Don't miss out! Get the best events & activities in your inbox weekly...


The Hatch Shell

Report Error
Email It
Write a Review
In/Outdoor:Outdoor
Cost:Free
Category:Historic Landmarks
Other Ideas: Paul Revere House; Castle Island, Fort Independence and Sullivan's Snack Shack; Old State House Museum; Old South Meeting House; Castle Hill on the Crane Estate

the hatch shell photoThe Hatch Shell is an outdoor concert venue adjacent to the Charles River Esplanade near downtown Boston.

The Hatch Shell is best known for hosting the Boston Pops Orchestra annually for the Boston Fourth of July celebration, but is also used for free concerts most weekends and many weeknights during the summer months.

The grass pavilion in front of the stage has no permanent seating. There is a memorial to Arthur Fiedler, first permanent conductor of the Pops, nearby. View Hatch Shell History.

The original shell was built in 1928 as a temporary venue for the Pops with expectations of construction of a permanent structure in the near future. Owing to sparse funding throughout the Great Depression, construction of a permanent Hatch Shell was delayed until 1941.

In preparation for its 50th anniversary in 1991, it underwent significant renovation and repair along with modernization of its acoustics. Bostonian Howard Brickman, a master craftsman specializing in wood floors, re-created the intricate interior paneling of the shell by hand.

Other uses of the Hatch Shell include movie showings and political speeches, and it is used as a meeting place for large events, such as the AIDS Walk. The grass pavilion is used for picnics, casual sports, and sunbathing in a manner typical of urban parks.

Find lots more ideas on fun things to do in Boston, and stay in the know about family-friendly Boston Events by subscribing to our weekly newsletter.

WEBSITE↑ top

www.hatchshell.com/

LOCATION↑ top

Storrow Drive, Boston, MA map

TIPS↑ top

  • Year Constructed: 1941

  • Construction Cost: Under $300,000

  • Renovations: $4.5M (1991), $2.4M (2018)

  • Height: 40 ft.

  • Width: 110 ft. (160 ft. including stair base)

  • Style: Art Deco
RELATED LINKS↑ top

Info changes frequently. We cannot warrant it. Verify with The Hatch Shell before making the trek. If you find an error, please report it...
Report Error
Popular Resources
Boston with Kids
Free Things to Do
Family & Kids Events
Mass RMV - DMV
Boston Birthday Parties
Boston Museums
Rose Kennedy Greenway
Boston Aquarium
Boston Massachusetts
Boston Bowling
Boston Haymarket
Boston Whale Watching