A humble Dunkin' cardboard coffee cup has become an unlikely artifact in a prestigious Boston museum. The cup is part of the Museum of Fine Arts' new exhibit, "Something's Brewing," which examines the economic and social impact of tea, coffee, and chocolate in Massachusetts, dating back to the Boston Tea Party in 1773.
The exhibit showcases a range of historical items, including silver teapots and wooden serving trays from the colonial era. Alongside these artifacts, the disposable Dunkin' cup is displayed, described by curators as "Double-walled paperboard [and] #5 polypropylene," a thermoplastic coating designed to prevent leaks. The museum's social media team noted that the inclusion is "a not-so-subtle nod to the fact that Boston has been running on coffee for centuries."
Dunkin', which originated in Quincy, Massachusetts, in 1950 as Dunkin' Donuts, has become a significant cultural and economic presence, particularly in New England. The brand has expanded globally and is recognized for its coffee and donuts, with many celebrities associated with its image.
The presence of the Dunkin' cup in a fine arts museum has sparked amusement and discussion. Some museum visitors initially speculated it might have been left by mistake. The cup is listed in the exhibit as a "loan in honor of Erica Hirschler," one of the museum's chief curators, adding a layer of intentionality to its inclusion.
"Something's Brewing" traces the shift in beverage preferences over time, highlighting how coffee surpassed tea in popularity by the 20th century. The inclusion of a modern, mass-produced item like a Dunkin' cup alongside historical artifacts invites reflection on the evolution of consumption and local history. This exhibit continues to draw attention for its unique blend of historical context and contemporary cultural touchstones.