Michael Curley, the basis for the protagonist of Edwin O'Connor's The Last Hurrah. Pause on Union Street.
Museum of Fine Arts
One of the world's great art museums, the MFA works nonstop to become even more accessible and interesting. You're sure to find something entrancing in these magnificent collections. Every installation reflects a curatorial attitude that makes even those who go in with a feeling of obligation leave with a sense of discovery and wonder. That includes children, who can participate in a scavenger hunt, admire the mummies, or participate in family-friendly programs scheduled year-round (there are extra offerings during school vacations). The MFA is especially famous for its Impressionist paintings (including 43 Monets -- one of the largest collections outside of Paris), Asian and Old Kingdom Egyptian collections, classical art, Buddhist temple, and medieval sculpture and tapestries. There are also magnificent holdings of prints, photographs, furnishings, and decorative arts, including the finest collection of Paul Revere silver in the world. The museum is currently expanding its modern and contemporary art collections and rearranging some galleries in engaging groupings that display paintings and sculpture along with related decorative objects and furniture.The works that you might find most familiar are paintings and sculpture by Americans and Europeans. Some favorites: Renoir's Dance at Bougival, van Gogh's Postman Joseph Roulin, Childe Hassam's Boston Common at Twilight, Gilbert Stuart's 1796 portrait of George Washington, John Singleton Copley's 1768 portrait of Paul Revere, a bronze casting of Edgar Degas's sculpture Little Dancer, John Singer Sargent's The Daughters of Edward Darley Boit, and Fitz Hugh Lane's Luminist masterpieces.None of this comes cheap: The MFA's adult admission fee (which covers two visits within 30 days) is among the highest in the country. A Boston CityPass is a great deal if you plan to visit enough of the other included attractions.To begin your visit at the museum, pick up a floor plan at the information desk, or take a free guided tour (weekdays except Mon holidays at 10:30am and 1:30pm, with an additional tour on Wed at 6:15pm, and Sat at 10:30am and 1pm). The I. M. Pei-designed West Wing (1981) contains the main entrance, an auditorium, and an atrium with a tree-lined "sidewalk" cafe. There is also a restaurant and a cafeteria. The excellent Museum Shop carries abundant souvenirs and a huge book selection.Special exhibitions during the lifespan of this book include Art Deco 1910-1939 (Aug 22, 2004-Jan 9, 2005); Speed, Style and Beauty: Cars from the Ralph Lauren Collection (Mar 6-July 3, 2005); The Quilts of Gee's Bend (June 1-Aug 21, 2005); and Tiffany Jewels (Sept 18-Dec 31, 2005).The museum is currently expanding: construction of the new East Wing, designed by Norman Foster, began in early 2004. While work proceeds, the museum is rearranging some collections and closing some exhibition spaces, so check ahead before visiting if you have your heart set on seeing a particular piece of art.MFA FYI--The Huntington Avenue entrance to the Museum of Fine Arts is usually much less busy than the West Wing lobby. Walk back along Huntington Avenue when you leave the T, enter from the curved driveway, and stop to take in the John Singer Sargent murals.
Commonwealth Museum/Massachusetts Archives
The nearby Kennedy Library explores the history of one of Boston's most famous families; here, you might find your own clan's history. The Commonwealth Museum has videos, slide shows, and interactive exhibits on the state's people, places, and politics. Topics covered recently in the regularly changing exhibits include the archaeology of the Big Dig, the Civil War, and state history. In the same building, the state archives contain passenger lists for ships that arrived in Boston from 1848 to 1891; state census schedules that date to 1790; and documents, maps, and military and court records starting with the Massachusetts Bay Company (1628-29). Knowledgeable staff members are on hand to answer researchers' questions in person, by mail, or by phone. This is a worthwhile detour on the way to or from the Kennedy Library.
Holiday Inn Express BOSTON
The Holiday Inn Express Hotel Boston is the most affordable and economical hotel located two miles from downtown Boston and five miles from Logan International Airport. Our hotel also offers 24-hour complimentary transportation to/from Logan International Airport and Black Falcon Pier. We are also convenient to many area companies and attractions including: China Town, the JFK Museum & Library, Theater District and the Museum of Fine Arts. Hotel features include complimentary continental ...
Hyatt Regency Boston
Located in the heart of the city. Hyatt Regency Boston is just one block from the Boston Common and within walking distance of the city's financial, shopping, and theatre districts. Our 498 spacious guest rooms are beautifully decorated with a modern feel. The rooms overlook lush, private atriums designed to give guests the intimate feeling of a small, exclusive ...
|
|
