Back Bay area map detail in Boston, Massachusetts, dated July 4, 1870

Arlington Street Church

Arlington Street Church: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Boston Historical Sites Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Arlington Street Church stands as a distinguished historic and cultural landmark in Boston’s Back Bay, offering visitors a captivating journey through centuries of religious, social, and architectural heritage. Established in 1729 as the Federal Street Church, its congregation shaped Boston’s spiritual and civic development, with notable influences from Rev. William Ellery Channing, a pioneer of American Unitarianism (ascboston.org). The church’s relocation to Back Bay in the mid-19th century marked a pivotal moment in Boston’s urban evolution, as it became the first public building erected on reclaimed land. Designed by Arthur Delavan Gilman, the church is modeled after London’s St. Martin-in-the-Fields and embodies Renaissance and Baroque architectural elements (cityofboston.gov; SAH Archipedia).

Visitors can marvel at its basilica-inspired interior, crowned by a vaulted nave and the world’s largest single-themed collection of Tiffany stained glass windows, renowned for their artistry and symbolism (croma.org; ASC Tiffany Windows). Beyond its architectural grandeur, Arlington Street Church has been central to social justice movements, hosting milestones such as the first state-sanctioned same-sex marriage in the United States and serving as a hub for civil rights and LGBTQ+ activism (wikipedia.org; Croma History).

This guide provides essential information on visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, guided tours, and tips for experiencing this unique site. Whether you’re exploring Boston’s historical sites or seeking a profound cultural experience, Arlington Street Church bridges Boston’s past and present (ascboston.org; arlingtonstreetchurchboston.org).

Arlington Street Church on Boylston Street in Boston, historic church building with classical architecture

Arlington Street Church on Boylston Street in Boston

Arlington Street Church in Boston, Massachusetts, historic church building with classical architecture

Arlington Street Church in Boston, Massachusetts

Arlington Street Church in Boston circa 1862 by Josiah Johnson Hawes historic photograph

Steeple of Arlington Street Church in Boston through autumn foliage

Historic view of Boylston Street in Boston with buildings and streetcar

Historic black and white street view of Boylston Street in Boston

Dr. Gannett's Church on Arlington Street in Boston

Dr. Gannett's Church on Arlington Street in Boston, historic black and white illustration

Dr. Gannett's Church historic black and white illustration

Dr. Gannett's Church historic building in a winter landscape

Portrait of Ezra S. Gannett, 19th-century clergyman and abolitionist

Interior view of Dr. Gannett's Church with wooden pews and arched windows

Interior of Dr. Gannett's Church with wooden pews and chandeliers

Interior view of Dr. Gannett's Church from the balcony showcasing architectural details and congregation seating

Steeple of Arlington Street Church in Boston Massachusetts

The Public Garden in Boston with trees and a pond

Introduction & Overview
Historical Background and Cultural Impact
Visitor Information
Highlights for Visitors
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Nearby Attractions
Planning Your Visit
Additional Resources & References

Historical Background and Cultural Impact

Early Congregational History

Arlington Street Church traces its origins to 1729, making it one of Boston’s oldest congregations. Originally known as the Federal Street Church, it played a formative role in Boston’s religious and civic life, particularly under the leadership of Rev. William Ellery Channing, a central figure in American Unitarianism. His legacy is commemorated by a statue in the nearby Boston Public Garden (ascboston.org).

Architectural Significance

In the mid-19th century, the congregation moved to the newly developed Back Bay, a bold urban reclamation project. Arlington Street Church was the first public building constructed on this reclaimed land, symbolizing the city’s expansion and ambition (cityofboston.gov). Arthur Delavan Gilman’s design, inspired by St. Martin-in-the-Fields, features a 190-foot brownstone spire and a sturdy foundation of 999 wooden pilings, securing the church above the Back Bay mud (croma.org). The sanctuary’s basilica plan, soaring Corinthian columns, and barrel-vaulted ceiling create a luminous, serene space accentuated by masterful chestnut and walnut woodwork (Iory Allison Blog).

Arlington Street Church has been a vital platform for social progress for nearly three centuries. Its history includes support for abolition, fire brigades, smallpox vaccination, and hosting the Massachusetts Constitutional Convention in 1788 (Croma History; Fund for Sacred Places). In the 20th century, the church was pivotal in the civil rights movement, with Rev. James Reeb’s legacy commemorated after his murder in Selma. The church has also been a center for anti-war activism, LGBTQ+ advocacy—hosting Boston’s first Gay Pride Parade bell ringing in 1971—and performed the first legal same-sex wedding in a U.S. church in 2004 (LGBTQ Religion Boston; Boston Globe).

The church continues to serve the community through initiatives like the Friday Night Supper program, culturally specific food pantries, and daily social support groups (Croma History; Fund for Sacred Places).

Visitor Information

Visiting Hours

Seasonal Visitor Center: May–October
- Sunday: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Closed on Tuesdays
General Hours: Year-round, Monday–Saturday: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM; Sunday: 12:00 PM–4:00 PM. Hours may vary for holidays or special events—check the official tours page or arlingtonstreetchurchboston.org for updates.

Tickets & Tours

General Admission: Free. Donations are appreciated to support preservation and social programs.
Guided Tours: Available on weekends and by appointment. Tours can be booked via the Visitors Center or online.
Group Tours: Groups of 20+ can arrange tailored tours (90 minutes, $150–$200 per group). Email [email protected] to reserve or use the official tours page.
Self-Guided Tours: Audio guides in multiple languages are available.
Special Interest Tours: For educational groups and Coming of Age programs, with interactive activities.

Accessibility

The church is fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps and accessible restrooms.
Located near the Arlington MBTA Green Line station; public transit is recommended.

Photography & Visitor Tips

Non-flash photography is permitted, except during services or private events.
Best stained glass viewing is in the afternoon with sunlight.
Respectful, quiet behavior is encouraged as the church is an active place of worship.
Modest attire is recommended.

Special Events

The church hosts regular concerts, lectures, and community events. Check the events calendar for current offerings.

Highlights for Visitors

Tiffany Stained Glass Windows: The largest single-themed Tiffany collection in any church worldwide, celebrated for their opalescent artistry and spiritual themes (Croma, Inc.; ASC Tiffany Windows).
Historic Sanctuary: Barrel-vaulted ceiling, Corinthian columns, and chestnut pews create a serene, grand interior.
Aeolian-Skinner Organ & Bells: Historic musical instruments enrich services and concerts.
Bell Tower Experience: On select tours, ascend for panoramic views and ring the iconic hand-rung bells.
Àgora Latinx Cultural Center: Reflects ASC’s commitment to cultural diversity (Croma About Us).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Arlington Street Church’s visiting hours?
A: Visitor Center is open seasonally, but the church generally welcomes visitors year-round. See above for specific times.

Q: Is there an admission fee?
A: No, admission is free. Donations are appreciated.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, on weekends and by appointment. Multilingual guides are available.

Q: Is the church wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, with ramps and accessible restrooms.

Q: Can I take photos?
A: Yes, non-flash photography is allowed except during services and private events.

Q: How do I book a group or special tour?
A: Email [email protected] or visit the official tours page.

Nearby Attractions

Enhance your visit by exploring neighboring sites:

Boston Public Garden: Directly across the street—America’s oldest botanical garden.
Beacon Hill: Historic neighborhood renowned for its architecture and charm.
Boston Common: The nation’s oldest public park.
Copley Square & Newbury Street: Shopping, dining, and cultural venues nearby.

Planning Your Visit

Best Time: May–October for full Visitor Center access and guided tours.
Duration: Plan 60–90 minutes for a standard visit.
Travel: Use public transit; limited street parking available.
Family-Friendly: Children are welcome; special activities during group tours.

Visual and Virtual Experience

Browse high-quality images and virtual tours on the official website to preview the sanctuary, Tiffany windows, and community events. Visuals include:

Exterior view with Boston Public Garden
Vaulted nave and stained glass
Close-ups of Tiffany windows
Historic hand-rung bells

Summary and Final Tips

Arlington Street Church is not only an architectural treasure but also a living monument to Boston’s evolving history and social progress. Its early advocacy for abolition, civil rights, and LGBTQ+ equality, coupled with its artistic and musical heritage, makes ASC an essential destination for visitors and locals alike (Croma History; Fund for Sacred Places; SAH Archipedia; ASC Tiffany Windows). With free admission, expert-led tours, accessible facilities, and a welcoming community, Arlington Street Church stands as a cornerstone of Boston’s past, present, and future (ascboston.org; arlingtonstreetchurchboston.org).

For guided audio tours and event updates, download the Audiala app. Stay connected via social media for the latest news, visitor tips, and cultural highlights.