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Winteractive

WINTERACTIVE
Downtown Boston’s Outdoor Winter Art Exhibition
January 15–March 30, 2025

Join us for the second year of WINTERACTIVE, a free, walkable art experience featuring more than 15 artworks and interactive play elements, presented by the Downtown Boston Alliance. Inspired by the vibrant winter festivals and art exhibitions of our neighbors in the province of Québec in Canada, we invite you to embrace the joy of winter as you stroll the streets of Downtown Boston. You’ll find a delightful experience around every corner… and there are plenty of places to eat and shop along the way!

View last year’s WINTERACTIVE!

Artworks

  • Mr. Pink 1

    by Philippe Katerine

    Mignonisme (Cuteism) is a poetically off-kilter movement to embrace the aesthetics of “cuteness” in our physical and psychological environments. Philippe Katerine presents a series of inflatable sculptures in public spaces, all featuring “Monsieur Rose” (Mr. Pink). The monumental icon of Mignonisme can be found perched on rooftops around the city. These characters transform the streets into playful places and our daily travels into delightful, colorful journeys.

    About the Artist: Living in Paris, France, Philippe Katerine is a jack of all creative trades: actor, director, beloved pop singer, composer, and visual artist. His work consistently uses humor to subversively transcend the everyday and tackle life’s big questions. His awards include Best Male Artist of the Year for his musical output (Victoires de la Musique awards) and a César for best supporting actor.

    Medium: pvc, blowers, steel cable
    Year Created: 2023
    Artist Place of Origin: Paris, France

    More from Philippe here: @philippekaterine.

    EXMURO goes beyond gallery walls to design, produce and disseminate thought-provoking public art in Quebec and around the world. By making art accessible in outdoor public spaces, they are opening doors and filling cities with artworks that inspire, surprise and make us think. EXMURO also offers Aire publique, a unique public art initiative in Quebec City that transforms a heritage museum space into a vibrant creative hub. Learn more about EXMURO at www.exmuro.com!

    Connect with EXMURO
    exmuro.com
    Facebook, Instagram, YouTube: @exmuroartpublic

    • curated by:
    • hosted in partnership with:
  • Living Lantern

    by NEON Studio & Frankie Boyle

    Designed as an inviting artwork, the kinectic and light installation Living Lantern, offers a sense of hope and joy, and activates public space in a unique way. Light, color and form come together to create a sensory experience that connects to our emotions for a salutary meditative pause.

    The monumental structure is constantly evolving, adapting in response to natural elements, whose force we cannot control. The wind fuels organic movements which in turn bring the structure to life. At night, the visual effect is heightened by animated light sequences which infuse the space with flowing colors. Visitors are invited to spend time observing the mesmerizing lantern change, suggesting a deeper and longer lasting emotional relationship between people and their surroundings.

    • curated by:
    • hosted in partnership with:
  • Mr. Pink 2

    by Philippe Katerine

    Mignonisme (Cuteism) is a poetically off-kilter movement to embrace the aesthetics of “cuteness” in our physical and psychological environments. Philippe Katerine presents a series of inflatable sculptures in public spaces, all featuring “Monsieur Rose” (Mr. Pink). The monumental icon of Mignonisme can be found perched on rooftops around the city. These characters transform the streets into playful places and our daily travels into delightful, colorful journeys.

    About the Artist: Living in Paris, France, Philippe Katerine is a jack of all creative trades: actor, director, beloved pop singer, composer, and visual artist. His work consistently uses humor to subversively transcend the everyday and tackle life’s big questions. His awards include Best Male Artist of the Year for his musical output (Victoires de la Musique awards) and a César for best supporting actor.

    Medium: pvc, blowers, steel cable
    Year Created: 2023
    Artist Place of Origin: Paris, France

    More from Philippe here: @philippekaterine.

    EXMURO goes beyond gallery walls to design, produce and disseminate thought-provoking public art in Quebec and around the world. By making art accessible in outdoor public spaces, they are opening doors and filling cities with artworks that inspire, surprise and make us think. EXMURO also offers Aire publique, a unique public art initiative in Quebec City that transforms a heritage museum space into a vibrant creative hub. Learn more about EXMURO at www.exmuro.com!

    Connect with EXMURO
    exmuro.com
    Facebook, Instagram, YouTube: @exmuroartpublic

    • curated by:
    • hosted in partnership with:
  • Alouette

    by Brandon Vickerd

    An aerospace device seems to have fallen from the sky and crashed in the middle of the city. A replica of the 1962 Canadian satellite now abandoned in its perpetual earthly orbit, Alouette recalls the failed promise of a brighter future foretold by modern times. It could equally represent the ever-growing obsession with connectivity and the resulting accumulation of space waste. Will the day come when the sky finally does fall down on our heads?

    About the Artist: The installations of Brandon Vickerd introduce anomalies into the everyday to highlight the failures of scientific positivism and the utopia of its boundless progress. His work was the subject of exhibitions and events in Quebec, Canada, the United States, Europe and Japan.

    Medium: stainless steel, indicator light, battery, car
    Year Created: 2017
    Artist Place of Origin: Hamilton, ON, Canada

    EXMURO goes beyond gallery walls to design, produce and disseminate thought-provoking public art in Quebec and around the world. By making art accessible in outdoor public spaces, they are opening doors and filling cities with artworks that inspire, surprise and make us think. EXMURO also offers Aire publique, a unique public art initiative in Quebec City that transforms a heritage museum space into a vibrant creative hub. Learn more about EXMURO at www.exmuro.com!

    Connect with EXMURO
    exmuro.com
    Facebook, Instagram, YouTube: @exmuroartpublic

    This artwork was originally created for the public art trail PASSAGES INSOLITES, produced by EXMURO art public and presented by the City of Québec.

    • curated by:
    • hosted in partnership with:
  • Mr. Pink 3

    by Philippe Katerine

    Mignonisme (Cuteism) is a poetically off-kilter movement to embrace the aesthetics of “cuteness” in our physical and psychological environments. Philippe Katerine presents a series of inflatable sculptures in public spaces, all featuring “Monsieur Rose” (Mr. Pink). The monumental icon of Mignonisme can be found perched on rooftops around the city. These characters transform the streets into playful places and our daily travels into delightful, colorful journeys.

    About the Artist: Living in Paris, France, Philippe Katerine is a jack of all creative trades: actor, director, beloved pop singer, composer, and visual artist. His work consistently uses humor to subversively transcend the everyday and tackle life’s big questions. His awards include Best Male Artist of the Year for his musical output (Victoires de la Musique awards) and a César for best supporting actor.

    Medium: pvc, blowers, steel cable
    Year Created: 2023
    Artist Place of Origin: Paris, France

    More from Philippe here: @philippekaterine.

    EXMURO goes beyond gallery walls to design, produce and disseminate thought-provoking public art in Quebec and around the world. By making art accessible in outdoor public spaces, they are opening doors and filling cities with artworks that inspire, surprise and make us think. EXMURO also offers Aire publique, a unique public art initiative in Quebec City that transforms a heritage museum space into a vibrant creative hub. Learn more about EXMURO at www.exmuro.com!

    Connect with EXMURO
    exmuro.com
    Facebook, Instagram, YouTube: @exmuroartpublic

    • curated by:
    • hosted in partnership with:
  • Sonic Runway

    by Rob Jensen & Warren Trezevant

    The Sonic Runway, by Rob Jensen and Warren Trezevant, is a light-art installation that converts audio signals into patterns of light that shoot down a 342 to 432 ft (105 to 132 meters) corridor of 20 to 25 LED lined arches at the speed of sound.

    Watch your step

    Do not hang from the structure

    Children must be under supervision

    Strobe warning

    At the front of the Runway, the observers see musical sound waves rippling away from them. Walking down the corridor, sound and light are always in sync. Looking back from the far end, walkers can see the sound waves coming at them, and hear the music as the pattern reaches them.

    A striking addition to any urban or festival landscape, the Sonic Runway becomes an unforgettable destination that offers an otherworldly sensory experience.

    Artist Statement: “Walking down the Sonic Runway, you build a connection with all the otherpeople and revel in this amazing shared experience. Wherever the Sonic Runway is installed, people call it the tunnel of smiles, because everyone’s enjoying themselves so much.

    “When standing at the front of the Runway, observers see musical sound waves rippling away from them. Walking down the corridor, sound and light are always in sync. Looking back from the far end, walkers see the sound waves coming at them, and hear the music as the pattern reaches them.” —Rob Jensen & Warren Trezevant, co-creators

    • hosted in partnership with:
  • Mr. Pink 4

    by Philippe Katerine

    Mignonisme (Cuteism) is a poetically off-kilter movement to embrace the aesthetics of “cuteness” in our physical and psychological environments. Philippe Katerine presents a series of inflatable sculptures in public spaces, all featuring “Monsieur Rose” (Mr. Pink). The monumental icon of Mignonisme can be found perched on rooftops around the city. These characters transform the streets into playful places and our daily travels into delightful, colorful journeys.

    More from Philippe here: @philippekaterine.

    About the Artist: Living in Paris, France, Philippe Katerine is a jack of all creative trades: actor, director, beloved pop singer, composer, and visual artist. His work consistently uses humor to subversively transcend the everyday and tackle life’s big questions. His awards include Best Male Artist of the Year for his musical output (Victoires de la Musique awards) and a César for best supporting actor.

    Medium: pvc, blowers, steel cable
    Year Created: 2023
    Artist Place of Origin: Paris, France

    More from Philippe here: @philippekaterine.

    EXMURO goes beyond gallery walls to design, produce and disseminate thought-provoking public art in Quebec and around the world. By making art accessible in outdoor public spaces, they are opening doors and filling cities with artworks that inspire, surprise and make us think. EXMURO also offers Aire publique, a unique public art initiative in Quebec City that transforms a heritage museum space into a vibrant creative hub. Learn more about EXMURO at www.exmuro.com!

    Connect with EXMURO
    exmuro.com
    Facebook, Instagram, YouTube: @exmuroartpublic

    • curated by:
    • hosted in partnership with:
  • Cycle

    by Serge Maheu

    Cycle is an interactive installation inspired by the revolutions of the sun and the moon, that illuminates open spaces.

    Composed of a series of modules allowing various configurations, and equipped with several light animation sequences, Cycle delights with its variations in intensity and colour. Diffusing brightness from its core, it evokes the halo effect of an eclipse.

    In a maestria of light and sound, Cycle comes to life at the rhythm of bystanders’ interactions. By moving to the beat of the ambient music, the young and the young at heart transmit their energy to Cycle, transforming it into a larger-than-life musical sequencer.

    Watch your step

    No running

    Children must be under supervision

    About the Artist: Trained as a computer engineer, Serge Maheu has followed a morecreative path that led him into arts and, therefore, to become amultimedia director.

    By bringing together his experience in film, animation, photography, sound & music, computerprogramming, mathematics, interactivity, electronics and design, Maheu’s practice is cross-disciplinary. An avid-lover of straight and obliques lines, squares, pixels and concrete, minimalistand repetitive music. He is interested in creating innovative art based on a certain digital poetrywhile pursuing the relation of mankind with the digital world. He’s open to fresh ideas,collaborations and new art (or non-art) explorations. He also enjoys the maple syrup that heproduces with his father every spring, but that’s another story.

    Artist: @semaha
    • created for:
    • hosted in partnership with:
  • Mr. Pink 5

    by Philippe Katerine

    Mignonisme (Cuteism) is a poetically off-kilter movement to embrace the aesthetics of “cuteness” in our physical and psychological environments. Philippe Katerine presents a series of inflatable sculptures in public spaces, all featuring “Monsieur Rose” (Mr. Pink). The monumental icon of Mignonisme can be found perched on rooftops around the city. These characters transform the streets into playful places and our daily travels into delightful, colorful journeys.

    About the Artist: Living in Paris, France, Philippe Katerine is a jack of all creative trades: actor, director, beloved pop singer, composer, and visual artist. His work consistently uses humor to subversively transcend the everyday and tackle life’s big questions. His awards include Best Male Artist of the Year for his musical output (Victoires de la Musique awards) and a César for best supporting actor.

    Medium: pvc, blowers, steel cable
    Year Created: 2023
    Artist Place of Origin: Paris, France

    More from Philippe here: @philippekaterine.

    EXMURO goes beyond gallery walls to design, produce and disseminate thought-provoking public art in Quebec and around the world. By making art accessible in outdoor public spaces, they are opening doors and filling cities with artworks that inspire, surprise and make us think. EXMURO also offers Aire publique, a unique public art initiative in Quebec City that transforms a heritage museum space into a vibrant creative hub. Learn more about EXMURO at www.exmuro.com!

    Connect with EXMURO
    exmuro.com
    Facebook, Instagram, YouTube: @exmuroartpublic

    • curated by:
    • hosted in partnership with:
  • Celestial Garden

    by Lucion

    Immerse yourself in the magical world of Celestial Garden, a unique artistic installation that illuminates the heart of Boston. In a giant sphere 30 feet in diameter, a fantastical garden comes to life, blending sky, land and sea. This immersive space is home to fantastic plants and creatures, created from cut-outs painted with fluorescent colours that light up under the black light as soon as night falls.

    Around the sphere, visitors will discover a spectacle of light and shadow. Whether you’re curious, a dreamer or an art lover, Celestial Garden is an invitation to explore a universe where your imagination becomes the key to revealing the magic hidden behind every shadow. Discover this luminous and poetic work, at the crossroads of nature and fantasy, for an unforgettable experience in the heart of the city.

    Artist: Lucion
    • curated by:
    • hosted in partnership with:
  • Mr. Pink 6

    by Philippe Katerine

    Mignonisme (Cuteism) is a poetically off-kilter movement to embrace the aesthetics of “cuteness” in our physical and psychological environments. Philippe Katerine presents a series of inflatable sculptures in public spaces, all featuring “Monsieur Rose” (Mr. Pink). The monumental icon of Mignonisme can be found perched on rooftops around the city. These characters transform the streets into playful places and our daily travels into delightful, colorful journeys.

    About the Artist: Living in Paris, France, Philippe Katerine is a jack of all creative trades: actor, director, beloved pop singer, composer, and visual artist. His work consistently uses humor to subversively transcend the everyday and tackle life’s big questions. His awards include Best Male Artist of the Year for his musical output (Victoires de la Musique awards) and a César for best supporting actor.

    Medium: pvc, blowers, steel cable
    Year Created: 2023
    Artist Place of Origin: Paris, France

    More from Philippe here: @philippekaterine.

    EXMURO goes beyond gallery walls to design, produce and disseminate thought-provoking public art in Quebec and around the world. By making art accessible in outdoor public spaces, they are opening doors and filling cities with artworks that inspire, surprise and make us think. EXMURO also offers Aire publique, a unique public art initiative in Quebec City that transforms a heritage museum space into a vibrant creative hub. Learn more about EXMURO at www.exmuro.com!

    Connect with EXMURO
    exmuro.com
    Facebook, Instagram, YouTube: @exmuroartpublic

    • curated by:
    • hosted in partnership with:
  • Nature’s Glow

    by Mike Geiger

    Nature’s Glow is a light installation that stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of the spiritual and natural worlds. The design symbolizes the nurturing embrace of a forest spirit, manifested in the structural framing, which tenderly shelters a bed of foliage. The spirit’s serene, watchful presence connects us to the nurturing forces of nature, reminding us of our intrinsic bond with the environment. This installation encourages visitors to reflect on their own relationship with nature and the unseen forces that protect and surround it.

    About the Artist: Mike Geiger is an award-winning artist and creator known for his large-scale installations and innovative public art. With a background in animation, he has contributed to iconic projects like SpongeBob SquarePants and The Ren & Stimpy Show. His notable works include Nature’s Glow at Toronto’s Lumière Festival and a featured installation at this year’s Art Basel Miami. A Toronto-based multidisciplinary artist, Mike’s work bridges public art, digital innovation, and storytelling. His practice explores humanity’s relationship with nature, combining light, structure, and emerging technologies to create immersive and thought-provoking experiences.

    • created by:
    • hosted in partnership with:
  • Nature’s Solace

    by Mike Geiger

    Nature’s Solace is a light installation that symbolizes the balance between the spirit and nature. This design captures the essence of multiple forest guardians, whose presence is echoed in the structure that gently houses a lush canopy of greenery. The guardians’ calm and protective aura serves as a reminder of our deep connection to the earth and its caretakers.

    About the Artist: Mike Geiger is an award-winning artist and creator known for his large-scale installations and innovative public art. With a background in animation, he has contributed to iconic projects like SpongeBob SquarePants and The Ren & Stimpy Show. His notable works include Nature’s Glow at Toronto’s Lumière Festival and a featured installation at this year’s Art Basel Miami. A Toronto-based multidisciplinary artist, Mike’s work bridges public art, digital innovation, and storytelling. His practice explores humanity’s relationship with nature, combining light, structure, and emerging technologies to create immersive and thought-provoking experiences.

    • created by:
    • hosted in partnership with:
  • Slap Shot

    by LeMonde Studio

    This February, Montreal & Boston serve as host cities as some of the best hockey players in the world come together for the NHL’s 2025 4 Nations Face-Off. The Downtown Boston Business Alliance has partnered with LeMonde Studio to bring this human-powered play feature to the neighborhood in celebration. Turn the crank to unlock light and music.

    Medium: wood
    Year Created: 2024
    • equipment producers:
    • hosted in partnership with:
  • A Winter Messenger

    by Breehan James

    White deer hold a special place in folklore often believed to bring good fortune. These rare animals are associated with enlightenment, healing and personal growth. White deer inspire us to seek wisdom, embrace change and find meaning and beauty in our connection to the natural world.

    About the Artist: Breehan James is a painter whose work investigates place and time. Each year she visits the same remote wilderness areas to paint and experience a closeness to nature. Her paintings portray experiences connecting to these places found in the forests of Northern Wisconsin, the wilderness of the Boundary Waters in Minnesota and the lakes and boreal forests of Quetico Provincial Park in Canada.

    Medium: oil on canvas, giclee print
    Year Created: 2008, 2024
    Artist Place of Origin: Maine
    • commissioned by:
    • hosted in partnerships with:

Plan Your Visit

Where can I see WINTERACTIVE and how do I get there?

The artworks and design features can be found at different walkable sites throughout the Downtown Boston neighborhood. Use the map above to navigate them!

When can I see WINTERACTIVE?

WINTERACTIVE will be on view through March 30, 2025—24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

I’m driving, where do I park?

Downtown is centrally located and easily accessed by car with garage parking available throughout the neighborhood.

Visit the Downtown Boston SpotHero Parking Page to book your parking in advance.

Does it cost money?

No, these artworks and play features are free and open to the public.

What else can I do while I’m in Downtown Boston?

While you’re downtown, explore the shopping, 150+ restaurants, nearby events, the nightlife offerings, and the rich tapestry of arts and cultural institutions.

For the latest on everything going on in Boston, we invite you to check out Meet Boston’s phenomenal site.

Where should I stay when I visit Downtown Boston?

And with 7 hotels in the immediate vicinity—including the exhibition’s Official Hotel Partner, the Hyatt Regency Boston, there are plenty of places to stay if you’d like to make a trip of it! And you can book hotels directly here.

Our Hotel Partners at the Hyatt Regency Boston are offering two special room packages for the occasion. Visiting anytime from January 15 to March 30? Use this link to book a room that includes free valet parking. Visiting with a stay that includes a Friday in that same time period? Use this link to book a room that includes a special gift bag, including a WINTERACTIVE gift, 2 complimentary passes to the WNDR museum, and priority registration for a WINTERACTIVE tour.

Why “WINTERACTIVE”?

WINTERACTIVE is a combination of the words “Winter” and “Interactive”. The exhibit will transport Downtown Boston visitors into a Canadian winter mindset, inspiring viewers to put on a warm coat, fill a thermos with a hot drink, and explore a curated, walkable public art experience.

Why the focus on Quebec and Canada?

Throughout Canada, and especially in Quebec province, our northern neighbors know how to embrace winter! We are inspired by their festivals, large-format civic events, and art exhibitions and we hope WINTERACTIVE gives Bostonians and our visitors a reason to enjoy the winter season like the Quebecers! For more information on the amazing things happening north of the border, we invite you to visit bonjourquebec.com

What’s the best way to see all of WINTERACTIVE and how long will it take?

That’s up to you! We encourage you to make your own path to see it all, but we’d estimate about 30 minutes of walking and a 1.25 mile trail to see everything! And if you’re newly visiting Boston, don’t worry—Downtown Boston is flat and easily walkable!

Have another question about WINTERACTIVE?

Please reach out to the Downtown Boston Alliance at info@downtownboston.org or by calling (617) 925-7471.

Our Partners

Check out what’s going on in Downtown Boston

@downtownbostonalliance