Watch CBS News

Best Boston Businesses With Art Galleries

In Boston, getting a chance to view some art does not necessarily mean having to go to a museum or even an art gallery. Plenty of local businesses boast artwork from photography to murals. It is possible to appreciate art at concerts, while dining and even while spending a night out drinking. In this city, whether good, bad, ugly or breathtaking, art is never far away.
ArtBar
(Photo credit: ArtBar)

ArtBar
40 Edwin H Land Blvd.
Cambridge, MA 02142
(617) 806-4122
www.artbarcambridge.com

ArtBar has everything for an enjoyable night on the town. It has art, of course, delicious fresh regional cuisine, a lovely drink menu and accommodations for large groups. Enjoying the bar's fantastic patio is a great way to dine at ArtBar, but art lovers must take in the decor inside for the full experience. Just take a quick walk around the perimeter of the bar to see the prints, sketches and other works of art that adorn the walls on the way to the patio. If the weather does not permit, the best view is from the bar.

9/12 Arts & Culture - Voltage Coffee and Art
(credit: Rachel Leah Blumenthal)

Voltage Coffee & Art
295 3rd St.
Cambridge, MA 02142
(617) 714-3974
www.voltagecoffee.com

Voltage Coffee & Art is an interesting place in that it is possible to grab a cup of coffee and see some art, but it is more than just a few pieces scattered across the walls. Voltage hosts showings for long periods so guests can come back soon for a favorite artist or wait a bit to see something brand new. There are also group shows that display the art of a small group of artists, typically with an underlying theme or just as favorites chosen by the staff.

Related: Best Places for Glass Art in Boston

House of Blues, Boston
(Photo Credit: House of Blues, Boston)

House of Blues, Boston
15 Lansdowne St.
Boston, MA 02215
(888) 693-2583
www.houseofblues.com

House of Blues is a chain of concert venues that originated in the South. However, every House of Blues is different when it comes to art. The entryway has a distinctly southern rock feel to it, but there is definitely a touch of Boston in the attitude the building exudes. Where things really get interesting is upstairs, where there are several paintings hanging on the balconies, and in the Foundation Room. The room itself is a work of art, but the Eastern sculptures, paintings, photographs and even furniture are the real draws.

Harvard Coop
(credit: store.thecoop.com)

The Harvard Coop
1400 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 499-2000
www.thecoop.com

The Harvard Coop is, above all else, a campus store. Here patrons can purchase Harvard merchandise and many books. Nonetheless, those who care to dig deep enough or come by on the right day will see that this business is supportive of art and often has some on display, sometimes curbside. Even the website has an array of prints from Mark Waikus available. Do not forget to check out its sister store at MIT, as the stores carry different items.

Related: Boston's Best Indoor Art for Kids

Kings Boston
(Photo Credit: Kings Boston)

Kings Boston
50 Dalton St.
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 266-2695
www.kingsbowlamerica.com

A bowling alley that serves food may not sound like the best place to appreciate art, but Kings Boston has a great deal of art to appreciate for those who enjoy photographs. Some of the walls are virtually stuffed with frames that guests can peruse at their leisure. Of course, there is also bowling, food and even cocktails. It is a very popular place where people often catch glimpses of professional athletes and various celebrities.

Shelly Barclay is a professional freelance writer and amateur author. She writes on a variety of topics from food to mysteries. She loves to share the culture and rich history of her birthplace and home, Boston, with the rest of the world. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.