List of public art in Cambridge, Massachusetts facts for kids

Public art is like an open-air museum! It's art you can see and enjoy in public places, like parks, squares, and even on the sides of buildings. These artworks make our cities more beautiful and interesting. They can tell stories, celebrate history, or simply make you think.

Galaxy: Earth Sphere

Irish Famine Memorial

Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a city full of amazing public artworks. You can find sculptures, memorials, and murals all around. These pieces add to the city's unique feel. They also give everyone a chance to experience art for free.

Cool Artworks Around Cambridge

Cambridge has many interesting public artworks spread across the city. These pieces are often found in parks or busy squares. They help tell the story of Cambridge and its people.

Memorials and History

Some artworks remember important events or people. They help us learn about the past.

• Civil War Monument: This monument honors soldiers from Cambridge who fought in the American Civil War.
• Irish Famine Memorial: Located on Cambridge Common, this memorial remembers the terrible potato famine in Ireland. Many Irish people came to America, including Cambridge, during that time.
• Prince Hall Monument: Also on Cambridge Common, this monument honors Prince Hall. He was an important leader in the African American community during the American Revolution. He worked for freedom and equality.
• Statue of Charles Sumner: This statue is in General MacArthur Square. Charles Sumner was a famous politician who fought against slavery.
• Statue of John Bridge: You can find this statue on Cambridge Common. John Bridge was one of the early settlers of Cambridge.
• Washington Gate: This gate is also on Cambridge Common. It marks a historic spot where George Washington took command of the Continental Army in 1775.

Unique Sculptures and Murals

Other artworks are more modern or abstract. They add a creative touch to the city.

• The End of the Red Line: This artwork is a fun piece that plays with the idea of a subway line ending.
• Galaxy: Earth Sphere: Located in Kendall Square, this sculpture shows our planet as part of a galaxy. It makes you think about our place in the universe.
• Gift of the Wind: This piece is designed to move with the wind. It creates a dynamic and changing artwork.
• Glove Cycle: By Mags Harries, this artwork is at the Porter Square MBTA Station. It features many bronze gloves, as if they were dropped by people passing by.
• Igor Fokin memorial sculpture: This sculpture remembers Igor Fokin, a beloved street performer. He was known for his amazing balancing acts.
• Untitled: This large artwork is at the Alewife MBTA station. It uses big stone blocks to create an interesting space.
• Women's Community Cancer Project Mural: This colorful mural is in Harvard Square. It was created to raise awareness and support for people affected by cancer.

Art at Harvard University

Harvard University is one of the oldest and most famous universities in the United States. It also has some impressive artworks on its campus.

• Bixi: This is a large stone turtle-like creature. It comes from Chinese mythology and often carries a stone tablet on its back.
• Discobolus: This is a famous sculpture of an ancient Greek athlete throwing a discus. It's a copy of a very old Greek artwork.
• Night Wall I: This modern sculpture adds a unique shape to the campus.
• Robert Stow Bradley Jr. Memorial: This memorial honors Robert Stow Bradley Jr.
• Statue of John Harvard: This famous statue is often called the "Statue of Three Lies." It's because John Harvard wasn't the founder, the date is wrong, and it's not even a statue of him! It's a fun piece of Harvard folklore.

Art at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Birth of the Muses

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a world-famous science and engineering school. Its campus also features many modern and thought-provoking artworks.

• Alchemist: This sculpture by Jaume Plensa is made of many letters and symbols. It looks like a human figure.
• Angola: This artwork by Joel Witkin is a powerful piece.
• Birth of the Muses: This sculpture by Jacques Lipchitz shows figures that represent inspiration for arts and sciences.
• Elmo-MIT: This fun and colorful sculpture adds a playful touch to the campus.
• Guennette: This large, abstract sculpture by Michael Heizer is made of huge granite blocks.
• Invaders: This artwork by Kehinde Wiley brings a modern twist to classic portraits.
• La Grande Voile (The Big Sail): This large, abstract sculpture looks like a giant sail catching the wind.
• Reclining Figure (Lincoln Center): This sculpture by Henry Moore is a classic example of his famous reclining figures.
• Sean Collier Memorial: This memorial honors Sean Collier, an MIT police officer who was killed in the line of duty. It's a very special and meaningful structure.
• Three-Piece Reclining Figure: Draped 1975: Another sculpture by Henry Moore, showing his unique style of abstract human forms.
• Transparent Horizon: This artwork plays with light and transparency, creating interesting visual effects.
• TV Man or Five Piece Cube with Strange Hole: This quirky sculpture by Tony Smith is a geometric piece that makes you think.
• Two Indeterminate Lines: This artwork by Bernar Venet uses two large curved lines to create a striking visual.

External Links

• Cambridge Council of Arts