20 Best Architectural Buildings in Massachusetts: A Guide to Iconic Landmarks

Massachusetts boasts a remarkable array of architectural masterpieces, each echoing the state’s rich history and diverse culture.

From classic colonial structures to striking modern designs, these buildings tell stories of innovation, resilience, and artistic expression.

What makes these architectural wonders truly special is their ability to blend history with modernity, creating an unforgettable visual and cultural experience.

Whether exploring bustling city streets or the serene countryside, you’ll find an impressive variety of buildings that highlight the region’s architectural evolution.

1. Boston Public Library

The Boston Public Library is an impressive example of architectural beauty and historical significance.

Located in Copley Square, the McKim Building stands out with its grand design, completed in 1895 by Charles Follen McKim.

This structure showcases many artistic elements across its three public floors, accessible by elevator.

Visitors can explore intricate murals, sculptures, and various points of interest inside the McKim Building.

The Art & Architecture tours offer a deeper look into the library’s design, enriching the experience for all who visit.

2. Harvard University Memorial Hall

Harvard University Memorial Hall stands as a prime example of High Victorian Gothic architecture.

Designed by William Robert Ware and Henry Van Brunt, the building was completed in 1877. It features intricate brickwork, stone carvings, and a towering 195-foot spire.

Memorial Hall commemorates Harvard alumni who died in the Civil War.

Key areas of the building include the Memorial Transept, Alumni Hall, and Sanders Theatre, each showcasing beautiful details and unique architectural elements.

3. Trinity Church

Trinity Church in Boston is a masterpiece of 19th-century architecture, designed by Henry Hobson Richardson.

Completed in 1877, it introduced the Richardsonian Romanesque style.

The church is known for its unique design elements, including a dramatic exterior and intricate stained-glass windows. Its location on Copley Square makes it a prominent landmark.

Trinity Church is still a place of worship and hosts various community activities. Its architectural significance continues to attract visitors and architecture enthusiasts alike. For more information, visit the Trinity Church website.

4. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library

The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library, designed by I.M. Pei, is located in Boston, Massachusetts.

The library was completed and dedicated on October 20, 1979.

Situated on a 10-acre park, the library offers views of the sea and the city of Boston.

It commemorates the life and legacy of the 35th U.S. president, John F. Kennedy.

Pei was chosen for the project from a list of well-known architects. Despite initial challenges, the finished building remains a significant tribute to Kennedy’s life and achievements. More details can be found here.

5. Massachusetts State House

The Massachusetts State House is an iconic building in Boston, located in the Beacon Hill neighborhood.

Designed by architect Charles Bulfinch, the building’s construction began in 1795 and was completed in 1798.

The State House features a distinct gilded dome, which was originally made of wood and later covered in copper by Paul Revere.

Inside, visitors can explore the Hall of Flags, showcasing over 400 flags, and the Great Hall, displaying flags from towns across the state.

Free guided tours are available on weekdays. For more information, visit this visitor’s guide to the Massachusetts State House.

6. MIT Media Lab

The MIT Media Lab is located at 75 Amherst Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Designed by Fumihiko Maki & Associates and completed in 2009, it serves as a center for innovation and collaboration.

This six-floor structure covers approximately 163,000 square feet. Its design encourages connectivity and fosters a vibrant research atmosphere.

The building forms part of a complex with the Wiesner Building, which was designed by I. M. Pei.

7. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston is a stunning example of Venetian architecture.

Founded by Isabella Stewart Gardner, the museum houses a remarkable collection of European, Asian, and American art.

Completed in 1901, this building stands out for its unique design.

Gardner lived in the private fourth-floor quarters while personally arranging the art on the first three floors.

This museum also features magnificent paintings, sculptures, tapestries, and decorative arts. The museum’s layout and interior design create an immersive experience for visitors. For more details, visit the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum’s official site.

8. MFA Boston

The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, known as MFA Boston, is one of the largest museums in the world.

This institution opened on July 4, 1876, at Copley Square and later moved to Huntington Avenue in 1909.

Designed by architect Guy Lowell, the MFA Boston features a Beaux-Arts style building that stands out for its elegance and historical significance.

The museum houses an extensive collection of art from various cultures and time periods, making it a top destination for art enthusiasts.

The MFA Boston continues to expand and evolve, blending its historic architecture with modern additions to accommodate its growing collection and diverse programs. For more information, visit their architectural history page.

9. New England Aquarium

The New England Aquarium in Boston is a leading example of modern aquarium design.

Opened in 1969 by Cambridge Seven Associates, it revolutionized the aquarium experience with its immersive displays and massive tanks.

Central to the aquarium is the Giant Ocean Tank that features a forty-foot-diameter tank, providing a panoramic view of marine life.

Its harbor-side location has been enhanced with stainless steel and glass additions, celebrating the site’s natural beauty.

10. Boston Symphony Hall

Boston Symphony Hall, located at 301 Massachusetts Avenue, is an iconic concert venue in Boston. This hall is the permanent home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

Designed by McKim, Mead, and White, the hall opened in 1900. It can accommodate an audience of 2,625.

Known for its excellent acoustics, it’s often regarded as one of the finest concert halls in the world.

In 1999, Boston Symphony Hall was designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark, marking its importance in American cultural history.

11. Old State House

The Old State House in Boston, Massachusetts, built in 1713, is one of the oldest public buildings in the United States. It served as the seat of the Massachusetts General Court until 1798.

A significant historical site, it marks the location of the 1770 Boston Massacre.

The building’s Georgian architecture, featuring a central brick structure and white stone wings, reflects the style of 18th-century Boston.

For more details, visit the Old State House.

12. The Prudential Tower

The Prudential Tower is an iconic skyscraper in Boston.

Located in the Back Bay area, it is part of the Prudential Center complex.

Built between 1960 and 1964, it was designed by Charles Luckman and Associates.

At 749 feet tall, it is Boston’s second tallest building, just behind the John Hancock Tower.

The tower features an observation deck with panoramic views of the city.

Learn more here.

13. Custom House Tower

The Custom House Tower is a historical building located in McKinley Square, in Boston’s Financial District.

The original structure was constructed between 1837 and 1847 in the Greek Revival style, designed by Ammi Burnham Young.

In 1915, a 496-foot tower was added, designed by Peabody and Stearns. This tower made it the tallest building in Boston until 1964.

Today, the Custom House Tower remains one of Boston’s iconic landmarks.

It combines historical architecture with a prominent visual presence in the city’s skyline. For more information, visit the Custom House Tower.

14. Boston Children’s Museum

The Boston Children’s Museum is located at 308 Congress St in the Seaport District.

This museum is known for its engaging, hands-on exhibits designed specifically for children.

Founded in 1913, it is one of the earliest children’s museums in the world.

Its design emphasizes interactive learning, with permanent exhibits and seasonal events that captivate young minds and stimulate creativity.

The museum’s architecture complements its mission, providing a playful and educational space for families.

For more information, visit the Boston Children’s Museum website.

15. Faneuil Hall

Faneuil Hall, also known as “The Cradle of Liberty,” has been significant since its opening in 1742.

The hall, gifted by Peter Faneuil, served both as a marketplace and a meeting space for Boston citizens.

The building is known for speeches by Samuel Adams and James Otis, promoting independence from Great Britain.

Faneuil Hall now operates as a visitor center and historical site.

Faneuil Hall is part of the Boston National Historical Park. Its architectural design includes contributions from John Smibert and an expansion by Charles Bulfinch.

16. Wang Theatre

The Wang Theatre, located in Boston, Massachusetts, originally opened in 1925 as The Metropolitan Theatre.

Designed by Clarence Blackhall, it is known for its grand architecture similar to a Louis XIV palace, featuring crystal chandeliers and towering columns.

The theatre underwent significant restoration from 1989 to 1992, with efforts led by Finegold Alexander & Associates and Conrad Schmitt Studios.

It has remained a vital part of Boston’s cultural life for over 95 years, hosting various stage shows and performances. For more details, visit the Wikipedia entry on Wang Theatre.

17. Hynes Convention Center

The Hynes Convention Center is located in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood.

Opened in 1988, it was designed by Kallmann, McKinnell & Wood.

It stands as a key venue for various events with 176,480 square feet of versatile exhibit space.

It includes four exhibit halls and a multi-purpose auditorium.

The location is ideal, offering easy access to hotels, shops, and restaurants, making it a convenient choice for attendees.

Its design and amenities make it a significant structure in Massachusetts. For more details, visit the Hynes Convention Center page.

18. Berklee College of Music

Berklee College of Music, located at 160 Massachusetts Avenue in Boston, features a striking 16-story tower. This building provides state-of-the-art music facilities and housing for students at one of the world’s leading music colleges.

The tower has a transparent facade, contributing to an active street presence. Within, there are specialized rooms like mastering suites and live rooms for various music production needs.

The building has won recognition, including the Harleston Parker Medal for its design. For more details, visit Berklee Tower at Berklee College of Music.

19. Boston Opera House

The Boston Opera House is a key landmark in Boston, located at 539 Washington St. This beautiful structure was originally built as the B.F. Keith Memorial Theatre.

The building opened on October 29, 1928, and has served various purposes over the years. It is now a performing arts and esports venue.

The architecture is striking, showcasing ornate details that highlight its history as a grand movie palace. The building is also part of the historic Keith-Albee chain, which became part of RKO. For more information, visit the Boston Opera House page.

20. Christian Science Plaza

Christian Science Plaza is a notable landmark in Boston’s historic Back Bay.

This 14-acre site serves as the headquarters for the Church of Christ, Scientist, founded by Mary Baker Eddy in 1879.

The plaza includes the original Mother Church, the Church Extension, a publishing house, and a reflecting pool. Visitors can also explore the iconic Mapparium at the Mary Baker Eddy Library.

Learn more about the structures and significance of the Christian Science Plaza.

Architectural History in Massachusetts

Massachusetts boasts a rich architectural heritage, marked by its Colonial beginnings and its pivotal role during the Industrial Revolution.

These periods have left a legacy of distinct buildings and styles.

Colonial and Early American Periods

During the 17th and 18th centuries, Massachusetts saw the construction of numerous structures that reflected Colonial and Early American styles.

The Old State House in Boston, built in 1713, is a prime example, showcasing Georgian architecture. Similarly, King’s Chapel at 58 Tremont St. in Boston, erected in 1754, embodies robust colonial stylistic elements.

The town of Salem hosts several well-preserved homes from this time, like the House of the Seven Gables.

Such buildings often feature symmetrical façades, steeply pitched roofs, and brick exteriors. They were designed to be functional and sturdy, suitable for the harsh New England climate.

Materials commonly used included wood and brick, reflecting both the available resources and the influence of English building traditions.

Industrial Revolution Influence

The Industrial Revolution brought significant changes to Massachusetts’ architectural landscape.

Factories and mill buildings became prominent, especially in cities like Lowell and Lawrence.

Lowell’s Boott Cotton Mills, constructed in the early 1830s, showcase the blend of practicality and the emerging industrial aesthetic.

These structures were often large, multi-story buildings made from brick, with large windows that allowed for ample natural light.

Commercial buildings in Boston also transformed during this period.

For example, Boston’s City Hall at 1 City Hall Square, completed in 1968 and designed by Kallmann McKinnell & Knowles, is an example of Brutalist architecture reflecting the era’s industrial and minimalist sensibilities.

Transportation advancements led to the construction of railroad stations and bridges, further influencing the state’s architectural diversity.

Materials like iron and steel began to be integrated, allowing for larger and more durable structures that could support the burgeoning industrial economy.

Architectural Styles Found in Massachusetts

Massachusetts showcases a diverse range of architectural styles, from the historic Georgian and Federal styles to the ornate Victorian and Gothic Revival, and even modern and contemporary designs.

Georgian and Federal Styles

Georgian architecture in Massachusetts dates back to the 18th century.

These buildings often feature symmetrical facades, brick construction, and classical details like columns and pediments. A prime example is the Old State House in Boston.

The Federal style followed, popular in the early 19th century. It is characterized by its elegant simplicity, with slimmer proportions and elaborate doorways.

Notable Federal buildings include the Massachusetts State House, recognizable by its golden dome.

Victorian and Gothic Revival

Victorian architecture flourished in the late 19th century with designs like Stick-Eastlake, Queen Anne, and Richardsonian Romanesque.

The Stick-Eastlake style is notable for its wooden decorations and decorative brackets.

Queen Anne-style homes often feature turrets and wraparound porches. Meanwhile, the Richardsonian Romanesque style, named after H.H. Richardson, is known for its heavy stone walls and rounded arches.

Gothic Revival added a medieval touch, with pointed arches, steep gables, and intricate tracery. One prominent example is the Memorial Hall at Harvard University.

Modern and Contemporary Designs

Modern architecture in Massachusetts took off in the mid-20th century. A classic example is the Boston City Hall, with its brutalist concrete design.

The MIT Kresge Auditorium, with its unique dome, also stands out.

Contemporary designs include the innovative MIT Stata Center, known for its unconventional angles and shapes. These buildings often embrace open spaces, minimalism, and sustainable materials.

Massachusetts continues to evolve with architectural styles that reflect its rich history and forward-thinking mindset.