About Post Office Square
Post Office Square is a public space in Boston’s Financial District, bordered by Franklin, Pearl, and Congress Streets. Once a commercial and postal hub, it is now best known for Norman B. Leventhal Park, a 1.7-acre green space built over an underground parking garage. The square combines gardens and public amenities with historic buildings and a central location for exploring Boston (Boston.com; Norman B. Leventhal Park).
History and architecture
From postal hub to public park
Post Office Square developed as Boston grew in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The main post office nearby made the area an important center for business and public services. The South Postal Annex’s expansion in 1960 underscored the square’s role in the city’s communications network (Boston.com).
The square’s transformation from the site of the city’s principal post office into a green urban retreat prioritized public space over vehicle traffic and became an example of urban renewal and sustainable design (Boston.com). The garage’s revenues fund park maintenance (Wikipedia; Tighe & Bond).
The square and nearby Boston Common have hosted rallies, commemorations, and community events, including the 1965 Freedom Rally Commemoration and ongoing civic movements (Boston.com).
50 Post Office Square and 110 High Street
A prominent building at 50 Post Office Square is a 20-story Art Deco skyscraper completed in 1947–1948 as the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company headquarters. Its geometric ornamentation and vertical emphasis marked an architectural milestone in the district. The building was later expanded to nearly 782,000 square feet (bostonrealestatetimes.com; Meet Boston).
Redevelopment at 110 High Street introduced a “building within a building” design that combines historic and modern architecture. Its contemporary lobby features a 35-foot glass curtain wall and a 100-foot LED media band that responds to visitors’ presence. The lobby’s interactive LED installations are part of the building’s modern update and its blend of technological innovation with historic character (bostonrealestatetimes.com).
What to see and do
Norman B. Leventhal Park
The park is the green centerpiece of Post Office Square. Its features include:
- Landscaped gardens with over 125 plant species
- Fountains and a walk-through sculptural water feature
- A central Great Lawn and garden trellis
- Benches, café tables, and shaded alcoves
- A glass-enclosed, year-round café with indoor and outdoor seating
The park sits atop a 1,400-space underground parking garage. It also has paved pathways and ramps, public restrooms, seating, and complimentary Wi-Fi (Norman B. Leventhal Park).
Lobby at 110 High Street
The dramatic lobby at 110 High Street is open to visitors during weekday business hours. It has a 35-foot glass curtain wall and a 100-foot LED media band; entry is free and no ticket is required. Occasional guided tours are offered during special events (bostonrealestatetimes.com).
Events, art, and community life
The park hosts outdoor concerts and lunchtime performances, fitness classes, art installations, seasonal plantings, community celebrations, and the Celebrity Series of Boston’s Street Pianos. Partnerships with the city’s Office of Arts and Culture support public art, performances, and events (Boston.gov Arts and Culture).
Programs such as Everyone250 emphasize equity, inclusion, and community storytelling. Cultural grants and initiatives support local artists and organizations. The Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs also organizes free-admission events and family days (Boston.gov Cultural Affairs).
The park draws locals, visitors, office workers, families, and students. Historical plaques and occasional tours offer insight into the site’s history (Lost New England; Harvard Omeka).
The park’s horticultural diversity and public art have received national recognition. Nearby, 7 Post Office Square has been honored for environmental stewardship (Cushman & Wakefield).
Gallery
Caption: The lush Norman B. Leventhal Park offers a serene urban oasis in Boston’s Financial District.
Caption: The iconic Art Deco façade of 50 Post Office Square, a Boston landmark.
Caption: The modern lobby at 110 High Street featuring the innovative LED media band.
Practical visiting information
Hours and admission
- Park Open daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Some sources note hours up to 9:00 PM; check the official site for current hours.
- Admission Free.
- 50 Post Office Square lobby Open Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM. Entry is free; no ticket is required.
- Tours Occasional building tours take place during special events. Guided tours elsewhere may require tickets; check event calendars. Nearby attractions may charge admission.
Accessibility, transit, and parking
The park has wheelchair-friendly paved paths, ramps, and accessible seating. Nearby transit stations are described as fully accessible.
State Street, Downtown Crossing, and South Station provide MBTA access to the area, serving the Blue, Orange, Red, and Silver Lines. The underground garage has 1,400 spaces, with entrances on Congress and Pearl Streets. It offers secure, convenient parking. The square is also served by nearby public transportation (Boston.gov).
The park is described as well-lit and staffed for safety (Norman B. Leventhal Park).
Events, tours, and maps
For tour information, consult the Boston Visitor Center or local tour operators. Many Financial District walking tours include Post Office Square (Free Tours by Foot).
Check the park’s website for current hours and event listings. An interactive map of the park and surrounding attractions is available at the Norman B. Leventhal Park website.
Further links
- Official Post Office Square Park Information
- 50 Post Office Square Building Details
- Boston Visitor Center
- Public Transportation to Post Office Square
- Norman B. Leventhal Park About Us & History
- Boston.gov Arts and Culture
- Free Tours by Foot: Places to Visit in Boston
- Tighe & Bond: Norman B. Leventhal Park
- Cushman & Wakefield: 7 Post Office Square Award
- Lost New England: Post Office Square History
- Harvard Omeka: Post Office Square
- Mariel Underground Nightlife
Tips for visitors
- Weekdays tend to have a livelier atmosphere; weekends are quieter and more relaxed.
- Plan a picnic or visit the café.
- Dress for the weather and bring layers.
- Make use of the free Wi-Fi and public restrooms.
- Check event schedules for special programming.
- Use the park as a base for exploring the Freedom Trail and nearby landmarks.
- The Audiala app is described as offering guided audio tours, real-time event updates, and insider tips.
Nearby places
Post Office Square is within walking distance of:
- Freedom Trail, a historic walking route
- Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, known for shopping and dining
- Boston Common and Public Garden, historic parks
- New England Aquarium and the Waterfront
- Downtown Crossing, a shopping area
- Old State House
The square’s central location provides access to the Financial District, waterfront, and major historical sites. It forms part of Boston’s network of green spaces and public amenities.
FAQ
What are the visiting hours for Post Office Square?
The park is open daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Some sources note hours up to 9:00 PM; check the official site for current information.
Is there an admission fee or ticket required?
No. Park entry is free, and the 110 High Street lobby does not require a ticket. Some tours and nearby attractions may charge admission or require tickets.
Are there accessibility accommodations?
Yes. The park has wheelchair-friendly paths, ramps, and accessible seating. Nearby transit stations are also described as fully accessible.
Is parking available?
Yes. The Garage at Post Office Square offers 1,400 underground spaces, with entrances on Congress and Pearl Streets.
What nearby historical sites can I visit?
Nearby sites include the Freedom Trail, Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, the Old State House, Boston Common, and the New England Aquarium.
