Covered With Art And Stained Glass, Modica Way May Be The Most Colorful Alleyway In Massachusetts

Modica Way, officially known as Richard B. Modica Way, is a colorful street alley in the city of Cambridge. It’s covered in bright and colorful artwork that makes the whole alley feel like an outdoor art gallery. Here’s why you should take the time to wander through this hidden cultural gem.

Modica Way is tucked away in Cambridge’s bustling Central Square neighborhood. It’s a legal graffiti gallery where some of the city (and nation’s) best artists have covered the walls in outstanding art.

You might recognize some of the styles featured here. Shepherd Fairey, the artist responsible for the iconic “Hope” images from the 2008 Obama presidential campaign and the OBEY clothing brand, was an early contributor to the alley.

The alley is covered by a roof of stained “glass,” which is actually plastic. Sunlight streaming through the covering casts a dazzling rainbow of color on the bricks and artwork below.

Because the alley is open to the work of street artists, the images on the walls are constantly changing. The artwork you see one week may not be there the next, replaced by a fresh masterpiece.

As the alley has such a strong reputation for excellence, only the very best street art is allowed to persist here. It’s not unheard of for sub-par tags to disappear overnight if they are deemed unworthy of the space.

Access to the alley is completely free and it’s open in all seasons, in all weather.

You can find the alley right next to the popular Cambridge restaurant, Central Kitchen. Check it out soon to see the cool creations of up-and-coming artists! What’s your favorite spot to admire art in Massachusetts?