Recently, US News & World Report reported that Boston was named the top summer vacation destination in the United States.  Additionally, it also ranked third on the list of best summer vacation destinations in the world, behind Paris and Florence, and fifth for best family summer vacations.

Over the years, JM Electrical has contributed to the development of a number of top attractions that engage and entertain visitors. In many cases, these institutions reflect the city’s commitment to arts, education, history and culture, and Boston’s position as an ideal location for visitors of every age and background.

As your family and friends map out summer activities, we recommend visiting these popular destinations which have undergone impressive renovations in recent years:

Harvard Museum of Natural History
Founded in 1998, the Harvard Museum of Natural History is the public face of three research museums: the Harvard University Herbaria, the Mineralogical & Geological Museum, and the Museum of Comparative Zoology.  With its beautiful displays, exhibits and galleries and an incomparable collection, the museum attracts more than 250,000 visitors each year, making it the most visited site at Harvard.

In 2016, the museum completed a renovation on its Ware Collection of Blaschka Glass Models of Plants. The upgrades included refurbished wooden display cases, new panels featuring background information, and space set aside for temporary displays that highlight portions of the collection beyond those on permanent display. Other changes include refinished floors, a new ventilation system, and new lighting.

ShowPlace Icon Theatre (Seaport)
From residential apartments and major company headquarters to restaurants and attractions, the Seaport is bustling with activity both day and night. Recently, JM Electrical contributed to this ongoing developmental boom with work in the ShowPlace Icon Theatre, located in the heart of the district at One Seaport. This luxury cinema complex features 10 small-scale auditoriums screening the latest films, as well as a restaurant and lounge with spectacular views of the Boston skyline. Auditoriums range from the 131-seat ICON-X premium large format room to the more intimate 63-seat auditorium.

This stylish theater complex, which spans 44,000 square feet and seats 855 guests, is the first ShowPlace Icon Theater to open in Massachusetts.

Symphony Hall
As one of the top three concert halls in the world - and considered by those in the know as the finest in the United States -Symphony Hall is an essential stop for locals and tourists alike. The horseshoe-shaped home of the beloved Boston Symphony Orchestra and Boston Pops has undergone a series of renovations since it was first built in 1900. Some of these updates include the remodeling of the organ chamber as well as the installation of new cooling systems.

Today, the hall offers concertgoers a powerful live music experience on a world-renowned stage, seating 2,625 people during Symphony season and 2,371 during the Pops season, including 800 seats at tables on the main floor.

Strand Theatre
Originally built in 1918 as a movie and vaudeville house in Dorchester’s Uphams Corner neighborhood, the Strand Theatre has been reimagined over the years. This remarkable space has been host to dozens of films, comedians, dancers, and musicians (including Boston’s own New Kids on the Block). Most recently, Fiddlehead Theatre took up residence at the Strand, performing several shows such as West Side Story, Jesus Christ Superstar, and The Little Mermaid. The 1,400-seat theatre is a gathering space for the local community, serving as a cultural and educational resource for youth, artists, and audiences.

In 2016, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh designated Upham’s Corner an arts innovation district and part of his ongoing development initiative, Imagine Boston 2030.

Photo Courtesy: Mountain Leon

Artists for Humanity Epicenter
Artists for Humanity’s EpiCenter became the first building in Boston to earn LEED Platinum certification, the highest level awarded for environmental sustainability. The EpiCenter is a dynamic 5,000 square foot space used for corporate and non-profit events. Notable design elements include vintage Crown Victoria windshields that line the mezzanine and a floor-to-ceiling garage-style glass door that opens on to a 1,200 square foot courtyard.

These sites are an excellent representation of the city’s past, present, and future. We hope you and your family take some time to experience these special places.