Visit the Metropolitan Waterworks Museum

The Metropolitan Waterworks Museum is a private non-profit educational museum located in the original Chestnut Hill High Service Pumping Station, directly across from the Chestnut Hill Reservoir.

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.

Admission:

Walk-in visitors are welcome Wednesdays – Sundays. General Tours are available at set times throughout the day. Those seeking a Special Access Tour or other museum programs can book tickets using the calendar on our Events page. In accordance with local requirements, all visitors over 12 years of age must show proof of vaccination beginning 1/15/2022. All visitors over 2 years of age must wear a mask while inside the museum regardless of vaccination status.

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