Metropolitan Waterworks Museum, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts at MuseumsUSA.org

Updated: 2/25/2019

The Waterworks Museum interprets unique stories of one of the country's first metropolitan water systems through exhibitions and educational programs on engineering, architecture, social history, and public health.

The Metropolitan Waterworks Museum uses its architecturally magnificent building, mammoth steam pumping engines, and the adjacent historic Chestnut Hill Reservoir to interpret unique stories of one of the country’s earliest metropolitan water systems. Through educational programs and exhibits focused on engineering, architecture, urbanism, public health, and social history, the Museum connects these stories to current issues and future challenges.

The Waterworks Museum is located on the site of the original Chestnut Hill Reservoir and pumping station. By the 1880’s, Boston’s water system couldn’t keep up with the rapid growth of the city and its water needs. Chestnut Hill was identified as the location for a new reservoir and main pumping station. The original station was built in 1887, but by the 1890’s, it was clear that demand had quickly outstripped the ability to transport sufficient water. The need for more water resulted in the installation of increasingly powerful (and enormous!) pumping engines, which operated every day until the 1970’s, when the site was taken offline, and Boston’s water supply shifted to the Quabbin Reservoir. The Chestnut Hill Reservoir, however, is still used as a back-up source of water in case of emergencies.

The Friends of the Waterworks, Inc., the MWM’s predecessor, advocated since 1991 for the preservation of this former eight-acre Metropolitan Water Works site and the historic building. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts passed legislation in 2005, authorizing the sale of this site, including its three historic buildings, for re-development, subject to preservation restrictions.

The centerpiece of the Waterworks Museum is its collection of steam engines. Three original coal-powered, steam-driven water pumps are preserved at the Museum and are monuments to 19th century technology and innovation. Leavitt, Worthington, and Allis stand in the Great Engines Hall and reach more than 3 stories tall. Walk around each and see the multitude of perfectly engineered parts that pumped million gallons of freshwater a day into the City of Boston.

some archival material on-site.

We offer a variety of hands-on curriculum-based programs for students of all ages, engaging curious young minds with STEM concepts, Urban and Industrial History, Public Health issues and Water Conservation strategies.

Select a program from the list on our website or ask about creating your own from our available activities. All programs connect to standards in the Massachusetts Science and Technology/Engineering Curriculum Framework and History and Social Science Curriculum Framework for their respective grade levels. Each program will include a 30-minute lunch break unless otherwise requested.

Elementary School Programs: $5 per student

Middle and High School Programs: $7 per student

The Waterworks Museum consists of the Great Engines Hall, housing three historic, steam-powered pumping engines, and a two story glass-enclosed pavilion, featuring the Overlook Gallery, available on an advance-booking basis to non-profit community and civic groups in Allston-Brighton, Brookline, and Newton.

For inquiries regarding private rental of the Waterworks Museum, please contact rentals@waterworksmuseum.org, or phone 617-277-0065 x13. The Museum has partnerships with several preferred or exclusive providers for such events. Details on those providers, fee schedules, and walk-through appointments are available.

Performance Areas

Our tax-exempt nonprofit 501(C)(3) nonprofit educational organization, Metropolitan Waterworks Museum Inc. (MWM), took title to the 22,000 sq. ft. Waterworks Museum in 2009. The museum is governed by a Board of Directors, and is is operated by a professional staff. The Waterworks Preservation Trust is the fiduciary for an endowment that benefits the Museum.

The Waterworks Museum provides a unique backdrop to your extraordinary day, with its cathedral ceilings, Gilded Age architecture, and three steam-pump powered engines. The space allows for the option of a ceremony outside on the front steps or inside with one of our spectacular engines, reminiscent of the Titanic era, as the background.

Both our Overlook Gallery space, overlooking the Great Engines Hall, and the Great Engines Hall itself allow for cocktails and reception to follow the ceremony. Every wedding is custom and adheres to your vision.

At no added cost, our Event Manager, assigned to you post-contract, becomes your venue wedding planner and works with you and one of our preferred caterers to make this a stress-free and incredible experience.

Check out our online profiles at Wedding Wire and The Knot for more views of the Museum and the beautiful Chestnut Hill Reservoir adjacent to the Waterworks.

Get a taste for our space by scheduling a walk-through and see this magnificent location for yourself. Details and further information can be obtained by sending an email inquiry to rentals@waterworksmuseum.org, or by completing the form on our website.

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Eric.Peterson@waterworksmuseum.org

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