Boston in Brass and Bronze: A Guide to the City’s Art and Monuments

Boston’s art is the key to unlocking its rich 400-year history. On this walking tour, you’ll hear the backstories behind the city’s monuments, learn about the artists involved, and discover how Bostonians reacted when the pieces were first unveiled. For history and art enthusiasts, this tour goes beyond the textbooks, exploring the personalities and artwork that bring the city to life. The tour starts at James Michael Curley Park, where you’ll hear about how this infamous mayor ran the city for seven months. You’ll follow the Freedom Trail through the city’s historical core and hear about Marquis de Lafayette, a wealthy Frenchman who’s broadly celebrated for his efforts during the American Revolution. The tour ends at the Boston Common Tablet where I’ll tell you about a centuries-old typo on its facade relating to William Blaxton, the city’s first European settler. Along the way, you’ll: • Start to understand how politician James Michael Curly’s statues symbolize the political shift in this city • Learn about the compassionate deeds of two famous Bostonian athletes, Red Auerbach and Bill Russell • See a statue of Samuel Adams that reportedly bears little resemblance to the man himself • Hear about the extensive research that went into John F. Kennedy’s statue • Find out how the Democratic Donkey was used as an insult before it became the symbol of the party Beyond statues, you’ll also see: • Faneuil Hall and find out why it’s called the Cradle of Liberty • The Old State House, our prior seat of government • Quincy Market, Boston’s outstanding food court • City Hall and its brutalist architecture • The tea kettle that once held eight boys inside This walk takes one and a half hours, covering 1.6 miles. Boston’s self-image has lots to teach us. Discover a one-of-a-kind blend of history and art in this four-hundred-year-old “City on the Hill” that will leave you with a unique outlook.

Price: £9.99 from VoiceMap