Performances + Events
Around Boston
When you study at NEC, you’re in the heart of an incredible city.
Boston has a diverse musical community with 20 concert venues, including Symphony Hall, home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, just a block away. The city is home to 58 museums, more than 100 colleges and universities, restaurants serving global cuisine and New England classics, champion sports teams, and iconic history. So much of what Boston has to offer is within walking distance or just a quick T ride (Boston public transit) from NEC’s campus.
Experience Boston
Boston is one of the most vibrant, culturally rich, and beautiful cities in the U.S. Hear what NEC students love about their adopted city.
After NEC
In the Neighborhood
NEC’s campus sits on the Avenue of the Arts, a stretch of Huntington Avenue that is home to Boston’s major arts and culture destinations.
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Symphony Hall
NEC students routinely follow a lesson or practice session by crossing the street to hear their teacher perform in Symphony Hall with the Boston Symphony Orchestra—half of whose members are NEC faculty and alumni. Attend week after week, at little or no ticket cost.
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Museum of Fine Arts
With more than 100 art galleries, the Museum of Fine Arts is among the top destinations in Boston and one of the best art museums in the world. The MFA is just a five-minute walk from campus, making it an ideal place to spend time. Plus, NEC students, faculty, and staff can visit for free.
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Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Take a 10-minute walk from campus and you’ll find a stunning Venetian palazzo — the iconic Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Once the home of Isabella Stewart Gardner herself, the museum houses her remarkable collection of European, American, and Asian art, including sculpture, paintings, furniture, ceramics, and textiles.
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Huntington Theatre Company
Right next door to NEC is Boston’s leading professional theater, the Tony Award-winning Huntington Theatre. Since its founding in 1982, the Huntington has played to an audience of 3.5 million, presented more than 200 plays (18 of which went on to Broadway or Off Broadway), and served more than 500,000 students, community members, and other cultural organizations.
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Massachusetts College of Art and Design
NEC is down the street from several of Boston’s higher education institutions, including the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. NEC and MassArt are members of the ProArts Consortium, an association of seven Boston-area colleges dedicated to the visual and performing arts. The consortium allows students to cross-register in a wide variety of courses and access other unique inter-institutional opportunities.
After NEC
Getting Around
There are many ways to explore Boston
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MBTA
Through the Semester Pass Program, students can purchase an unlimited-use LinkPass or Commuter Rail Pass and receive an 11% discount off the regular monthly rate. Passes are ordered through the Business Office and are available for pickup at the NEC Mailroom inside the 33 Gainsborough Building (33G).
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Zipcar
Membership is open to everyone 21 or older for an annual fee of $25 with no application fee. Register with your NEC e-mail address to receive the discounted rate.
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Tufts–NEC Shuttle
Shuttle service is available eight times daily to and from Tufts University during the academic year.
