July 2026Public art has the power to transform not only a place, but the conversations that happen within it.
Congratulations to artist Rixy (@rixyxir) on the unveiling of The Midnight Ride, a striking new mural now on view at Dewey Square Park of The Rose Kennedy Greenway. Produced in partnership with Embrace Boston and Everyone250, the mural invites us to reflect on Boston's past while imagining the future we are building together.
Over the past several weeks, this remarkable work has already served at the intersection of moments of celebration, remembrance, and community—from honoring freedom and the lasting contributions of Black communities during Juneteenth, to the energy and cultural pride of Dominican Carnaval, and now as one of the newest additions to Boston's landscape during this landmark 250th anniversary year. It stands as a gathering place where history, culture, and civic life continue to intersect.
As Rixy shared: "Large murals & grand public art really have a transcendent way of holding me & all of my feelings, thoughts & movement. I couldn’t see it any other way in this lifetime. Scaling 75ft in just a month just feels like being closer to enlightenment, & consuming millions of particles of euphoria."
The Greenway describes The Midnight Ride as: "Drawing upon elements of fantasy, manga and anime, practices of creative worldbuilding, and a vibrant palette, The Midnight Ride brings into dialogue multiple histories of activism in Boston, blending iconography and public narratives in ways that create and encourage new points of access, imagination, and critical reflection. The artist asks viewers to consider what their own 'Midnight Ride' might be in our current moment: What is the work you engage in outside the hours of 9am-5pm that helps create the world we want to live in?"
A powerful reminder that great public spaces—and great public art—can spark dialogue, celebrate the many stories that define our communities, and encourage each of us to imagine the role we play in building a more vibrant and inclusive future.
