Porter Square is sometimes overshadowed by its neighbors Davis and Harvard Square, but it has a lot to offer. While many Tufts students may initially visit for practical reasons, such as a trip to Target or Star Market, the area is well worth exploring. Just over a mile from the Tufts campus and accessible via the Red Line, the 96 bus or even on foot, Porter Square is a vibrant and unique area that Tufts students should take the time to discover.
Public Art
Porter Square is home to several large-scale public contemporary art installations, all elements part of the “Arts on the Line” program linked to its MBTA Red Line stop. In 1985, the Red Line was extended 3.2 miles from Harvard Square through Porter Square, Davis Square and on to Alewife. This project sparked a partnership between the T and the Cambridge Arts Council to create Arts on the Line, the federally funded initiative that aimed to incorporate public art into new and renovated stations. The result of the project is a series of unique art installations at each Red Line station beyond Kendall Square. The program was partially funded by a $45,000 grant from the Federal Transit Administration and a $70,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. Arts on the Line was the first program of its kind in the United States and later inspired similar projects in cities like New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta and Miami.
"The House by the Side of the Road" by Sam Walter Foss is pictured at the Davis Square station.
To choose the art, the Cambridge Arts Council formed a committee for each station and invited submissions from artists across the country. More than 650 artists responded, contributing a wide range of creative ideas. In Davis Square, students may recognize some of the most notable pieces from this project, including the “Ten Figures,” a group of life-sized cement sculptures representing Davis Square residents. There’s also poetry embedded in the brick floor of the T station.
In Porter Square, the standout piece is “Gift of the Wind” by Susumu Shingu. This almost 50-foot-tall kinetic sculpture features red metal “wings” mounted atop a white pole that spins and tumbles with the breeze located outside the station. Designed in collaboration with Cambridge Seven Associates, the architecture firm that designed the subway station, “Gift of the Wind” has become one of Cambridge’s most iconic landmarks, instantly recognizable to anyone who passes through or lives in the area.
Next to the T station, students will find the “Porter Square Megaliths,” a striking installation by artist David Phillips. This artwork features four large granite boulders, each with slices removed and replaced by cast bronze replicas of those slices. The plaza feels as though it had grown around the boulders, with the cuts in the rocks aligning with the surrounding granite strips and bollards. One of the boulders, entitled “Birth of a Bollard,” replaces a bollard in the plaza, a playful take on public space and nature in an urban landscape.
Finally, as students descend into one of the deepest subway stations they have likely encountered, they will pass by the “Glove Cycle,” a narrative sculpture by Mags Harries. This work consists of over 50 separate bronze glove sculptures scattered throughout the station, with many placed between the lower escalators. Inspired by the sight of gloves left behind in the melting snow after a Boston blizzard, Harries’ piece evokes a sense of lost moments and fleeting connections.
Together, these installations and several others transform Porter Square into an unexpected gallery, where art and daily life intersect through the city’s transit system.
WardMaps
Though this store’s location on Massachusetts Ave is just outside the heart of Porter Square, it is definitely worth the visit. WardMaps offers an impressive selection of maps, ranging from highly detailed local maps of Cambridge, Somerville and Boston to vintage world maps.
Beyond maps, students can also find a fascinating collection of old postcards, architectural drawings and unique infographics at WardMaps. For those with a taste for local history, there are vintage road signs, MBTA placards and retro subway advertisements. Plus, the shop offers a range of fun and quirky items like magnets, mugs and apparel.
The store is a great place to find a gift for a friend. Students can browse their collection online or, better yet, visit the store in person at 1731 Massachusetts Ave.
Bicycle Belle
Bicycle Belle is a hidden gem that Tufts students may not often visit. This unique shop specializes in European-style city bikes and cargo bikes, offering models not typically found in the United States. They carry bikes and electric bikes imported from the Netherlands and other European countries, like the Gazelle Tour Populair, as well as a range of cargo bikes designed for family use. Among the popular options are Dutch-style “bakfiets” and other specialty bikes that make it easier for families to transport kids, groceries and more around the city. In fact, Bicycle Belle has played a big role in the growing popularity of cargo bikes around Medford and Somerville, where some local families rely on them for everyday transportation. The shop also offers an assortment of bike accessories, from wheel lights for nighttime rides to practical mirrors.
The store was founded by Carice Reddien, who found inspiration during her time living in Italy while training to be an architect. She discovered that “biking in heels and a dress was easy with the right bike,” and decided to bring that same ease of transportation to the United States. Unlike the sport-focused bikes common in America, Bicycle Belle offers bicycles designed for everyday commuting and city life, much like those found in Europe. The shop opened its doors in 2013.
Even if students aren’t in the market for a new bike, the shop is definitely worth stopping by. The store is always happy to loan a bike for a test ride. Bicycle Belle sits at 368 Beacon Street, Somerville.
Dining
One of the main attractions of Porter Square, beyond shopping, is its outstanding food scene. With so many excellent restaurants in the area, it is hard to choose just a few, and if students simply walk around and choose a spot at random, chances are it will be a fantastic meal. However, here are a few tried-and-true recommendations.
The Greek Corner – Located at 2366 Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge and just down the road from Porter Square, The Greek Corner has been a local favorite since 1989 when the Boretos Brothers moved from Greece and opened the restaurant. The food is delicious, and the prices are extremely reasonable. A highlight is the Chef’s Suggestion, which is a shareable platter featuring four different types of grilled meat. Be sure to try their Greek sodas and frappes, which are hard to find around Tufts. The author of this guide even celebrated her high school graduation here despite its casual vibe because the food is simply that good.
Yume Ga Arukara – Located in the Porter Exchange at 1815 Massachusetts Ave in Cambridge, Yume Ga Arukara may not stand out at first glance but it serves some of the best Japanese noodles in the area. They also have a second location in Seaport. If students are in the mood for something else, the Porter Exchange food court offers several other excellent Asian eateries to choose from. With reasonable prices and a steady stream of local students, it is a popular spot for a quick, satisfying meal.
Changsho – Changsho is located at 1712 Massachusetts Ave in Cambridge, near WardMaps. It is a go-to spot for delicious Chinese food. A staple in Porter Square since 1993, this restaurant has earned a loyal following among locals. In fact, this recommendation comes from the writer’s mother, who has been enjoying meals at Changsho since the 1990s.
From the public art installations to quirky shops to an array of dining options, Porter Square invites visitors to explore its unique charm which is truly reflective of the diverse and spirited community that surrounds it.
