24 New Art Exhibits You Must See in Boston in 2024 

Relish in the beauty of Boston and the art throughout the city with this guide of the best current, upcoming, and permanent exhibits at museums and galleries! By Yelena Nicolle Salvador CURRENT TEMPORARY EXHIBITS 1) <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/patterns-in-bloom-an-orchid-exhibition-boylston-441905">Patterns in Bloom: An Orchid Exhibition</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1710519582/exhibits%20in%20boston/exhibits_.001_sz7smq.jpg"> Where: New England Botanic Garden When: Now until Mar. 17 Info: See the beauty of 2,000 orchids and their patterns at this exhibit. You’ll be able to marvel at their bright colors and joys of spring! 2) <a href="https://www.bluetrianglegallery.com/">Bouquet</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1710519581/exhibits%20in%20boston/exhibits_.002_tvbuya.jpg"> Where: Blue Triangle Gallery When: Now until Friday Apr. 12 Info: Take a stop at this new gallery right by Chinatown in the Historic Textile District. This exhibit focuses on spring, nature, and Women’s History Month! 3) <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/winteractive-winter-art-experience-in-downtown-boston-boston-445685">WINTERACTIVE</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1710519585/exhibits%20in%20boston/exhibits_.003_bg23we.jpg"> Where: Downtown Boston When: Now until Sunday Apr. 14 Info: Explore Downtown Boston and see the infamous clown heads peering down at you and the mystical unicorn. It is such a fun way to get steps in and take photo ops with friends. Catch all of the displays before the Boston Marathon weekend, when the exhibition ends! 4) <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/getting-around-town-four-centuries-of-mapping-boston-in-transit-boston-452270">Getting Around Town: Four Centuries of Mapping Boston in Transit</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1710519582/exhibits%20in%20boston/exhibits_.004_vckip8.jpg"> Where: Boston Public Library When: Now until Saturday Apr. 27 Info: Follow the history of Boston’s notorious T. The best part about this exhibit is that it includes a reimagined map of the MBTA with publicly-voted names for infamous stops: Boylston is “Screech from the Heavens,” which we all know too well. 5) <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/raqib-shaw-ballads-of-east-and-west-boston-446704">Raqib Shaw: Ballads of East and West</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1710519585/exhibits%20in%20boston/exhibits_.005_mht8fa.jpg"> Where: Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum When: Now until Sunday May 12 Info: There’s no other word for me to describe this one: otherworldly. Relish in the colors and every detail of these vibrant pieces that feel like huge puzzles where new moments are found in every corner.&nbsp; 6) <a href="https://mcmullenmuseum.bc.edu/exhibitions/lost-generation/">The Lost Generation: Women Ceramicists and the Cuban Avant-Garde</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1710519585/exhibits%20in%20boston/exhibits_.006_z7r8go.jpg"> Where: McMullen Museum of Art When: Now until Sunday June 2 Info: Explore this exhibit that showcases the work of experimental female ceramicists and male painters from Cuba. What makes this so unique is its emphasis on bilingualism since all works have an English and Spanish translation - highlighting the intersections between language, culture, and art. 7) <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/wu-tsang-of-whales-boston-441417">Wu Tsang: Of Whales</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1710519585/exhibits%20in%20boston/exhibits_.007_ed4kwh.jpg"> Where: Institute of Contemporary Art When: Now until Sunday Aug. 4 Info: Take a moment to feel connected to the beauty of the ocean and water. In this immersive experience, you’ll follow the perspective of a sperm whale through real-time videos and calm scoring. And you’ll be supporting a MA-native artist! 8) <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/mfa-exhibit-tender-loving-care-boston-452275">Tender Loving Care Exhibit</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1710519586/exhibits%20in%20boston/exhibits_.008_xhykvp.jpg"> Where: Museum of Fine Arts When: Now until July 2025 Info: One of my favorite exhibits around Boston, this one has made me rethink how to define care, whether it be towards loving myself, supporting others, and doing the smallest of tasks. I love that there are different kinds of chairs where you are able to ponder, rest your mind, body, and soul, and simply show care by enjoying the work of other artists. UPCOMING EXHIBITS 1) <a href="https://bostonathenaeum.org/visit/exhibitions/harriet-hayden-albums/">Framing Freedom: The Harriet Hayden Albums</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1710519586/exhibits%20in%20boston/exhibits_.009_ltkwik.jpg"> Where: Boston Athenaeum&nbsp; When: Tuesday Mar. 20 until Saturday June 22 Info: Discover the history of Black abolitionists in Boston with this special exhibit. You’ll gain a new perspective on social justice movements led by African-American Bostonians during the Civil War era. Pro tip: If you don't have a membership at the Athenaeum, you can go on an <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/the-boston-athenaeum-art-architecture-tour-boston-397182">Art and Architecture Tour</a> for $15. 2) <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/mfa-exhibit-hallyu-the-korean-wave-boston-452276">Hallyu! The Korean Wave</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1710519588/exhibits%20in%20boston/exhibits_.010_qunkgi.jpg"> Where: Museum of Fine Arts When: Sunday Mar. 24 until Sunday July 28 Info: I’m excited for this one! This multi-sensory and multimedia-based exhibit explores South Korean culture, history, identity, and influence. You’ll find a lot of textile pieces from costumes to needlework, as well as immersive blends of music, video, and more. 3) <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/hanging-nasturtiums-at-the-isabella-stewart-gardner-boston-411762">Hanging Nasturtiums</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1710519590/exhibits%20in%20boston/exhibits_.011_wimlau.jpg"> Where: Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum When: Monday Apr. 1 until Saturday Apr. 13 Info: This iconic orange flower that has vines as long as twenty feet will make its annual debut to mark the arrival of spring at the Gardner Museum. The nasturtiums are nurtured carefully for almost a year and then displayed – a tradition that has been in place since 1904. 4) <a href="https://www.mfa.org/exhibition/dress-up">Dress Up</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1710519589/exhibits%20in%20boston/exhibits_.012_ugiqgr.jpg"> Where: Museum of Fine Arts When: Saturday Apr. 13 until Monday Sept. 2 Info: Textiles are an art form we shouldn’t forget. Explore the messages within the threads and beads of clothing, jewelry, and accessories in this exhibit. You’ll be immersed in the intersections of fashion, culture, and identity. 5) <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/art-in-bloom-boston-451447">Art in Bloom</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1710519589/exhibits%20in%20boston/exhibits_.013_lnpiah.jpg"> Where: Museum of Fine Arts When: Thursday Apr. 25 - Sunday Apr. 28 Info: Welcome spring with beautiful flower arrangements that are created by New England floral designers. Join the MFA for its 48th Annual Art in Bloom exhibition where there will be 45 colorful bouquets inspired by art pieces at the museum. 6) <a href="https://www.icaboston.org/exhibitions/hew-locke-the-procession/">Hew Locke: The Procession</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1710519590/exhibits%20in%20boston/exhibits_.014_huvib8.jpg"> Where: Institute of Contemporary Art, Watershed When: Thursday May 23 - Monday Sept. 2 Info: Follow the voyage of 140 life-sized sculptures of every age, ability, and occupation by Hew Locke. This installation explores themes of British colonialism, Caribbean carnival, power, and history.&nbsp; 7) <a href="https://maam.massart.edu/exhibition/displacement">Displacement</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1710519588/exhibits%20in%20boston/exhibits_.015_mitfct.jpg"> Where: MassArt Art Museum When: Thursday June 27 - Sunday Dec. 8 Info: This immersive exhibit will take you on a journey through sounds, smells, and visuals. The pieces navigate the relationship between humans and their environments. 8) <a href="https://www.mfa.org/exhibition/dali-disruption-and-devotion">Dalí: Disruption and Devotion</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1710519593/exhibits%20in%20boston/exhibits_.016_xpatj0.jpg"> Where: Museum of Fine Arts When: Saturday July 6 -Sunday Dec. 1 Info: Lose track of time (literally and figuratively) as you explore the famous work of the melting clock artist, in conversation with his own inspirations and artists who explore the avant-garde.&nbsp; PERMANENT EXHIBITS&nbsp; 1) <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/glass-flowers-the-ware-collection-of-blaschka-glass-models-of-plants-cambridge-404566">The Glass Flower</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1710519591/exhibits%20in%20boston/exhibits_.017_bmv6su.jpg"> Where: Harvard Museum of Natural History Info: This is one of my favorite hidden gems of Boston. See these delicately hand-crafted glass flowers, ranging from pitcher plants to the intricacies of plant anatomies. It is a breathtaking exhibit to marvel at – you won’t believe that these are really made of glass! 2) <a href="https://www.mfa.org/gallery/monet">Monet Exhibit</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1710519592/exhibits%20in%20boston/exhibits_.018_kewpxw.jpg"> Where: Museum of Fine Arts Info: I love the impressionist art style that showcases brushstrokes and texture – it captures the perfect blend of imagination and realism without focusing too much on perfection. You’ll be transported into different worlds at the exhibit of the great painter, Monet. 3) <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/wndr-museum-opens-february-2024-boston-441027">Let’s Survive Forever</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1710519592/exhibits%20in%20boston/exhibits_.019_mvxbfi.jpg"> Where: WNDR Museum Info: It’s hard to pick just one must-see exhibit at this museum, so here’s your excuse to see them all, especially “Let’s Survive Forever,” an infinity room where you will get lost in the magic of mirrors. You get one minute in this exhibit, so be sure to take a second to put your phone away and take it all in. 4) <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/how-do-you-see-the-world-exhibit-boston-452346">The Mapparium: How Do You See the World?</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1710519595/exhibits%20in%20boston/exhibits_.020_idmhnn.jpg"> Where: Mary Baker Eddy Library Info: See the world frozen in time in 1935. The colors and to-scale continents will leave you speechless. You can participate in the “whispering gallery” where you can talk on one side of the world and be heard on the other. 5) <a href="https://www.mos.org/visit/exhibits/arctic-adventure-exploring-technology-exhibit">Arctic Adventure</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1710519593/exhibits%20in%20boston/exhibits_.021_plwkk9.jpg"> Where: Museum of Science Info: Experience an Arctic journey with digitally immersive sights and sounds and a real touchable ice wall, all tailored to change with the hour and season, allowing you to become a polar explorer navigating virtual ice fields and searching for wildlife with interactive tools. 6) <a href="https://hmnh.harvard.edu/earth-planetary-sciences-gallery">Earth &amp; Planetary Sciences Gallery</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1710519594/exhibits%20in%20boston/exhibits_.022_llx2rz.jpg"> Where: Harvard Museum of Natural History Info: Geodes, rocks, gems. This collection of rare minerals is huge and sparkling. You’ll be in rooms full of hundreds of rock specimens that cover all colors of the rainbow. A favorite exhibit within this gallery is the mineral eggs – beautifully small, polished minerals! 7) <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/the-museum-of-bad-art-boston-407973">MOBA Zoo</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1710519594/exhibits%20in%20boston/exhibits_.023_j05uyq.jpg"> Where: Museum of Bad Art Info: This exhibit is full of funny interpretations of animal portraits and more. You’ll enjoy strolling through this gallery with a brew in hand – laughs guaranteed since the pieces each have a silly description! 8) <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/10-works-of-outdoor-public-art-to-see-in-boston-boston-450160">Public art</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1708538914/The%20Best%20Works%20of%20Outdoor%20Public%20Art%20to%20See%20around%20Boston/art.002_r1p4tp.jpg"> Where: Boston Info: Enjoy the wonders of Boston and the outdoors by strolling through the city to see these colorful murals. -- Main photo by The Mapparium, WNDR Museum, the ICA, and Travel Like A Local

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S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

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Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

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S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

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S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

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S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

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S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

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S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

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S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

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S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

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S3 (A): trending experiences

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S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S19: interest based

Discover kid-friendly fun in Boston, Massachusetts, and surrounding areas! Enjoy hands-on exhibits at the Boston Children’s Museum, explore the New England Aquarium, and visit the Franklin Park Zoo. Find parks, playgrounds, and seasonal events perfect for families across Massachusetts.

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S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

Boston Bars and Restaurants: Events and Openings

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24 New Art Exhibits You Must See in Boston in 2024

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