Free Event: Metropolitan Waterworks Museum in Chestnut Hill

NOTE: There is no charge for this event from Cityscape Photo Boston, and the Museum is free, but we suggest a donation to the Museum of $5.00.

Join Cityscape Photo Boston for a free indoor photo meetup at one of Boston’s most unexpectedly photogenic historic sites: the Metropolitan Waterworks Museum in Chestnut Hill.

Housed inside the beautifully preserved High Service Pumping Station (1880s), the museum is a dream setting for urban, architectural, and detail-oriented photography. Inside, you’ll find massive steam pumping engines, soaring industrial spaces, riveted ironwork, gauges, valves, tiled walls, and dramatic shafts of natural light — all layered with Boston’s infrastructure history.

As a preview of what you'll see, here is a photo that I took in December 2023.

For photographers, this location offers:

• Industrial architecture with strong geometry and texture
• Moody interior light, great for black-and-white work
• Details and wide shots that reward careful composition
• A chance to photograph machinery that once powered Boston’s water system

We’ll move through the space at a relaxed pace, sharing observations and ideas as we go. This is a casual, peer-to-peer meetup, not a class — perfect for photographers who enjoy exploring historic interiors and refining their eye. However, if you are a new photographer, or one who needs some refresher, we have members who will be glad to help you. Smartphone photographers are welcome!

Important notes:

• This is a museum setting — no tripods, please
• Handheld photography only
• Space is limited to 10 attendees to keep things comfortable and respectful of the venue
• Free to attend - but please leave a $5.00 donation to the Museum.

If you enjoy cityscapes, historic architecture, and places where engineering meets beauty, this one’s a gem — and a perfect winter meetup spot.

For those who would like to have lunch and socialize after the meetup, we'll go to Eagle's Deli 1918 Beacon Street in Brighton, less than a mile away.

Looking forward to shooting with you.