At Boston’s convention centers—the Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center (MCEC) and the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center—the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) brings Boston’s creative spirit to life by featuring community artists and students. Take a look at these vibrant mosaics, meaningful creations, and heartfelt puzzles, which showcase local talent, inclusion, and the city of Boston.
A Mosaic of Meaning – MCEC Vertical Core
One of the MCCA’s most extensive convention center artworks is a recent addition found in the entrance to the MCEC from the North Lot parking and Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport. Titled “Our Boston,” this 140-square-foot mosaic mural represents 28 panels created by 2,500 schoolchildren as a tribute to the late Mayor Thomas M. Menino. Menino received this mural as a gift in 2013, just ten days before his exit from office after 20 years as the longest-running mayor in Boston’s history.
The mosaics were originally displayed at City Hall and now welcome visitors to the MCEC, serving as a tribute to the vision and leadership of the man whose name and legacy the building honors.
The People’s Academy – MCEC Level 2 east side
Among the MCEC’s arts, one exhibition stands out for its powerful story of purpose and transformation. The People’s Academy (TPA) exhibition celebrates the intersection of women, metal, and inclusivity with portrait collections of women wearing metal jewelry and handbags, blending materials with delicate human forms to create pieces that are both significant and beautiful.
A section on the exhibit tells the story of T. Michael Thomas and traces his journey from being a student in Dorchester to founding TPA, a program that teaches skills while fostering self-sufficiency.
By combining metal and form, the exhibition honors the feminine essence and allows visitors to not only see vibrant art but take a message of empowerment, inclusivity, and beauty that emerges when personal experiences intersect with artistic vision.
New England Coffee Tribute – MCEC Level 1 northwest
The New England Coffee mural at the MCEC honors the generations of New Englanders whose everyday dedication shapes the region’s story. The accompanying placards tell a story taking visitors back to 1916 and the birth of the New England Tea & Coffee Company.
Gerad Tonti painted the mural using New England Coffee’s Espresso Roast, serving as a tribute to people who fuel our communities with their hard work and passion. This is a reminder that creativity can be found in the most unexpected materials, even a cup of coffee.
Boston Centers for Youth and Families (BCYC) Snapshots – MCEC Level 1 west side
Another vibrant art collection at the MCEC comes from the BCYC Snapshot Photography Program, a summer initiative that introduces teens to the world of photography. Participants explore Boston through the lens as they are empowered to express their creativity, develop technical skills, and present their own perspectives of the city.
This collection shows the emotional depth and imagination of Boston’s young artists, from exploring the quiet poetry of light and sky to blending photography and mixed media into tactile compositions. Other pieces highlight the beauty in the overlooked, such as soil, plants, and everyday details, while some confront themes of identity and self-image through bold digital collages. Together, these works capture not only artistic growth but also the spirit of curiosity and discovery that defines Boston’s youth and their communities.
A Puzzle of Purpose – Hynes South Entrance
At the Hynes, visitors are greeted by a 48,000-piece puzzle installation assembled by Jack Brait, a young adult from Massachusetts with autism whose lifelong hobby has been to complete these challenging puzzles in record time.
The puzzle today stands as a powerful reminder of patience, focus and resilience. A placard beside it invites guests to pause for a moment as they pass through the center’s busy entrance corridor.
Since 2007, the MCCA has featured artwork from more than 14 Greater Boston communities, showcasing over 1,200 local artists across both venues. Through these efforts, the organization continues to create a meaningful platform for local artists to share their work with a wide and diverse audience.
The arts are just one part of the comprehensive Boston meetings experience, which features service excellence across all of our venues. Learn more by checking out our Resources webpage, and contact our Sales team at sales@SignatureBoston.com to schedule a visit and craft your world-class meeting experience.
This blog post was written by our intern Gabriela Gallegos, who is earning her master’s degree in hospitality management from Boston University.
Contact our Sales Team by