Boston has long been known as “The Hub,” a nickname earned through generations as a center of education and culture. This dynamic city is home to over 50 colleges and universities, drawing in more than 150,000 students from across the globe. Renowned for its creativity, Boston stands as a global leader in education, innovation, entrepreneurship, and culture, offering a wealth of opportunities for entertainment, exploration, and personal development. For those considering higher education in this bustling metropolis, a common question arises: Where Is Tufts University located within this vibrant landscape?
Living and studying in Boston provides unparalleled access to historic music venues, both classic and experimental theaters, independent cinemas and bookstores, a thriving food scene, and extensive networks of biking and walking trails. Beyond the city limits, the picturesque forests, mountains, and iconic New England coastline are just a short trip away.
Tufts University distinguishes itself by offering students access to not just one, but two unique campus environments: the SMFA at Tufts campus situated in the heart of Boston, and Tufts University’s main campus located in Medford and Somerville. This dual-campus structure significantly broadens the academic and social experiences available to students.
Discovering the Boston SMFA Campus
The Boston SMFA campus serves as the primary hub for artistic creation at Tufts. Located in Boston’s Fenway neighborhood, it houses the majority of classrooms, student studios, workshops, and the essential art store for student supplies. This campus is also a cultural hotspot, hosting exhibitions and events organized by the Tufts University Art Galleries and featuring the W. Van Alan Clark Jr. Library, along with various studio resources and production labs.
Positioned in the cultural heart of Boston, the SMFA campus is neighbor to world-renowned institutions such as the Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and is in close proximity to the Institute of Contemporary Art. Students are encouraged to explore Boston’s extensive network of 56 museum collections, participate in First Friday events across Greater Boston’s arts districts, and connect with a dynamic community of academics, artists, and art industry professionals from around the world.
Exploring the Medford/Somerville Campus
Just across the Mystic River lies Tufts University’s primary campus in Medford and Somerville. This expansive 80-acre campus, a short walk from Davis Square, is home to the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Engineering, and The Fletcher School. The Medford/Somerville campus provides a comprehensive university experience, featuring four libraries, state-of-the-art athletic facilities, multiple makerspaces, and an impressive 7,000 square feet of gallery space.
Students at Tufts SMFA will find themselves taking many of their liberal arts and sciences courses at the Medford/Somerville campus. This integration offers the opportunity to diversify their academic interests with courses ranging from psychology to entrepreneurial leadership, civic studies, environmental science, and numerous other disciplines. Beyond academics, students can engage in a vibrant campus life by joining dance troupes, music ensembles, exploring the outdoors with the Tufts Mountain Club, or contributing to student media like The Tufts Daily. The Medford/Somerville campus allows students to become part of a larger Tufts community, expanding their network of peers, faculty, activities, and resources.
Expanding Horizons with the ProArts Consortium
For students seeking even broader opportunities, SMFA at Tufts is an active member of the Professional Arts Consortium (ProArts). This collaboration enhances the educational landscape by enabling students to cross-register at seven esteemed partner institutions within the Boston area.
The ProArts Consortium includes:
As an SMFA student, you have the unique advantage of enrolling in courses at other ProArts member schools, enriching your academic journey with diverse perspectives and specialized training. Conversely, students from Consortium schools can also take courses at SMFA, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and creating valuable networking opportunities within Boston’s thriving arts community. This interconnectedness ensures that your art school experience is not only unique but also deeply integrated within a broader network of creative and academic resources.
