Eccentric Attraction is 'Coolest Hidden Wonder in Massachusetts'

As we're just about to hit June, the Summer months are finally here, Massachusetts! It's time for some road trip plans. In fact, you might just be looking somewhere that is one of the hidden gems of Massachusetts. Perhaps it's a spot that can be overlooked at times due to all the other great seasonal destinations we have in the Bay State. But you don't need to go to Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, Salem, the Berkshires, or downtown Boston if you were going to find a place known as the 'Coolest Hidden Wonder in Massachusetts'.

According to data used from the travel publication, 'Atlas Obscura', they were able find the 'coolest hidden wonder in every state'. So, where is it in Massachusetts?

While it is on the eastern side of the state, it's not quite Boston, but it is nearby there in the city of Somerville.at the Museum of Modern Renaissance.

Back in 2002, this former masonic temple was reshaped into a 'Temple of Art' by Russian artists Ekatrina Sorokina and Nicholas Shaplyko. Tours are offered by appointment at this unique spot, which also hosts concerts as well as the annual Somerville Open Studios.

Here's what 'Atlas Obscura' noted about the distinctive spot:

Using a style the artists call “Mystical Realism,” the walls and ceilings are covered with fresco-like paintings and mythological themes, creating a stained glass effect. The focal point, the building’s great hall, is filled with fresco-like paintings of Russian mythological and religious icons. Saturated oil colors were used for the tiger and bull totems, birds, druids, and mermaids.
The artists claim to be part of a “Modern Renaissance,” which they say “adopted the eclecticism of our life and creatively transformed it into its ideal counterpart, where mythological creatures peacefully converse with flowers, and fairy-tale landscapes harmonically incorporate complicated geometrical ornaments. It may be the key to many secrets of existence.”

The museum is located at 115 College Avenue in Somerville. And now you have one more spot to check out during this Summer. As previously mentioned, be sure to make an appointment, should you decide to check out what's being called the 'Coolest Hidden Wonder in Massachusetts'.