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Metropolitan Waterworks Museum

Boston, MA

Museum
4 (5 reviews)

Where are we going?

Address: 2450 Beacon St, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, USA How do we get there? Number: 617-277-0065
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About this activity

Do you ever look at your tap and wonder where water comes from?  Do you love the sound and smells of steam engines?  Wonder how they work?

Metropolitan Waterworks Museum will answer all those questions for you!  They will tell you and your family the story of the country's first metropolitan water systems through fascinating exhibitions and educational programs.  You will learn about engineering, architecture, public health and social history.

There museum has three really cool, and huge retired steam powered pumping engines in the Great Engine Hall.  Each pump is different - see if you can see why!

There are some touch screen monitors and stands with animations to show you how all the gadgets work, like pistons and gears - can you imagine how they would have all kept things working back in its day? 

There is also an interesting video you can watch where you can see what 19th century water engineering would have been like.

So get started using your imagination on what life would have been like in the 19th Century, and how all those people managed to supply Boston with the water you know and love today!

Activity location

Directions

If you are driving, head to 2450 Beacon St, Boston. It is opposite the reservoir.

If you are coming into Chestnut Hill Ave Station, just walk down Chestnut Hill Ave towards Cleveland Circle. From here, just walk 7-10 minutes west on Beacon Street,

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How much does it cost?

Hilton

Adults

Free but suggested donation $5

Hilton

Children

Same as adult

Hilton

Last Updates

2022

Metropolitan Waterworks Museum FAQ’s

There are changing stations in both the male and female restrooms. The staff can also assist with warming baby food.

The museum is located near Cleveland Circle and Newton Center where you can find lots of restaurants. There are even picnic tables about the reservoir so you can enjoy the sunshine while you eat!

Parking is limited.

What would a trip to a museum be without taking home T shirts, mugs, caps, or books.

Field trips to the museum are a great way for students to learn about history as well as engineering and science. The tours are hands-on experiences where learning becomes exciting. All school materials supplied are aligned with the Massachusetts State Curriculum Standards.


They also offer after school programs and summer camps!

There are changing stations in both the male and female restrooms. The staff can also assist with warming baby food.

There are lots of healthy options within the nearby restaurants.

The museum is ADA-compliant and accessible (including restrooms, and parking lot access). There is also brailled exhibit text. There is a wheelchair on site, as well as an elevator. For the hearing impaired, they are developing audio assistive devices.

Waterworks Wednesday is a fun evening from April to November where they host a variety of programs including lectures, panel discussions, concert and films.

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