Get lost amid the dark, screeching depths of the United States' oldest subway system, and you just might end up emerging to the sweeter sounds and brighter beauty of Boston's ripe arts scene. Here are a few fantastic venues to explore on the T. Use this guide as a springboard into the Boston scene, but remember: There are plenty of amazing locales that didn't make it onto our map, so just keep exploring.
GREEN LINE
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
(Museum Stop)
Earning high marks for its distinctive layout and
impressive collection, this mansion-turned-museum was built and arranged in the early 1900s by the fabulously rich Isabella Stewart Gardner.
The Paradise Rock Club
(Pleasant Street Stop)
The "Dise" is one of the best venues for catching big names as well as up-and-coming stars in the music scene. U2 performed their first U.S. concert here.
Coolidge Corner Theatre
(Harvard Street Stop)
This independent theater hosts loads of film
festivals and midnight events. Coolidge prides
itself on highlighting the odd, classic,
international and avant-garde.
ORANGE LINE
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
(Ruggles Stop)
This list could not be complete without the mammoth MFA, which boasts a spectacular collection. From ancient to contemporary, Africa to the Americas, you're sure to find plenty worth stopping to stare at.
Orpheum Theatre
(Downtown Crossing Stop)
Don't be fooled by its classic black and white exterior and slightly tattered bowels: The Orpheum, one of the oldest theaters in the United States and the original home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the New England Conservatory, has made up for its aged appearance by hosting legendary stars like Pink Floyd, Bruce Springsteen, the Grateful Dead and Queen.
RED LINE
Brattle Theatre
(Harvard Stop)
Open since 1890, Brattle has a rich history of live theater, cabaret and film noir. Now it's the place to catch classic and art-house films, and the theater's also known for its repertory series.
The Middle East
(Central Stop)
With intimate performance spaces and a tasty restaurant, the Middle East is a prime place to see up-and-coming artists before they make it big. Just don't expect things perfectly polished.
ImprovBoston
(Central Stop)
Looking for a laugh? Search no farther than Cambridge, where you'll find sketch, improv, standup performances and "naked comedy."
BLUE LINE
Aquarium IMAX
(Aquarium Stop)
For a movie experience that's also educational, take a trip to the Aquarium and experience the gigantic IMAX screen.
Boston Classical Orchestra(Aquarium Stop)
If head banging and guitar riffs aren't your thing, you might prefer the more mellow entertainment of the Boston Classical Orchestra.
SILVER LINE
Institute of Contemporary Art
(World Trade Center Stop)
With a waterfront location and constantly rotating exhibits, the ICA is a prime spot to discover fresh and experimental artwork.
SoWa Galleries
(East Berkeley Street Stop)
The neighborhood South of Washington Street (SoWa) is a cluster of galleries, boutiques and creative restaurants. The SoWa Artists Guild, a warehouse-like building on Harrison Avenue, opens up for First Fridays, where you can mingle with local artists in their studios.
