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What Is Boston Public Art Triennial & The Exchange?

Boston Public Art Triennial, formerly Now + There, is the city’s first nonprofit organization solely dedicated to commissioning contemporary public art to open civic spaces, spark dialogue, and amplify community voices across Boston’s neighborhoods. The 2025 edition, themed The Exchange, was conceived to break down social and professional barriers through artist‑driven, expert‑supported collaborations that address issues such as climate, indigeneity, wellness, and social justice. Featuring partnerships with key institutions—like the City of Boston, Roxbury Community College, ICA Boston, and MFA—the Triennial brings art into East Boston, Dorchester, Roxbury, Mattapan, Cambridge, Charlestown, Back Bay, Fenway, and Downtown.

Why You Must Travel to Boston to See The Exchange Before It Ends

Experiencing The Exchange is not just seeing art—it’s engaging with living, site-specific installations that respond to local history and identity. For example, Nicholas Galanin’s reinterpretation of a totem pole in I think it goes like this (pick yourself up) confronts Indigenous erasures through robotic-tinged bronze figures, reimagining colonial power dynamics in Evans Park. Meanwhile, Swoon’s In the Well: The Stories We Tell About Addiction at the Boston Public Library evokes trauma and healing through fairy-tale architecture, inviting reflection in public space.

In Charlestown Navy Yard, Beatriz Cortez’s Nomad 2 is a 12-foot steel whale vertebra chambered for immersive audiovisuals captured in the Arctic, prompting thoughts on extraction, memory, and ecological urgency. In Dorchester, Ekene Ijeoma’s Black Forest plants a red maple surrounded by mirror-polished seating as a living monument to Black lives lost to Covid‑19 and racial injustice, blending environmental art with community healing.

Each of the fifteen commissions invites public interaction, critical reflection, and community resilience. Furthermore, Julian Charrière’s Calls for Action live-streams a Brazilian rainforest from Charlestown, enabling visitors to observe and call into the ecosystem itself—making abstract environmental concerns viscerally present in Boston.

Top Luxury Hotels in Boston for The Triennial

Four Seasons Hotel Boston

Overlooking the Public Garden and Beacon Hill, Four Seasons Hotel Boston exudes refined charm amid historic Victorian brownstones. It features an indoor pool with sweeping garden views, along with a fitness centre, steam rooms, and 24‑hour service. Moreover, service is exceptional, and rooms include marble bathrooms, premium bedding, and thoughtful in‑room amenities. Book now.

Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street

Situated in a sleek 61‑storey skyscraper in Back Bay, One Dalton combines modern style with panoramic city views. It boasts a dedicated Wellness Floor, spa treatments, and an upscale Japanese‑inspired restaurant, Zuma. You’ll find contemporary New England design throughout spacious rooms with floor‑to‑ceiling windows. Book now.

Raffles Boston

Located in lively Back Bay near Copley Place and Boston Common, Raffles Boston blends cultural charm with haute hospitality. All rooms offer butler service, luxurious marble bathrooms, hardwood floors, and high-end finishes inspired by local history and the Emerald Necklace parks. In addition, the property includes a Guerlain spa, rooftop terrace, fine dining restaurants, indoor pool, 24‑hour gym, and highly praised staff service. Book now.

Mandarin Oriental Boston

This elegant Back Bay hotel mixes contemporary interiors with Chinoiserie touches and a standout spa experience. The setting is peaceful yet central, offering refined comfort just steps from upscale shopping and city attractions. It’s ideal for guests seeking serene luxury amid cultural activity. Book now.

The Envoy Hotel, Autograph Collection

Located in the Seaport District, The Envoy delivers modern design and waterfront views. Rooms feature stylish décor, while the rooftop bar offers sweeping skyline panoramas. It’s a creative hotspot suited to visitors interested in design, nightlife, and the Boston art scene. Book now.

The Charles Hotel

Just outside Cambridge in Harvard Square, The Charles Hotel combines academic spirit with boutique sophistication. It features refined rooms, upscale dining and a dynamic cultural calendar. Plus, its location connects guests easily to both university life and downtown galleries. Book now.

Boston Harbor Hotel

Set right on the waterfront at Rowes Wharf, this hotel offers dramatic harbor views and nautical-inspired interiors. The property also features a signature spa, fine dining, and access to waterfront walks and historic sites. It’s a standout choice for those looking to blend urban art visits with nautical calm. Book now.

The Langham Boston

Housed in a historic landmark, The Langham offers New England–inspired décor and gracious service. Guests enjoy heritage tours, spa facilities, and a central location near Copley Square. It balances tradition with modern luxury. Book now.

The Liberty Hotel

This former jail turned luxury hotel exudes bold character with chic design and vibrant public spaces. It combines history with modern amenities, has lively bars and restaurants, and is known for its energetic evenings. Furthermore, its central location provides easy access to downtown attractions. Book now.

The Ritz‑Carlton Boston

Luxury standard in Copley Square, this Ritz‑Carlton delivers polished rooms, marble bathrooms, and attentive service. It boasts elegant on‑site dining and classic ambiance. Guests appreciate its proximity to high‑end shopping, museums, and the Boston Common. Book now.

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Boston (Alongside The Triennial)

1. Stroll Boston Common & The Embrace – View The Embrace, a monumental bronze tribute to Martin and Coretta King, in the historic green heart of the city.
2. Visit MFA, Boston – Immerse in classical and contemporary art inside one of the U.S.’s most comprehensive museums.
3. Experience ICA Boston – Located in the Seaport District, the Institute of Contemporary Art presents cutting-edge exhibitions near the waterfront.
4. Walk the Freedom Trail – Discover 16 historic landmarks and connect the colonial past to Boston’s evolving public art landscape.
5. Explore Cambridge & Harvard Art Museums – Enjoy galleries and literary coffeehouses in a vibrant academic town that mirrors The Exchange’s ethos.

Top 5 Restaurants in Boston

• Oleana (Cambridge) – Inventive Eastern Mediterranean cuisine in a lush garden courtyard.
• O Ya (Boston) – Award‑winning omakase and Japanese‑fusion menus in a refined, intimate setting.
• Toro (South End) – Trendy tapas-style dining blending Spanish flavors with Boston flair.
• Mamma Maria (North End) – Elegant Italian classics in a romantic, historic townhouse setting.
• Myers + Chang (South End) – Asian-inspired small plates with energetic, creative execution.

Top 5 Bars in Boston

• Lookout Rooftop & Bar (Seaport) – Seasonal cocktails with sweeping harbor views, adjacent to ICA.
• State Street Provisions (Downtown) – Speakeasy-style cocktails in a cozy, wood-paneled lounge.
• Drink (Fort Point) – Thoughtful classic cocktails served counter-style in a minimalist setting.
• The Hawthorne (Kenmore Square) – Upscale mixology with polished service and intimate ambiance.
• The Liberty Bar (in Liberty Hotel) – Historic jail turned vibrant cocktail bar with energetic evenings.

Shopping for Luxury Luggage: Carl Friedrik

When visiting Boston for The Triennial, a smart addition to your itinerary is discovering sophisticated travel essentials like Carl  Friedrik luggage. Known for minimalist Scandinavian design and premium craftsmanship, their collections offer durability and polished aesthetics. In addition, investing in pieces such as their X‑Series briefcases or Carry‑On wheeled bags ensures style and practicality when moving between the city’s cultural venues and galleries.

SHOP CARL FRIEDRIK LUGGAGE

Conclusion & Call to Visit The Exchange

Visiting Boston before October 31, 2025 means discovering The Exchange while it’s alive: fifteen powerful installations, hundreds of free public programs, and dialogues across neighborhoods, all accessible 24/7 and free to the public. More than just art, The Exchange reflects Boston’s ambition to become a truly public art city—one rooted in equity, creativity, and connection. As the first city‑wide triennial of its kind in Boston, this is your moment to experience a unique cultural milestone before it disappears.