Cancún, Mexico – The mural facing Parque de las Palapas reads “Ser joven es ser Cancún”. Being young is being Cancún. The motto highlights this city’s youthful energy but also its short history. Cancún was founded in 1970, when the…
Frescoes in Lyon
Lyon, France – Here’s a cool thing in Lyon: a series of public murals that depict various elements of Lyonnais history and culture. Several of these are painted as trompe-l’oeil, so it’s hard to tell where the painting stops and…
Salem, Beyond Witch City
Salem, Mass – Everybody knows about Salem’s fascinating history, from the witch hysteria to the maritime trade. But today’s Salem is also a vibrant place. While updating the Lonely Planet content, I went in search of Salem, beyond Witch City.…
Public Art on the Rose Kennedy Greenway
Boston, Mass – I am digging the public art on the Rose Kennedy Greenway this summer.
Heidelberg Project
Detroit, Michigan – Sometimes, out of poverty and desperation comes creativity and inspiration. This idea is at the foundation of the revitalization of Detroit. And no place embodies it more than Heidelberg, a devastated street on the city’s east side.…
Dequindre Cut
Detroit, Michigan – In case you haven’t heard, Detroit is experiencing something of a revival. This is my hometown, and I feel like Detroit’s imminent comeback was supposed to happen throughout my entire childhood. (Ie, since the construction of the…
Street Art – Os Gêmeos
Boston, Mass – I just came across this gem, left behind by Os Gêmeos–twin brothers Otavio and Gustavo Pandolfo, authors of our pizza-man in Union Square. This one looks like a self-portrait!
Street Art – Os Gêmeos
Somerville, Mass – When the Brazilian duo Os Gêmeos had their exhibit at the ICA in Boston, they left their mark in a few places around town, as did graffiti artist Shepard Fairey. Their most prominent piece is the unmistakable…
Street Art – Shepard Fairey
Somerville, Mass – One of the things I love about city living is street art. To kick off a series on this controversial topic, I present a photo Twin S and Twin V, posing in front of a Shepard…