The 16 Most Beautiful Buildings in Boston

Architecture is a significant part of Boston’s magic. As one of the oldest cities in the country, the streets seamlessly blend historic structures with contemporary skyscrapers. One morning, consider taking a stroll by some of the most beautiful buildings in Boston. It will give you a whole new appreciation for The Hub.  by Celina Colby 1) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/boston-public-library-boston-400038">Boston Public Library</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1715615026/most%20beautiful%20buildings%20in%20boston/most_beautiful_buildings_in_boston.001_z1iizt.jpg"> Where: Back Bay Info: This beloved building beautifully fuses the well-known McKim-designed historic side, complete with the famous green-lit reading room and European courtyard, with a contemporary half designed by Philip Johnson and renovated in 2016 by William Rawn Associates that caters to the modern public’s needs. 2) <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/isabella-stewart-gardner-museum-general-admission-boston-365042">Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1715615027/most%20beautiful%20buildings%20in%20boston/most_beautiful_buildings_in_boston.002_b5n7rn.jpg"> Where: Fenway Info: Designed to imitate a Venetian palazzo, and likely inspired by the Islamic architecture of Gardner’s Middle Eastern travels, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is an urban oasis. Most notable is the central courtyard with a magnificent seasonally changing garden that also serves as the backdrop for live music during <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/free-first-thursdays-at-the-isabella-stewart-gardner-museum-boston-389720">Free First Thursdays</a>.  3) <a href="https://www.christianscience.com/find-us/visit-the-mother-church/visit-the-christian-science-plaza">Christian Science Plaza</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1715615028/most%20beautiful%20buildings%20in%20boston/most_beautiful_buildings_in_boston.003_tmmb69.jpg"> Where: South End Info: The 13.5-acre site that is home to the Christian Science Mother Church is largely open to the public, and walking through it feels like being transported to another country. The Mother Church is a mammoth, European-style basilica adjacent to a more brutalist sheltered walking path. A long reflecting pool mirrors the image of the Prudential Center and the splash fountain at the end of the property is a beloved summer cool off.  4) <a href="https://www.csail.mit.edu/about/stata-center">MIT Stata Center</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1715615027/most%20beautiful%20buildings%20in%20boston/most_beautiful_buildings_in_boston.004_hocczi.jpg"> Where: Kendall Square Info: Pritzker Prize-winning architect Frank Gehry went all out when he designed the Ray and Maria Stata Center, where MIT students study AI and computer science. Utilizing unusual angles and a mismatch of materials, the building has an almost Cubist look about it. It’s certainly one of the most unique in Greater Boston.  5) <a href="https://www.trinitychurchboston.org/about/history">Trinity Church</a> ﻿<img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1715615340/most%20beautiful%20buildings%20in%20boston/eofbwo.001_riu26v.jpg"> Where: Back Bay Info: The American Association of Architects considers Trinity Church one of the top 10 buildings in the whole country. The church was one of the first of famed architect Henry Hobson Richardson and came to serve as an example of his “Richardson Romanesque” style. Tours of the church are available ($10, with several discount options), and we recommend seeing the stained glass on the interior for a complete picture of this beautiful building.  6) <a href="https://www.fairmont.com/copley-plaza-boston/">Fairmont Copley Plaza</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1715615028/most%20beautiful%20buildings%20in%20boston/most_beautiful_buildings_in_boston.005_cmw0mr.jpg"> Where: Back Bay Info: The site of the Fairmont Copley Plaza is where the original Museum of Fine Arts stood before moving to Fenway. The luxury property opened in 1912 and was the site of many lavish parties. Though the exterior is beautiful, step inside to get the full effect of this building. The lobby is a wash of gilded walls, pristine mirrors, and crystal chandeliers all worthy of a Bridgerton Ball.  7) <a href="https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/state-house-tours/schedule-tour.htm">Massachusetts State House</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1715615028/most%20beautiful%20buildings%20in%20boston/most_beautiful_buildings_in_boston.006_bkmysz.jpg"> Where: Downtown Info: It’s hard to go anywhere in Downtown Boston without the gold globe of the State House lighting your way. Designed by Charles Bulfinch in a grand Federal architectural style, the building emanates the power of the state legislature. You can book a guided tour of the State House or take a self-guided tour, both for free.  8) <a href="https://www.200clarendon.com/">200 Clarendon Street (John Hancock Tower)</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1715615028/most%20beautiful%20buildings%20in%20boston/most_beautiful_buildings_in_boston.007_an5vhq.jpg"> Where: Back Bay Info: For years, the iconic John Hancock Tower (now named 200 Clarendon Street) has been the tallest structure in New England and a staple of the Boston skyline. Designed by Henry N. Cobb of I.M. Pei &amp; Partners in 1976, it’s known for its shimmering blue, reflective windows that take on the mirror image of the sky on sunny days.  9) <a href="https://www.citizensoperahouse.com/">Citizens Opera House</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1715615031/most%20beautiful%20buildings%20in%20boston/most_beautiful_buildings_in_boston.008_swlmol.jpg"> Where: Downtown Info: Originally designed as a lavish movie theater by architect Thomas W. Lamb in the 1920s, the Boston Opera House is now the home of the Boston Ballet and the Broadway Across America touring productions. The interior transports you to another time, when theatergoers will dress in their finest to see shows under glittering chandeliers and frescoed ceilings.  10) <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/the-boston-athenaeum-art-architecture-tour/397182">Boston Athenaeum</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1715615030/most%20beautiful%20buildings%20in%20boston/most_beautiful_buildings_in_boston.009_qhpqvw.jpg"> Where: Beacon Hill Info: One of the oldest independent libraries in the United States, the Boston Athenaeum is bursting with historic architectural charm. Built in a neoclassical style by architect Edward Clarke Cabot, you’ll find many charming reading nooks and dark wood research rooms here. The 12,000-square-foot expansion and renovation (finished in 2023) adds more contemporary and community spaces to the building, as well as a <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/folio-european-style-restaurant-cafe-inside-boston-athenaeum-boston-431509">highly anticipated cafe</a> opening on June 25, 2024.  11) <a href="https://www.mbta.com/stops/place-sstat">South Station</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1715615031/most%20beautiful%20buildings%20in%20boston/most_beautiful_buildings_in_boston.010_srcvct.jpg"> Where: Downtown Info: This historic transportation center, the second largest in New England behind Logan Airport, was built in 1899 by architects Shepley, Rutan &amp; Coolidge. The regal exterior is the primary highlight, an expansive rounded facade with bold columns and a top clock. Inside you’ll find the standard trappings of urban life and public transportation, not to mention the fall out (literally) from the construction of luxury condos at the center of the station.  12) <a href="https://www.boston.gov/news/buildings-we-love-custom-house">Boston Custom House</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1709321913/10%20Literary%20Spots%20in%20Boston%20Where%20Historic%20Authors%20Spent%20Their%20Time/author_haunts.005_ksdwkv.jpg"> Where: Financial District Info: Architect Ammi Burnham Young designed the neoclassical Custom House that has become an icon of the financial district, however, the notable clock tower was added by Peabody and Stearns in 1913. Seeing the clock tower lit up against the night sky is a classic Boston view.  13) <a href="https://www.bostonpublicschools.org/domain/1590">Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1715615031/most%20beautiful%20buildings%20in%20boston/most_beautiful_buildings_in_boston.011_hi1qgn.jpg"> Where: Roxbury Info: This contemporary community and municipal building was built in the bones of the historic flatiron-style Ferdinand Furniture Building in Nubian Square. Renovated in 2015, it’s now home to Boston Public School offices, the Roxbury Innovation Center, a roof deck overlooking the neighborhood, and ample public space.  14) <a href="http://www.castleboston.com/">The Saunders Castle at Park Plaza</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1715615031/most%20beautiful%20buildings%20in%20boston/most_beautiful_buildings_in_boston.012_jtwwqw.jpg"> Where: Downtown Info: Known affectionately as “The Castle,” this royal-looking structure was originally the Armory of the First Corps of Cadets in the 1890s. It now functions as a rentable events space for weddings, public exhibitions, and other events.  15) <a href="https://faneuilhallmarketplace.com/about/history-of-faneuil-hall">Faneuil Hall Marketplace</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1715615031/most%20beautiful%20buildings%20in%20boston/most_beautiful_buildings_in_boston.013_fmxhos.jpg"> Where: Downtown Info: This historic structure, home to Quincy Market and other attractions, has been a centerpiece of downtown Boston since 1742. In fact, it was often used as a meeting hall where revolutionaries planned strategy for succession from Britain. Now it’s a hub of restaurants and retail, but the revolutionary history is always there in the background.  16) <a href="https://www.boston.gov/">Boston City Hall</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1715615030/most%20beautiful%20buildings%20in%20boston/most_beautiful_buildings_in_boston.014_xb3j5c.jpg"> Where: Downtown Info: Just kidding, I’m not blind. Although this brutalist monstrosity sometimes makes me wish I was.

Boston

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S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S19: interest based

WBUR’s 75th birthday celebrations 💫

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Roundups ⭐️

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added

Just added to Joyraft

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

Boston Bars and Restaurants: Events and Openings

Food & drink experiences in Boston

Food & drink experiences 

The 16 Most Beautiful Buildings in Boston

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