Boston City Hall

Address:Boston, Massachusetts

Come visit the seat of Bostonian power at Boston City Hall. This nine-story structure, at the heart of brick-paved Government Center, is situated right next to Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market in downtown Boston. Boston City Hall adjoins the eight-acre City Hall Plaza, which has been used for rallies, parades, and honoring the region's championship sports teams, including the Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, New England Patriots, and Boston Red Sox.

Designed by Columbia professors Gerhard Kallmann, Noel McKinnell, and Edward Knowles, and completed in 1968, the architecture of Boston City Hall resembles other works of civic monumentality, especially the monastery of Saint Marie de la Tourette in Lyon, France, with its exposed concrete structure and cantilevered upper floors. The choice of architecture has divided Bostonians and architects, with many city residents seeing Boston City Hall as an eyesore, while the American Institute of Architects called the building the sixth greatest building in American history. Despite this difference of opinion, many are lobbying to have the building given special landmark status by the Boston Landmarks Commission. As Boston City Hall is right in the heart of Boston, there is no shortage of places to get food within a short walk, with every kind of food, from sushi to pizza, readily available in the area.

To get to Boston City Hall, take the MBTA Blue or Green line inbound to the Government Center stop and exit onto City Hall Plaza. Alternatively, take the MBTA Orange or Blue lines inbound to the State Street stop and cross the street to City Hall Plaza. Come to Boston City Hall and see one of the greatest buildings in American history.