Visitor's Guide to the Christian Science Plaza & Church
The tallest building in Boston, at this moment, is 200 Clarendon Street, the site of the old John Hancock Tower. The building rises 60 stories into the Boston skyline and is the 59th tallest building in the US. There is a change afoot, as Boston's tallest new skyscraper construction has broken ground at One Dalton Street, on the edge of the Christian Science Plaza, immediately next to the Prudential Tower and Center. One Dalton Street will stand 61 stories tall and be home to the Four Seasons Hotel & Four Seasons Private Residences. This will be the second Four Seasons Hotel in the City of Boston. Let's look at the 14.5-acre Christian Science Plaza as the transition is made to create the tallest building in the city.
250 Massachusetts Ave.
Boston, MA 02115
(800) 288-7090
www.christianscience.com/find-us/visit-the-mother-church
This magnificent plaza in the hub of the city has multiple buildings, which are used to accommodate the needs of the church and its visitors. The plaza hosts many public events including organ concerts and talks about Christian Science. There are free, 30-minute guided tours of The Mother Church offered, or visitors can choose to do a self-tour. The tours are offered in English, Dutch, French and German.
The Romanesque-style church was built in 1894 and has undergone many updates and additions since the original structure was constructed. In 1906; a Byzantine-Renaissance-style extension with a spectacular dome was added and increased the seating capacity to 3,000. With the extension, an Aeolian-Skinner pipe organ with 13,384 pipes was added. Interestingly, the pipes range in size from that of a pencil to 32-feet tall. There are magnificent architectural points to be enjoyed in this structure including frescoes, mosaics, Italian marble floors, red birch pews and beautiful stained-glass windows.
The world-famous Mapparium is located in the Mary Baker Eddy Library, which is on the grounds of the expansive Christian Science Plaza. It took three years and a mere $35,000 to create the Mapparium in 1935. Walking along the glass bridge through the 3-story, stained glass world globe is spectacular. The lighted view of the world map from within is amazing.
The 670-feet long reflecting pool that sits on the Christian Science property is magnificent. It is a beautiful backdrop for pictures, quiet time or just absorbing the beauty of the surrounding landscape and architecture. The grounds around the reflecting pool and the entire Christian Science Plaza are beautifully groomed with greenery and flowers abounding. There are spectacular Linden trees lining the expansive Huntington Street side of the Reflecting Pool, which provide great shade during the hot days of summer and a canvas for twinkling holiday lights during the festive winter months.
The new soon-to-be-tallest skyscraper in Boston will be triangular in shape and sit on the edge of the beautiful Christian Science complex. The lower 23 floors will house 211 luxury hotel rooms, 2 restaurants, 2 lounges and a health club and spa for guests. The upper floors, 25 through 61, will hold 180 private residences with totally unobstructed views of the city. The residences will have 11-foot ceilings, bay windows, a doorman, concierge services and a private restaurant club on the 50th floor.
Nancy is a native Bostonian. She enjoys the sights, sounds and tastes of Boston while exploring the city by day or night. Nancy is also a school nurse at an independent middle/high school. Her work can be found on a variety of websites, including Examiner.com.
