Brass and Bronze: Audio Guide to Boston's Art and Monuments

1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English and 1 more

On this self-guided tour, you'll pay tribute to Boston's key figures and unlock its 400-year history. Experience the magic of GPS-playback on this immersive stroll through Boston.

Boston’s art is the key to unlocking its rich 400-year history. On this walking tour, you’ll hear the backstories behind the city’s monuments, learn about the artists involved, and discover how Bostonians reacted when the pieces were first unveiled.

For history and art enthusiasts, this tour goes beyond the textbooks, exploring the personalities and artwork that bring the city to life.

You’ll follow the Freedom Trail through the city’s historical core. Boston’s self-image has lots to teach us. Discover a one-of-a-kind blend of history and art in this four-hundred-year-old “City on the Hill” that will leave you with a unique outlook.

What's Included

Get unlimited, lifetime use of this tour, before your booking date and after it
The virtual playback option, so you can listen to this tour like an audiobook from anywhere
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
Please bring your own smartphone and headphones
Entrance fees

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

The tour begins at Union Square, at the intersection of Congress and Clinton Streets. The park is sandwiched behind City Hall, opposite Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market.

End point

The tour ends at Boston Common Tablet.

Itinerary

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes (approximately)
  • (Pass by)

    Start at James Michael Curley Park and hear about how this infamous mayor ran the city for seven months while serving time in jail. Understand how his statues symbolize the political shifts in Boston.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Next, visit Faneuil Hall, often called the Cradle of Liberty. Learn about its historical significance and why it has been a central meeting place for debates and discussions.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    See the statue of Red Auerbach, legendary coach of the Boston Celtics. Hear about his compassionate deeds and contributions to Boston’s sports culture.

    Admission ticket free
  • Quincy Market (Pass by)

    Stroll through Quincy Market, Boston’s outstanding food court, and get a taste of the city’s culinary diversity.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Pass by the Dock Square Parking Garage, where you'll see the tea kettle that once held eight boys inside – a quirky piece of Boston’s past.

    Admission ticket free
  • Statue of Samuel Adams (Pass by)

    Admire the statue of Samuel Adams, a key figure in the American Revolution. Learn why the statue reportedly bears little resemblance to the man himself.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Visit the statue of Bill Russell, the celebrated Boston Celtics player, and hear about his impact both on and off the court.

    Admission ticket free
  • Old State House (Pass by)

    Explore the Old State House, Boston’s prior seat of government, and delve into its role in the city's colonial history.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Relax in Readers' Park and enjoy the serene environment dedicated to book lovers and the city's literary heritage.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Reflect at the Boston Irish Famine Memorial and understand the significance of the Irish community in shaping Boston’s history.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    See the Democracy Donkey statue and find out how it was initially used as an insult before becoming the symbol of the Democratic Party.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Pass by Boston Latin School, the oldest public school in America, and learn about its notable alumni and historical importance.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Discover the Boston Athenaeum, one of the oldest independent libraries in the United States, and its vast collection of rare books and artworks.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    See the powerful Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Regiment Memorial, commemorating the first African American regiment in the Civil War.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Learn about Mary Dyer, a Quaker martyr, and her fight for religious freedom, represented by her statue.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Admire the statue of John F. Kennedy and hear about the extensive research that went into capturing his likeness and legacy.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Enjoy the whimsical Frog Fishing sculpture, a playful piece that brings a touch of humor to the city’s artistic landscape.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Learn about The Great Elm, a historic tree that stood on Boston Common for centuries and was a symbol of the city's endurance.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Experience The Embrace, a recent addition to Boston’s public art, symbolizing unity and the city’s ongoing commitment to social justice.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Reflect on the Boston Massacre at the Crispus Attucks Memorial, honoring the first casualty of the American Revolution.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Visit the Lafayette Mall Monument and learn about Marquis de Lafayette, a French hero of the American Revolution.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Conclude the tour at Brewer Fountain, a beautiful piece of public art that has graced Boston Common since 1868.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Please bring your own smartphone and headphones
Supplied by VoiceMap Audio Tours

Tags

Private Sightseeing Tours
Audio Guides
Cultural Tours
Art Tours
Walking Tours
New Product
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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