Many historic buildings stand in the Back Bay area, including Arlington Street Church, Prudential Tower, The First Church Of Christ, Scientist and 111 Huntington Ave. Arlington Street Church was the first church built in the area. The 36-story high 111 Huntington Ave stands as the eighth tallest building in Boston, while the 52-story Prudential Tower ranks second tallest. Berklee College of Music and Boston Architectural College are also located in the area.
Named for The Battle of Newbury during the English Civil War, the Boston Public Garden and Massachusetts Avenue border Newberry Street. Horace Gray established Boston Public Garden in 1837. Find statues like John Quincy Adams Ward's Ether Monument and George Washington on horseback in the first United States botanical garden open to the public. During warmer weather, ride around the pond on a Swan Boat.
Even with expensive homes, Newberry Street was still considered to be the least fashionable residential district in Back Bay during the nineteenth century. The homes created a distinct look for the shopping district that would eventually emerge. Travel back in time with each shopping trip.
As the original home for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an art gallery district, the first shop opened on Newbury Street in 1905. The luxurious Ritz-Carlton had accommodations where The Taj now stands. 181 Newberry Street once housed a church before becoming a movie theater where midnight showings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show drew costumed young crowds.
The debut of Newbury Comics in the 1970s helped Newbury Street acquire its hipster reputation. Now residents and tourists alike enjoy shopping at high-end boutiques like Chanel, Kate Spade and Armani. Find these exclusive shops when walking toward the Boston Public Garden. Shops headed towards Massachusetts Avenue cater to more of an eclectic crowd. Enjoy books and coffee at Trident Booksellers and Café on Newbury Street.