Summer Street Murals
A Splash of color on summer street
Taking advantage of Summer Street Plaza’s status as one of Downtown’s premier civic gathering areas, the Downtown Boston Alliance has been decorating the long facade of 1 Summer Street (Macy’s) for many years with vibrant and captivating murals. Feast your eyes on the history of our Summer Street Plaza mural series, below!
the hub of the universe
Ponnapa Prakkamakul
Displayed Summer 2025
Inspired by Downtown’s multi-layered history, The Hub of The Universe presents playful details from surrounding buildings, street furniture, and a number of iconic public-art installations. Site of the first subway in North America and a place where artists and literati gather, Downtown Boston is the epicenter of innovation, as The Hub of The Universe illustrates.
a winter message
Breehan James
Displayed Spring 2025
Commissioned specifically for the DBA’s second-annual WINTERACTIVE public-art exhibition, Breehan James’ paintings portray experiences connecting to the the Great North Woods of the American continent: the forests of northern Wisconsin, Minnesota’s Boundary Waters wilderness, and Canada’s Quetico Provincial Park. Associated with enlightenment, healing, and personal growth, the white deer in Winter Messenger inspire us to seek wisdom, embrace change, and find meaning and beauty in our connection to the natural world.
Hopes and dreams
Michael Talbot
Displayed Summer 2024
Depicting a dandelion being blown in the wind against a field of flowers, Hopes And Dreams highlights the resilience and pride of the Boston community in the face of diversity. The symbolic significance of the flowers used in the design, coupled with the imagery of the dawning of a new day, also acknowledges the potential for growth and hope for a brighter future.
blissful rendezvous
Kezna Dalz
Displayed Spring 2024
This colorful mural, commissioned specifically for the DBA’s inaugural WINTERACTIVE public-art exhibition, highlighted the commonalities between Boston and Quebec province through the evoking of flora and fauna of both regions, set against the historic landmarks of Downtown Boston. Whimsical and fun, Blissful Rendezvous also called attention to the opportunity to connect and reconnect with loved ones while exploring the season of winter.
BOSTON
Joanne Kaliontzis
Displayed Summer 2022
Joanne Kaliontzis, a lifelong Boston resident, conjured numerous childhood memories to inspire her Boston mural’s design. Aiming to depict a city in which anyone can shop, eat, gather, and experience its legendary history, Joanne stated that it was “a privilege” to be commissioned by the DBA to create a mural for Summer Street Plaza inspired by Downtown Crossing’s incredibly vibrant traditions and history, from its shops and restaurants to beautiful flowers, musicians, and magnificently restored theaters.