Join us for a behind-the-scenes tour of The First Church of Christ, Scientist —one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. This guided walking tour will highlight the restoration of the building’s domes, roofs, façade, and The Plaza, offering insight into the meticulous work involved in preserving its historic character. Members of the restoration team will share how they balanced architectural integrity with modern goals of sustainability and accessibility. This tour is hosted by the Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) Council.

Additional background information:

The Christian Science Plaza, a renowned mid-century urban open space, has been restored to its original luster through a comprehensive Restoration and Redesign project completed in 2022, its first such restoration since its opening 50 years earlier. At 10-acres, it is the largest publicly accessible private open space, and the first Brutalist landscape to be designated a Boston Landmark. But how does one sensitively adapt an iconic Brutalist plaza to meet modern day needs and an evolved urban context while maintaining its historic integrity? Key design team members will lead a tour of the plaza, identifying those innovative yet respectful strategies employed to meet the client’s goals to make the plaza more sustainable and more welcoming. The tour will highlight some of the more significant measures taken, both above and below the surface. 

Event agenda: 

4:45-5:00pm: Registration at The First Church of Christ, Scientist

5:00-6:30pm: Tours of the church and plaza 

6:45-8pm: Networking reception at local bar