Boise, Idaho

Coming Soon … Boise Basque Block Tour

The Boise Basque Block Tour showcases the art, music and culture of the Basque community through a dynamic, interactive medium. This engaging tour peaks people’s interests in the Arts and inspires them to explore more art and events throughout the community.

The tour guides participants as they walk through the Boise Basque Block, providing them with historical information, as well as anecdotes passed down through generations of the Basque community.

The tour highlights artwork like Ward Hooper’s “Lalak 2000,” the Letterman’s “Basque History Mural,” and the Basque Tree Carvings Mural.

In addition, the tour leads people through the Basque Museum Cultural Center, the Basque Market and other neighboring Basque landmarks, while also providing a taste of Jaialdi for those unable to attend the festival.


Boise Weekly Culture Cruise 2010

Where to find the art Boise hides in plain sight

by Deanna Darr

Think Boise lacks art and history? It’s time to start looking around. The city core is home to a surprising amount of public and historical art.

Thanks to several different projects funded by the City of Boise, interpretive signs and guides can be found scattered throughout downtown. You can even download a free podcast from the Department of Arts and History‘s website to take you on a guided tour of the city.

We came up with our own walking tour of downtown treasures, so strap on comfortable shoes for an afternoon of cultural exploration.

Click for your own downloadable art tour map.

Boise Weekly Article Link

1. Print Map: The map is all you need, but if you want to enhance the experience digitally then…

2. Download the MP4 video on a portable device to see and listen to narration by Leta Neustaedter from there…

3. Drive to downtown Boise, and if you chose the pod cast tour option.

4. Plug in, listen to introduction and then follow instructions!

Boise Weekly Culture Cruise (Map)

To Save mp4 and/or mp3 files, Right Click and Save Target As

Boise Weekly Culture Cruise iPhone (mp4)

Boise Weekly Culture Cruise 2010

Or watch the tour here, but we recommend you get out and take the actual tour.

Boise Weekly Culture Cruise 2010


Boise City WaterShed

The Boise WaterShed’s messages are emulated through the captivating works of art in and around the center. In 2001, the Boise City Council and Mayor passed a landmark “Percent-for-Arts” ordinance, committing up to 1.4% of eligible municipal capital projects for public art. Through this fund, local, regional, and national artists have captured iconic and symbolic messages about our watershed. View the video to see the story behind the artwork and how each piece is integral to the Boise WaterShed’s mission.

1. Print Map: The map is all you need, but if you want to enhance the experience digitally then…

2. Download the MP4 video on a portable device to see and listen to narration by Leta Neustaedter from there…

3. Drive to Boise WaterShed, and if you chose the pod cast tour option

Boise WaterShed

Environmental Education Center

11818 W. Joplin Rd.

Boise, Idaho 83714

View Map

4. Plug in, listen to introduction and then follow instructions!

Boise City WaterShed (Map)

To Save mp4 and/or mp3 files, Right Click and Save Target As

Boise City WaterShed Tour iPad (mp4)

Boise WaterShed

Or watch the tour here, but we recommend you get out and take the actual tour.

Boise City WaterShed Art Tour


Capital Boulevard’s – “Did You Know?” – History on the Lights

Self Guided Tour! by Mark Baltes

History on the lights is a public art project funded by the Boise City Arts Commission’s Percent for Arts Program. It was designed and constructed by Boise artist and preservationist, Mark Baltes. The project consists of sixteen porcelain enamel plaques integrated into the historic street lights that line the pedestrian corridor along Capitol Boulevard. Each plaque engages the viewer by first asking the question: Did You Know? accompanied by a picture and a tidbit of local history relating to a specific site. Walkers along the boulevard from Julia Davis Drive to Boise Avenue will be treated to glimpses of Boise’s colorful past.

1. Print Map: The map is all you need, but if you want to enhance the experience digitally then…

2. Download the MP4 video on a portable device to see historic footage and listen to narration by Mark Baltes from there…

3. Drive to Idaho State Historical Museum, and if you chose the pod cast tour option

4. Plug in, listen to introduction and then follow instructions! (oh..please watch for traffic)

“Did You Know?” Capitol Boulevard (Map)

To Save mp4 and/or mp3 files, Right Click and Save Target As

“Did You Know” Podcast Tour iPad (mp4)

Capitol Blvd Did You Know Tour

Or watch the tour here, but we recommend you get out and take the actual tour.

Capital Boulevard’s “Did You Know?”