Boston's WINTERACTIVE exhibition features colorful pop-up artworks in downtown.
Boston’s winter arts scene comes alive with the vibrant WINTERACTIVE exhibition featuring 24 unique pop-up artworks across 17 downtown locations until March 30. Organized by the Downtown Boston Alliance, this year’s exhibition showcases captivating installations, including whimsical inflatables and enchanting light displays. The community is invited to explore and enjoy this free outdoor event that celebrates creativity during the chilly months.
Ah, winter in Boston! As frosty air sweeps in, the city comes alive with creativity through the fabulous public art exhibition, WINTERACTIVE, which is now dazzling visitors and locals alike until March 30! This year, art enthusiasts can feast their eyes on 24 unique pop-up artworks located across 17 sites in the heart of downtown.
The Downtown Boston Alliance (DBA) has commissioned this outdoor showcase, and it is even bigger than last year! Launched for the first time in 2024, WINTERACTIVE is back with an array of stunning installations that promise to enrich winter walks with eye-catching art. Since January 15, the community has been enjoying a selection of mesmerizing pieces, each adding its charm to the brisk urban backdrop.
Among the most talked-about artworks is “Endgame” by artist Max Streicher, found in Harlem Place Alley. This piece features whimsical inflatable clown heads that put a smile on anyone passing by. Then there’s “Sonic Runway” by Rob Jensen and Warren Trezevant, an enchanting light and sound installation located at City Hall Plaza, creating a luminous pathway for guests. And let’s not forget “Alouette” by Brandon Vickerd, an eye-catching homage to a 1962 Canadian satellite that seems to have met an unfortunate fate atop a car near Downtown Crossing, adding a quirky twist to a typical winter’s day.
These artworks are wonderfully suspended between buildings and nestled along narrow city paths, encouraging explorers to meander through the downtown area. The inspiration for WINTERACTIVE came from a visit made by DBA President Michael Nichols to artistic pastures in Quebec City. He felt Boston could benefit from such vibrant winter art experiences, which breathe life into the colder months.
The creative talent showcased at WINTERACTIVE includes a delightful mix of quirky and interactive pieces by both Canadian and local artists. The positive public reception has been hard to miss, with countless locals eagerly sharing their experiences on social networks. It appears that Bostonians absolutely adore public art, especially during winter when the landscapes are dressed in their frosty white coats.
Among the delightful installations are six inflatable pink sculptures featuring “Mr. Pink 1” by French artist Philippe Katerine. This piece perfectly captures the mood of an artistic movement known as Le Mignonisme, which celebrates the beauty of everyday life through vibrant colors and charming simplicity.
In addition to the visual treat, visitors can encounter “Living Lantern”, another splendid installation that lights up with color-changing bulbs after sunset, enveloping the surroundings in a cozy glow.
WINTERACTIVE isn’t just a one-off event! The DBA is already buzzing with ideas for next year’s showcase in 2026, aiming to make this exhibition an annual festivity. After the exhibition’s end this spring, expect to see a brand-new public art piece installed at the site of “A Winter Messenger” by Breehan James. There are even whispers about incorporating concerts or other outdoor activities in the future, turning the event into a comprehensive winter celebration.
For those eager to explore, WINTERACTIVE is a free experience open to visitors 24/7. You can find a handy map of the artworks on the DBA’s website, along with free tour guides set up across downtown Boston, ensuring no art piece goes unseen!
It’s worth noting that although the exhibition has mostly been well received, there was a minor incident involving vandalism at the “Alouette” installation with a satellite being temporarily removed. Luckily, no permanent damage occurred, and surveillance footage is being reviewed to track down the individual responsible.
As the chilly wind continues to blow through Boston, how about bundling up and embarking on an exploration of this city-wide art adventure? With so much to see, there’s no excuse not to soak in the beauty and creativity that WINTERACTIVE has to offer!
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