Hatch Shell

The Hatch Shell is an outdoor concert venue adjacent to the Charles River Esplanade near downtown Boston. The Hatch Shell is best known for hosting the Boston Pops Orchestra annually for the Boston Fourth of July celebration, but is also used for free concerts most weekends and many weeknights during the summer months. The grass pavilion in front of the stage has no permanent seating. There is a memorial to Arthur Fiedler, first permanent conductor of the Pops, nearby.

Related Topics:
Charles River - Boston - Boston Pops Orchestra - Fourth of July - Arthur Fiedler

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The original shell was built in 1928 as a temporary venue for the Pops with expectations of construction of a permanent structure in the near future. Owing to sparse funding throughout the Great Depression, construction a permanent Hatch Shell was delayed until 1941. In preparation for a 50th anniversary in 1991, it underwent significant renovation and repair along with modernization of its acoustics.

Related Topics:
Great Depression - Acoustics

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Other uses of the Hatch Shell include movie showings, political speechs, and as a meeting place for large events such as the AIDS Walk. Additionally, the grass pavilion is used for picnics, casual sports, and sunbathing in a manner typical of urban parks.

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