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 an ideal 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 expansion of the water system and the installation of new and more powerful pumping engines. Several of these operated every day through the 1970’s, when the site was taken offline, and Boston’s main water source shifted to the Quabbin Reservoir. The Chestnut Hill Reservoir, though no longer connected to the High Service Station pumps, is still used as a back-up source of water in case of emergencies.
Our Mission
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, social history, public health and safe water access, the Museum connects it historic narratives to present water issues and future challenges.
Our Background
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 operated by a professional staff. The Waterworks Preservation Trust has fiduciary responsibility for the endowment that sustains the Museum. The museum opened to the public in 2011.
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 where temporary exhibits are shown. This gallery is available for use by non-profit community and civic groups in Allston-Brighton, Brookline, and Newton with advanced booking.
The Friends of the Waterworks, Inc., advocated since 1991 for the preservation of this former eight-acre Metropolitan Water Works site and its historic buildings. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts ultimately authorized the redevelopment of the site in 2005 and the efforts of the Friends of the Waterworks, Inc. resulted in legislation that preserved the building and established part of it as a privately operated museum. The Waterworks Museum is part of the “Museum Building,” which also contains four condominium residences. The remaining buildings, including the new curved Watermark Building, contain an additional 108 condominium residences. We want your visit to be extraordinary, but we ask that you remain respectful of our residential neighbors.
Our Climate Statement
As part of our mission, we acknowledge that the water access, quality, and scarcity issues in this country and around the world are profoundly connected to our changing climate.
The Waterworks Museum is committed to the preservation of our planet and the protection of one of its most important resources – water. With responsible management, as well as the equitable and sustainable distribution of this vital resource, we can create a world:
- that is resilient in the face of the extreme weather events caused by climate change that affect water quantity and quality, and
- that dismantles the oppressive systems creating environmental injustice.
This effort starts right here in our community. As an educational and cultural institution of Boston, we feel it is our responsibility address these issues by sharing historical patterns and precedents, highlighting proven and innovative solutions to water and climate challenges, and providing a space for questions, reflection, and dialogue through our exhibitions and educational programming. All institutions in Boston need to work together to meet the city’s commitment to be climate ready and carbon neutral by 2050. To this end, we are working alongside other cultural institutions as part of the Green Ribbon Commission not only to spread awareness and understanding of our current climate challenges, but to advocate for and participate in actions that will reduce our environmental footprint.
