Boston Bricks
Some of my favorite pieces of public art are the ones that are hidden right in plain sight. In downtown Boston, there is a series of beautiful crafted “bricks” that hundreds of people walk over each day.
Created by Kate Burke and Gregg Lefevre in 1985, these bricks chronicle not just Boston’s history, but some unique aspects of living in the city.
Stones include directional ones that tell you how far away places like the North Pole or Moscow are.
If you’ve ever driven through Boston, you might recognize the change that happens to people as they attempt to navigate throughout the confusing streets 🙂
However, Boston’s history is well represented in this collection of public art. From the different last names of residents, the American Revolution, and the Marathon, you will find all of it in this tiny alley.
How to get there?
Winthrop Lane is really easy to miss. Go down Devonshire Street away from the Old State House. When you see the statue of John Winthrop, look to your right for the Dunkin Donuts. Winthrop Lane is right there.
12 thoughts on “Boston Bricks”
That’s some really fun brick artwork! I like street art, but didn’t even know there’s a so many brick. It’s interesting how well it represents Boston (or so I’ll assume since I’ve never been there). Thanks for showing it to me!
I always look down, a habit of someone who finds a lot of money on the ground and was an archaeologist it helps a lot!
Those stones looks interesting <3
Nice and funny at the same time, haven’t been in Boston so far, but can be interesting 🙂 However I live in Kosice and we have 2nd oldest marathon in the world! 🙂 Where is the oldest one? 🙂
Oh oh! I know the answer to that one! 😉 The Boston Marathon is awesome, but you couldn’t pay me enough money to run it. So much pain in their faces!
This is such a cute idea for not only tourist but locals to learn and remember the history of the city
Love discoveries like this. Unfortunately I seem to only get to Boston in the depths of winter and spend little time outdoors. Thanks for sharing.
Oh, yeah…these kinds of art get totally covered in the snow! I’m not sure anyone even shovels down there. Hmm. Try coming in May, its lovely…the students are leaving and the weather is just warming up again.
This is really cool-I’ve never been to Boston but how come I’ve never read about the Boston Bricks before. I love art that is so unique- it adds so much to a neighborhood.
There are a few other pieces of art like this throughout the city. So great. I wish more people did stuff like this 🙂
What an interesting way of commemorating history and showing it off to visitors. I’ve never heard of the Boston Bricks before. Thanks for sharing.
How fun are these! I actually do know where Winthrop Lane is, so next time we’re in Beantown, we’ll have a look!