Here Are The 9 Weirdest Places You Can Possibly Go In Boston
By Juliet White
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Updated on December 12, 2022
(Originally published December 06, 2022)
One person’s kooky is another person’s cool, and Boston certainly has some unique buildings and attractions. There is simply no way to get bored when you live in or visit Boston! You will find something to be amazed by in our vibrant city no matter what type of attraction is your favorite. From abandoned buildings to tiny and quirky museum offerings, you’ll discover lots of one-of-a-kind spots tucked away in our city. If you find the offbeat alluring, add the weirdest places in Boston to your bucket list.
1. The Ray and Maria Stata Center
Ray and Maria Stata Center, 32 Vassar St, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
You expect to encounter the odd eccentric professor at a prestigious college, but an eccentric building? That's not usually what you would think you'd find, and yet here it is!
The Ray and Maria Stata Center seems like the architectural version of a Salvador Dali painting, and it's one of those places you either love or loathe. To me, this Frank Gehry-designed building is wonderfully whimsical and rebellious. Every other building sticks with its normal lines, but this place has an identity all its own. Head to building 32 on the
MIT Campus map and form your own opinion!
2. The Mapparium
Massachusetts Avenue Connector, Massachusetts Ave Connector, Boston, MA 02118, USA
If you're into weird things to do in Boston, check out the Mapparium. There's nothing like this spot anywhere else, so you'll be sure to have a one-of-a-kind experience when you visit here. Walk into the center of the earth in
The Mapparium , a three-story high, stained glass orb that depicts the world as is appeared in 1935. If you ever wondered what it would be like to stand inside a globe, you can find out at this unique attraction. The Mapparium is inside the Mary Baker Eddy Library.
3. All Saints Way
All Saints Way, Battery St, Boston, MA 02109, USA
This spot in the North End is essentially one man's private shrine that can be viewed from the street. Peter Baldassari has adorned the alley between 4 and 8 Battery Street with figurines and artwork, all relating to saints. It's quite the sight to behold, and has become a favorite of tourists looking for an interesting experience in Boston.
4. A Duck Tour
Boston Duck Tours Prudential Center Departure Location, 53 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02199, USA
We're used to spotting these vehicles trundling past Boston landmarks but, if you stop to think about it, they're pretty weird - and I'm not just referring to the random quacking. A jacked-up vehicle that can transition into a boat is an oddity in a civilian setting. Sure, these amphibious landing vehicles made sense in World War II, but whoever first thought of using them for tourism was a kooky genius. Do yourself a favor and, the next time you have out-of-town guests, hop on board with them. Tours through the
Boston Duck Tours run from several different locations throughout the city. You can't go wrong with any of them!
5. The Old Bear Cages
Franklin Park Road, Franklin Park Rd, Boston, MA, USA
Ducks aren't the only quirky creatures in Boston. If you happen to walk - or get turned around - in Long Crouch Woods, you may stumble upon abandoned bear dens. The bears used to be part of Franklin Park Zoo and, after the attraction closed, the cages were left behind. It's weird but awesome that the bears had such ornate stonework to appreciate, but the rusted bars and remote-feeling setting make this spot a little creepy, too. If you like some mystery in your travels, this site is something you will definitely enjoy. You'll find
The Old Bear Cages inside Franklin Park, a little ways off Seaver Street.
6. The Skinny House
44 Hull St Ct, Boston, MA 02113, USA
Welcome to Boston's very own spite house. The Skinny House is what happens when one sibling betrays the other - and vice versa. According to the story, two brothers inherited their father's land. While one son was serving in the Civil War, his brother constructed a home on almost the whole lot. When the other son returned from the war, he was furious and built this tiny house in order to block light from his sibling's home. This spot is one of the most fun weird Boston attractions. The Skinny House is a classic Boston sight.
7. The Warren Anatomical Museum
10 Shattuck St, Boston, MA 02115, USA
Editor's Note: This museum is permanently closed.
This museum is known for medical oddities, including one skull in particular. Phineas Gage was a railroad employee who lived through an accident during which an iron rod went right through his head. His case study provided doctors with new information about how the human brain works and you can see his skull inside
The Warren Anatomical Museum . If you like the slightly spooky or creepy, make your way to this museum!
8. Giant Baby Heads at the MFA
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA 02115, USA
Speaking of skulls, the baby heads at the
Museum of Fine Arts can certainly catch visitors off guard. Don't worry, there are no actual skulls here! The Giant Baby Heads are unique sculptures that you certainly won't forget anytime soon. These sculptures are around eight feet high, weigh 1.6 tons, and give the appearance that infants are sprouting from the ground. Now there is an interesting sight! Spanish sculptor Antonio Lopez Garcia crafted the works, which many consider innocent and playful. If you are an art lover, be sure you stop by and check out these cool works.
9. The Museum
72 Union Square, Somerville, MA 02143, USA
What has to be the tiniest museum on the planet can be found in Somerville, a city with the second-highest number of artists per capita in the whole nation! This teeny museum features local art, and one of its goals is to make art accessible for all. When you visit, you will see that they are quite successful in their efforts. You won't find art like this is other museums, as all of the artists are located nearby. You'll find the
Tiny Museum in Somerville.
Have you gotten to visit all of these wacky places? Do you have a favorite one where you like to visit or take out-of-town guests? What weird places in and around Boston would you add to this list? Please let us know in the comments section!
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