Boston: Be the Change: Public Art Comes to Historic Beacon Hill

The exhibition, Be the Change, is a collaboration between two of Boston's important cultural institutions, the Vilna Shul and the Museum of African American History.

Scheduled to run from May 2 through October 25, 2027, the exhibition will use public art to encourage conversation, reflection, and community engagement around issues of justice and social responsibility. The seven sculptures, each approximately eight feet tall, will be installed at historic and community locations throughout Beacon Hill. The participating artists draw on Black and Jewish history and culture to explore important and often challenging social issues through contemporary sculpture.

The sculptures will be located at:

• The Vilna Shul, 18 Phillips Street
• Phillips Street Play Area, 21 Phillips Street
• Nichols House Museum, 55 Mount Vernon Street
• Beacon Hill Friends House, 6 & 8 Chestnut Street
• Museum of African American History, 46 Joy Street

At the center of Be the Change is the concept of tzedakah, a Jewish tradition rooted in the responsibility to support those in need and to work toward a more just society. The sculptures are inspired by the form of a tzedakah box—a small box traditionally used to collect coins and charitable contributions. While the physical object is simple, its meaning is significant, symbolizing a longstanding commitment to generosity, justice, and community responsibility within Jewish tradition.

Be the Change builds on this tradition by bringing together local artists to create contemporary public sculptures that invite viewers to consider the pressing issues of our time. Rather than simply placing artwork in public spaces, the project is designed to create opportunities for people to encounter art, learn from one another, and engage in meaningful conversations about history, identity, community, and social justice.

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Community engagement is a central component of the exhibition. Be the Change is organized around three interconnected pillars: Public Art Sculptures, Walking Tours, and Public Programs. Together, these elements are intended to maximize opportunities for residents, visitors, and members of the Beacon Hill community to connect with the artwork and with the stories and ideas that inspired it.

"Be the Change stems from a concept that is core to Jewish tradition - but one that's also the most universal, and that unites us all. We hear so many people who are hungry for beauty and hope today, and we're honored to bring the exhibit to Beacon Hill and to celebrate the layers of history and community that are part of this neighborhood through it."

- Laura Mandel, Managing Director of Program Strategy and Impact at the Vilna Shul.

Beginning May 2, 2027, visitors will have the opportunity to participate in guided walking tours of the exhibition. The tours will provide additional context about the sculptures, the artists, the historic locations where the works are installed, and the themes explored throughout the exhibition. Public programs will further expand opportunities for learning and discussion during the exhibition's run.

The Beacon Hill presentation will be the fourth installation of Be the Change in the Boston area. Previous exhibitions included an installation at the Bolling Building in Boston from January 31 through March 14, 2025; Boston City Hall Plaza from March 14 through April 4, 2025; and Chelsea City Hall from April 4 through May 16, 2025. Additional information about the project, participating artists, and programming is available through the Be the Change project website.

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The exhibition also represents an important example of how temporary public art can be thoughtfully integrated into historic neighborhoods. The Beacon Hill Architectural Commission is responsible for reviewing proposed changes within the Historic Beacon Hill District, including street furniture and other objects erected or placed in public or private ways on either a temporary or permanent basis. Through this review process, the Commission considers how proposed installations relate to the architectural and historic character of the district while recognizing opportunities for appropriate contemporary uses of its public spaces.

By bringing Be the Change to Beacon Hill, the project will place contemporary works of art within one of Boston's most historically significant neighborhoods, creating an opportunity for residents and visitors to experience the district in a new way. The temporary nature of the exhibition allows the artwork to engage with Beacon Hill's historic environment while providing a platform for artists and cultural organizations to encourage dialogue about the issues that continue to shape Boston and its communities.

The Beacon Hill Architectural Commission looks forward to the exhibition's contribution to the neighborhood and to the opportunities it will provide for art, education, community engagement, and thoughtful conversation throughout the 2027 season.

This article was prepared by Nicholas Armata, Senior Preservation Planner.

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