Arts & Culture Itinerary

DAY 1:

• Start your day with a visit to the Danforth Art Museum, a jewel box housed in the historic Jonathan Maynard Building. Browse the 3,500+ pieces in their permanent collection reflecting works of artists from the 18th century through to today, including the largest collection of work and ephemera by the 20th century sculptor Meta Vaux Warrick Fuller. The Museum also offers special exhibitions, art classes and workshops, and special programs and events.
• Once you have fully immersed yourself in the Danforth’s glorious artwork, head to the Framingham Station Brazilian restaurant for a unique dining experience. This Rodizio-style grill includes Gaucho Chefs who carve twelve types of meat tableside, including steak, pork, lamb, chicken and more, accompanied by side dishes and salads, all served in a historic train station.
• After lunch, download the map of the 32 heart statues in the Framingham Centre Common Cultural District’s “Many Cultures, One Heart” public art project, and go on a scavenger hunt to find as many as you can. The hearts represent the diversity of Framingham, and include work by artists of many races, religions, ethnicities, and nationalities. Each heart includes a plaque with a QR code that links to an artist’s video telling their personal stories. One heart represents Brazilian immigrants in Framingham, the largest population of Brazilians outside of Brazil, as well as one telling the Indigenous story of Massachusetts, another includes the word “Welcome” in all 67 languages spoken in Framingham, and more.
• After you’ve explored the hearts, check in to Aloft Framingham a truly unique property that includes a pool table and other games in the lobby, plus cozy reading nooks and fun and funky décor.
• For dinner, experience all the drama and fun of a hibachi dinner at Samba.

DAY 2:

• Make the short drive to the Natick Center Cultural District to wander the lovely boutiques, offering everything from artisanal foods to unique décor, and regional art to designer clothing. The District also offers a huge variety of special events, including fairs and festivals, open studio nights, public art events, and more. Make sure to check out the many public art projects in the District as well, from murals to painted electrical boxes to street art!
• After lunch in one of the charming cafés, diners or bakeries in Natick, head to Framingham to explore the many ethnic shops, bakeries and boutiques downtown, ending at ātac: downtown arts + music. One of the region’s most active performing arts centers, ātac offers multipe shows each week, plus great drop-in art actitivities for the whole family one Saturday per month (the next one is June 17!). Check out our event calendar to see what’s on offer and buy tickets for something fabulous!

DAY 3:

• After another night at Aloft, spend the morning in the Franklin Cultural District, where you can take a tour of their ladybug statues public art project by following a Ladybug Trail Map (pick one up at the Franklin Historical Museum or Escape Into Fiction), see the murals on the sides of buildings downton, and wander the District’s boutiques. Look at their upcoming events on our calendar.
• After a tasty lunch in Franklin, head to Hopkinton Center for the Arts to take an art workshop, stroll through their gallery, or see a performance. They always have something to see or do! Check out their event calendar to purchase tickets to an upcoming show.
• Want to extend your visit in MetroWest? Find more arts venues and arts & cultural events on our website.

Scroll down for the complete itinerary with map and links!  #WeAreMetroWest