Revolution! 250 Years of Art & Activism in Boston

The Boston Public Library's first major exhibition in nearly a decade, featuring more than 100 objects, paintings and photographs from the library's special collections that document protest in Massachusetts and around the country. The exhibition offers a unique opportunity to see how centuries of art and activism continue to shape the nation's story, from historic portraits of Washington and Franklin to contemporary works that challenge visitors to reflect on civic ideals and social progress today. The conversation is anchored by a new commission: Out of Order, Fortification of Dorchester Heights (2025), a bold, improvisational textile by Newton-born, New York-based artist Michael Thorpe that reimagines Emanuel Leutze's Washington at Dorchester Heights through quilt making.