Back in Boston After 20 Years: Walking Through America's Living Museum of Architectural History"
- Curated by Younghye
- 43 minutes ago
- 3 min read
I visited Boston over 20 years ago, so my recent two-day trip was a very interesting experience. There is a saying in Korea: “You can see things as much as you understand them.” This was my third trip to Boston. Even though my stay was short and my time was limited, I felt I saw much more than during my previous visits. I also noticed many changes in Boston, especially in its architecture. I saw many new high-rise buildings and modern architectural elements that did not exist or were not as visible 20 years ago. I felt that Boston itself is like a living museum of American architectural history. I walked from Newbury Street to Long Wharf and enjoyed seeing how the old buildings and storefronts had been renovated while still keeping the traditional character of the street.
The Boston Public Garden was also wonderful, and it was meaningful to see historic buildings connected to America’s independence. Long Wharf was especially beautiful. If I had more time, I would have loved to visit the Boston Harbor Islands as well.
After that, I went to the Harvard Art Museums by Renzo Piano. Although the museum is not very large, it was wonderful to see important works such as Vincent van Gogh’s Self-Portrait*, Orazio Gentileschi’s *The Virgin with the Sleeping Christ Child (c. 1610), and Cello Memory (2002) by Nam June Paik, featuring Charlotte Moorman and her avant-garde circle. Le Corbusier’s Carpenter Center for the Visual Arts, his only building in North America, was another highlight. Even though it is a modern building surrounded by older Harvard buildings, it does not feel out of place. It creates a wonderful harmony with its surroundings and is aesthetically fascinating. In Harvard Square, many historic buildings have been carefully renovated while preserving their original character, sometimes with new paint or subtle modern details. With my background in interior design, I understand that preserving an old building is often much more expensive than constructing something completely new. I could see how much effort Boston has made to protect its architectural traditions, and I found that very impressive.
The ICA Boston on Friday night was lively and energetic, so I relaxed on the fourth-floor terrace and enjoyed the amazing waterfront view. It was a beautiful moment. I also found it interesting that walking through Boston’s Chinatown reminded me of Hong Kong. Maybe it was the Cantonese culture, the familiar street signs, or simply the atmosphere—but for a moment, I felt like I had returned to Hong Kong.
A Korean YouTuber said that Newbury Street was the best street to walk around in the world. For me, Newbury Street was beautiful, but I would not call it the best walking street in the world. It had many luxury brand stores, more like New York’s Fifth Avenue or Miami’s Design District.
The clam chowder at Quincy Market was delicious, with lots of potatoes and clams—almost like a homemade version. Felipe’s Taqueria in Harvard Square, a famous Mexican restaurant, was also very tasty. At Earl’s restaurant in the Prudential Center, the hamburger was freshly made and enjoyable. However, I was surprised that they added an extra tip for the kitchen staff. I always thought tips were meant to be shared among everyone working in the restaurant. These days, tipping culture has become quite expensive and complicated.
Overall, it was a very busy two days, but it was wonderful to return to Boston and see how much the city has changed over time. It was not only a trip to visit places—it was a chance to experience how history, architecture, and modern life coexist in one city.