One of the worst place to go on earth. Every single one of the staff here is unprofessional, impatient, rude, arrogant and condescending. I really hate this place and just wish that I never have to come again. read more

My friends got married here in the past week. This is a city hall that's pretty reminiscent of other city halls I've been too...generic government center, but the people are really friendly. There's apparently two places you can get married, on floor 2 with marriage certificates and on floor 6 with the city clerk. On floor 2, you get married after waiting outside with those waiting for birth certificates, death certificates, and to pay parking fines, so it's a nice mix of people. We arrived early for our appointment and we were able to go in as a group of 11 people to witness. The woman who married our friends was nice, cordial, and friendly and the room was very simple and functional. All in all, the officiating took about 10 to 15 minutes with photos and everything. Don't forget about the "Married in Boston" backdrop on the 6th floor right as you exit the lifts -- it's cute and chalkboard-y! read more

Because I usually try to see the positive in most things, for years I've tried to keep an open mind about Boston City Hall. I've studied the building from all angles trying very hard to find something to like about it. There's no avoiding the area for me since I walk through Boston City Hall plaza twice a day during the week. Ultimately,the sad reality is that no matter how much I've looked for something to appreciate, I don't like this building. I'll even go a step further and say that there is in fact nothing redeeming at all about Boston CIty Hall and the red brick environs. I finally just have to admit to myself that this is just one ugly and off-putting building and plaza. Our City Hall is built in the "Brutalist" style of architecture popularized in the 1950s and 1960s which is a a style difficult enough to appreciate to begin with let alone in this horrific rendition. This is an unappealing and jarringly unbalanced building. The architechtural style of Brutalism is really an apt name. City Hall is brutal to look at. You will ultimately end up feeling beaten up by it for sure. The irony is that I do appreciate the modernist aesthetic of Le Corbusier and Mies van der Rohe from whose styles Brutalism apparently grew but this City Hall is a clunker of monumental proportion. This isn't even about putting down the entire Brutalist architectural style. Take a look at the Geisel Library at the University of California at San Diego. I find that building quite attractive, interesting and innovative. Boston's City Hall is simply a poorly executed example. We also don't have enough sun, warm weather and green throughout the year like San Diego has, to help to "soften" this otherwise hard, modernist style. Another real shame is the wasted and barren but incredibly vast piece of property on which this building sits in an otherwise great area of downtown Boston. The possibilities are really endless with what could be built here instead. There is enough room for something to be created that would be inviting, welcoming and marvelous for the city, for those of us who live and work here and for the many eager visitors who flock here. It could be a real gathering place with room for all kinds of events. Instead we've been stuck with a "brutally" ugly, dirty concrete building surrounded by a barren brick plaza all of which screams out to me: "We're cold, unfriendly, unattractive and harsh here in Boston: Stay away". And in reality, that message about Boston and Bostonians couldn't be further from the truth. read more

We got our marriage certificate and got married here. The process were quick and the staff are nice. The interior really shows how old the building is so we want our pictures taken outside. They turn out beautifully. read more

Boston City Hall - Town Hall Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

See all

I walked into City Hall at 4:15 pm looking for the parking clerk office knowing that it was due to close at 4:30pm. My google maps had me going around the block another 10 minutes away. Luckily the security officers at the entrance were very professional and helpful. They clarified between the moving versus resident parking permit before sending me to the wrong location. Then the parking clerk office was efficient in getting my paperwork filed. The efficiency meant that I had to be back out in the hazy hot humid weather. All in all. I was pleasantly surprised and thankful with the service and efficiency. read more

After the delayed opening of the Winter Wonderland due to ice issues for their outside skating rink I finally got the chance before heading over to Back Bay to check out this lil village. Despite some people thinking that this set up is a waste of money and space, I was surprised to see a large crowd waiting for the wonderland to open up. This is a great place for families and couples. You can skate, sample food and shop. This isn't a huge venue. It is the maiden season of this fair type arrangement. If you are wondering around Boston it's not bad to check it out. It is right outside the Government Center T Stop and a stones throw from all the traditional Boston tourist traps! read more

See all

This review is for the Boston City Plaza Winter Event. This happens every winter and is a huge event with a lot of different kiosks from small businesses. You can walk around, and take advantage of the ice rink too! I went on a Friday and did the Silent Disco as well. The Silent Disco only happens on Fridays and for $10-20 (early bird vs at the door) they give you headphones with rap, old school, and electronic music. It was such a great way to spend the evening! read more

I've been here for events outside the Boston City Hall and the amount of space here is generally adequate for hosting events with the exception of the Asian Night Market. You are close enough to the Haymarket area and Govt Center area to take you wherever else you need to go. Otherwise, the building itself is reflective of the Brutalist architecture style that was prominent in the 70s - 80s. I know architects applaud it but from a personal standpoint, it's pretty meh and looks like something straight out of the Eastern Bloc in the middle of the Cold War: bleak, depressing,and overbearing. Boston is home to great architecture but this ain't a great example. read more

While it was futuristic for its time in 1968. It was always controversial for its brutalist architecture. The weather over time takes the toll on the stone of the structure significantly. read more

For a city so steeped in history and usually so puritanic, the city hall is a monstrous brutalist testament to the 60s. So The exterior is very 60s and passe. The plaza is devoid and disgusting, crumbling and dirty. I went inside for the first time ever on Friday to vote. I can't believe it's even more disgusting on the inside. Dirty cement made shiny by years of people wandering aimlessly, dimly lit, dark and foreboding, not inviting at all. The signage is weak and damaged. A city hall should serve the people, it was expensive, the residents should have received more. I'm all for lowering government spending by building economically sensible structures, but I don't think this was all that economical and is just a maze of idiocy. read more

One star cannot possibly encompass the hideousness that is Boston City Hall, both inside and out. On the inside, rude government employees sit and are idle for the most part. The hours are not friendly to anyone who has to work regular business hours. Thank God I have only had to come here for a parking pass! As for the outside, there is a reason this is on the Top 10 Ugliest Buildings list. As other yelpers have noted, USSR era buildings I've seen in East Berlin and Budapest are more attractive. I would recommend total demolition ASAP. read more

As a friend of mine once said, "Boston City Hall is the ugliest piece of architecture on the planet". Well said, dear sir! Well said. Remember when this was Scollay Square? Well, me neither. But at least the area had character then. This place is so ugly. It's like 10 different left-handed dyslexic architects separately designed buildings then a strong breeze mixed up their papers and drawings and we were left with this. I am left-handed so no offense to left-handers. We are generally an awesome people. It used to have this bowl - seriously - like a seating area 20 feet below everything else around it. They filled it in. So at least THAT area is now flat. Good luck with the rest of it. PS: I once heard the Monkees here. Well, 2 of them anyways.... read more

One word: Ugly* *although me does speak some English, I know no other words that would describe it any better. ** Im from USSR, and Khrushchev style buildings are pretty in comparison to this structure. read more

Boston's city hall reminds me most of a cross between Wernham-Hogg's Slough branch (without David Brent) and a monolithic behemoth dividing Beacon Hill from Fanueil Hall and the North End from Downtown Crossing. Aesthetically, it's not pleasing. And while my one experience (to vote) wasn't that bad, it was confusing to figure out where I had to go, exactly. It's a big building. That being said, a city/state hall is supposed to look, well, a little more regal, less office-like. Look at old City Hall. The State House. Heck, even a little bit of monolithic art deco can go a long way towards regal-ness (the Tim Burton-era Gotham City proves this) City Hall, meanwhile, looks like an office park. A boring office park with a Quiznos nearby. Baaah. read more

Shout out for officer Cody! Hope Ellie is feeling better, best wishes. The building is stunning, from the marbled halls to the pillars. It is an awesome building, thanks for all the services you provide! read more

Boston City Hall was built in Brutalist style, however, the service is anything but brutal. I went to City Hall recently to get copies of my daughter's birth certificate. I was in and out of there in 10 minutes. 10 MINUTES! Eat your heart out MVD or just about any state office! Heck, it's hard to even find a parking space in Boston in under 10 minutes. Well done City Hall, well done! p.s. Just remember to bring check or cash - no credit cards accepted for some services. read more

Boston Deserves a Better City Hall. There, I said it. The Plaza sucks on every level. It's devoid of class or charm, two things we should definitely have in Boston. There's too many stairs. There's too much crazy brick Plaza. It's frigid in the Winter, and broiling in the Summer. In the Spring and Fall, the wind howls past. Who thought this Monster up? I hate him. read more

While this building is ugly, they put on a lot of fun events outside that are diverse in what they offer so it is good for everyone. read more

Boston City Hall - Scooperbowl - Town Hall Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

I have a love/hate relationship with Boston City Hall. Le Corbusier's Sainte Marie De Le Tourette, a Dominican monastery near Lyon, was the prototype for the building, which was in turn designed by Kallmann, McKinnell, & Knowles. Theirs, for better or worse, was the winning entry in a nationwide design contest. While both buildings serve as prime pilgrimage sites for architectural students interested in Brutalism, the austerity of raw concrete and slim windows with light shining through only at certain times of day might very well be more effective and inspiring in a monastic context than in governmental offices. The interior spaces of City Hall have been called "utterly depressing" to the point that they "numb the soul" (Jay Fitzgerald, "Plaza plea: Save the brutalism!", Boston Herald, 13 December 2006), and Thomas Menino has proposed demolishing the building and constructing a new City Hall along the waterfront. The building was even featured in the Boston Globe Magazine a month or two ago, in an article entitled "In Praise of Ugly Buildings," and most of the reader comments were not exactly flattering. Meanwhile, the colored glass windows that allow slivers of natural light into Sainte Marie De Le Tourette's chapel spaces are but one of the exterior/interior touches that help turn Le Corbusier's monastery into something akin to "Notre Dame, though not gothic at all" (from Czeslaw Milosz's poem, "The River" (trans. Milosz and Robert Hass)). Although it has no sky-scraping spires, Le Corbusier's building nonetheless has the feel of a cathedral. Concrete--entirely familiar--is used in an entirely unfamiliar, majestic way. With Boston City Hall, however, it seems as if something was lost in translation-- or translated too closely from the French prototype--when it came to the design and implementation of the building's interior. What has happened to other poorly-executed Brutalist buildings on this side of the Atlantic? Along with Boston's City Hall, Yale's Art and Architecture building, designed by Paul Rudolph, tops the list of US Brutalist masterpieces. In the 60s, Yale graduate students set fire inside the building out of hostility toward it; after this incident, the interior was dramatically renovated and redesigned, and current students apparently now adore the building. A similar renovation of City Hall would likely be unfeasible in the current financial climate, but would be tenable and likely the historically and artistically preferential option (in lieu of demolition) in a more favorable economy. Boston should probably also renovate the interior of the nearby Department of Mental Health's Hurley Building while they're at it, because if you're not depressed yet, going into that building will likely turn you so. read more

Boston City Hall - City Hall Plaza, 2010 Boston Pride Week - Town Hall Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

I needed a copy of my birth certificate and was in and out within moments! Birth certificates only costs $12, and they accept cash and money orders. City Hall is open 830-530pm M-F, closed holidays. The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages is CLOSED Wednesdays, but operates 9-4pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. I was expecting to be miserable, like a trip to the DMV- this was NOTHING like that! read more

This is probably the ugliest building in all of Boston. Upside: my nostrils are pleasantly surprised each time I walk in and it doesn't smell like a moldy gym locker room Downside: my eyes expect it Upside: I have never been stuck in the elevators Downside: this is a miracle and not the norm Upside: I have never had anything that could be deemed inappropriate Downside: bags are scanned every time and you *could* have something taken away Upside: I have never had a problem here. I got a parking permit two days before the September 1st madness at lunch time in under 15 minutes. Downside: there isn't one. Well done, City of Boston. Just stop being in the most unattractive building in my beloved city. read more

A monstrosity apparently designed by angry communists, which would look more at home on the outskirts of Moscow or Minsk. The first time I saw this building as a kid I thought it was ugly, like 'hit every branch on the ugly tree' kind of ugly and that hasn't changed, even after hearing the clarion call of people shouting words like 'brutalism' and 'le corbusier' You know what people? I don't care who was involved in it's construction, or what modernist ideals were behind its design. If someone told me Joseph Stalin designed it, I'd probably believe them. I've always thought it was a city government plot to keep people away, I mean, who the hell would want to go inside this thing? The interior is like a vast cave system, with signs pointing to offices that no longer exist and city employees sitting listlessly in front of broken computers. I've been inside once and don't plan on returning. This yelp message is a vain call to the city government to sell this site to the highest bidder, level the place and actually try to turn it into a usable, beautiful public square or development that doesn't provoke violent and prolonged vomiting upon first sight like the current 'building' does. read more

Nearly as ugly and unaccommodating as the people that work there. From the wind-swept brick wasteland outside to the ridiculously narrow and uncomfortable spectator seats in the city council chamber to the lack of sufficient restrooms this building is a disaster. Back home in Texas it seems like every tiny town has a big, airy courthouse/town hall built in the early parts of the last century. In a burst of misguided 'progressive' modernism Boston decided to build this monstrosity instead of renovating their lovely old building. They also took a scorched earth approach to the neighborhood for blocks around. One of the most unfriendly areas in the city on a day when the raw wind is blowing rain or snow, the empty expanse of brick amplifies your misery as soon as you step out of Gov't Center T stop. read more

You think City Hall is ugly? I disagree. I giggle every time I walk by it? Why, because it reminds me of the climactic scene in the 1986 British-American cinematic masterpiece Labyrinth staring David Bowie and a young Jennifer Connelly. Remember when the Goblin King traps Jennifer Connelly and her baby brother, Toby, in the MC Escher-esq Goblin City Throne Room? It's essentially this line: Through dangers untold and hardships unnumbered, I have fought my way here to the castle beyond the Goblin City to take back the child that you have stolen, for my will is as strong as yours, and my kingdom as great -- You have no power over me. That's City Hall. So, that's pretty awesome. Also, its handy because their website is actually helpful. They've streamlined a lot of their processes. It's incredibly easy to get a parking sticker, street closure or whatever else you need. read more

I've spent hours waiting in line trying to sort out parking issues in the dungeon of this place. Customer service at these desks is almost as great as the RMV. The building itself is a huge embarrassing failure. It's the architectural equivalent of a McDonalds recycled cardboard drink carrier. Recycling would be a good next step for this building. read more

This review is for the Clerks Office. I did not want to do a big expensive wedding thing so to city hall we went. I expected a quick, careless wedding ceremony that was more "going through the motions" than a passionate ceremony but we actually got the latter. Maureen Feeney, JoP, was wonderful, caring and made our moment so special. She directed our photographer through the event to capture all the opportunities, fixed my train and veil to look my best and included a blessing at the end. Thank you so much for making our marriage ceremony something to cherish. read more

I was scheduled to appeal a parking ticket at an 11 am hearing. The entire building's computers have been "down" since 7:50 am. They've informed me my only choice is to wait until they come back up, or come back another day. I'm a teacher who cannot afford to return. This building is ancient & I've been told their IT department is "outside the building". How antiquated is this institution to the effect all operations shut down? Completely unnaceptable says this tax payer. read more

I came to Boston hoping to explore the city and spend time with a friend. I had never been to the city so I was unaware of how rigid parking rules were. 48 hours into my stay, I was bombarded with two parking violations and was towed in an unrelated incident of private property trespassing. I did not know where to hide my car in the mission hills area and could not seem to avoid committing some sort of violation during my short stay. Suddenly, my trip to Boston revolved around disputing the violations I received shortly after arriving. I called city council, and was told I could schedule a walk-in hearing since I was set to leave the next day. I arrived at 3:30 PM and was unsure if I would be able to see anyone since the parking dispute office was opened until 4 PM. I was told to sign one thing and was able to see someone within 10 minutes. The young lady who saw me allowed me to clearly state my frustrations. I think being a visitor and genuinely unaware that I was committing violations helped me with my argument. She revoked both tickets which is something I greatly appreciate. I didn't think I would end up in city hall during my first visit to Boston, but it ended up being a pleasant experience. read more

Communistic Styled Buildings look far more attractive than this piece of concrete, and that is really saying something. I have traveled throughout the world...and have not seen anything anywhere...so ugly....and for it to represent the local community in such a way is beyond comprehension. read more

Sheesh!!! Hey Joshua Tree Bostonites who wish this city was New Englandy Houston: PLEASE DIE City Hall is a badass spaceship space palace, and it's sitting downtown because in 1962 someone had an original idea and someone else took a chance on it. And that's what life's all about. And since when are people so self-confident about loudly hating stuff they don't know shit about? When you go to the symphony and your uncultured ass is bored and totally clueless, you don't stand up and shout "THIS IS THE WORST SYMPHONY I'VE EVER HEARD!" And even if it's not your speed (because you're a dumbass and you have no eye), at least be proud that we've got one of the best examples of the style (regretably called brutalism, but whatevs) in our city. And be satisfied that in spite of your best efforts, this town still has a little bit of character and a little bit of a brain. read more

Boston City Hall Plaza represents everything that doesn't work about top-down urban planning. There was a bustling and thriving neighborhood (exactly, *exactly* like the North End) where the eternally empty plaza now stands that was incorrectly labeled a "slum" and torn down. In it's place was thrown down a swath of depressing concrete and the terminally uninviting City Hall building, done in the aptly named "Brutalist" style. It seems crazy now that anyone took their cues from the self-indulgent, unrealistic screeds of Le Corbusier, a man who thought it was a good idea to stuff a city's poorest residents into towering blocks, isolated from everyone else, and turn the rest of the city into an homage to the automobile. Whenever you see a hideous concrete structure standing on its own, completely out of synch with its surroundings, you should shake your fist in the air and yell "Le Corbusier!!!" Ok, but this isn't a rant about Le Corbusier, it's about City Hall Plaza. There are so many things wrong with it that should have seemed obvious to those creating it. "Hey guys, I know we're going for the 'Brutalist' style and everything, but shouldn't we put in some trees, or plants?" "No! Not brutal enough!" "How about some places to sit?" "Be serious. We want people to stand in awe at the majesty of this monolith. Not...enjoy themselves or relax!!!" "Erm, OK, I think I know what you're going to say to this, but...what about some buildings with windows and storefronts? So that pedestrians don't feel like disconnected ants?" [Snorts derisively] "What on earth would we want to do that for?" Seriously, that's how City Hall Plaza makes me feel. Like someone is playing a joke, and/or was created in some other dimension where it's normal to just completely ignore the needs and desires of the people who actually have to interact with your design day in and day out. read more

If this noble building were in Paris, it would be a tourist attraction. Seriously. Consider that it was a city's earnest endeavour - and world wide competition - to create a unifying public space from a blighted area. It was one of the first buildings to use reinforced concrete as structural members. It provides a meeting place in the plaza such as we all admire in Italian cities. The interior spaces are always interesting visually. Does it fail in some aspects? Sure, but if you learn about the building, you'll end up admiring it. read more

This building has been the object of immense criticism as of late mostly due to Menino's push to sell the property and move City Hall over to the new Waterfront development area. As a major Brutalist architecture work from the 60's, it has inevitably acted as a lightning rod for criticism Is it a terrible building? Technically, no - the three Columbia professors who drew up the plan for the building created a fairly decent monumental structure echoing the defining Brutalist works of Le Corbusier who was busy building monasteries and apartments in France and government buildings in India of a similar vein. But an informal survey of various Boston residents by NPR, the Globe and other organizations over the past months seem to indicate a consensus among Boston residents of its reputation as a "ugly pile of concrete". (part of this may be undeserved - people only really go to City Hall to dispute something, or because they are in trouble due to parking, traffic, ordnances, zoning or whatnot, and dealing with bureaucracy can leave a sour taste in the mouth) Personally, I feel this echoes a lot of the failings of Le Corbusier's later work which has become known amongst critics of Brutalism (although he by no means was its only practitioner). There are buildings related to this style that do work - Paul Rudolph's Art and Architecture building at Yale which contrasted its towering, rough concrete columns with an intricate web of human sized interlocking spaces, and whose facade comes up to the street to "meet" pedestrians rather than forcing one to cross a large, desolate plaza devoid of any reference to anything human (IM Pei did the overall layout of City Hall Plaza). Louis Kahn's buildings made extensive used of exposed concrete but unlike many Brutalist works with their violently rough and ridged surfaces, and chunky IBM-PC-like elements, his concrete was milky, smooth, seductive to the touch and the eye, and their shapes recalled either continuous movement or the mystical forms of the classical ruins of antiquity. in contrast, City Hall and a number of late Le Corbusier works fail to control the urge to reconcile the human versus the monumental scale, lack the little human references that connect a public witht he building, and - i hate to say this - but despite Le Corbusier's worship of geometry, the skillful use of which he had demonstrated many times - these works tend to feature a blunt, unattractive, unmoving geometry which in my personal opinion reflects an unconscious surrender to the overbearing industrial/functional trends of the day. (corrections, edits as I think about this more) read more

A victim of brutalism style architecture, BCH looks and feels like a dungeon. Once you're inside, all the light is artificial and the dark grey of the concrete is all around you from the floors to the walls to the ceiling. The employees seemed nice enough but the looks on their faces made me feel like they wish they were anywhere else but there. There's also a very distinctive "old building" smell as well. Not unpleasant, just distinctive and strong. I don't have a problem coming here for quick important things, but I do feel bad for those working here. I hope one day Boston will have the funds to redo the city hall and not preserve it because it's "historical" like everything else in Boston. read more

The people at this place are so rude ...they act like you're bothering them like ummm isn't that your job to help me out if needed!?! This place is horrible makes me hate boston at times! read more

Terrible. I have been living at my apartment for well over a year and have applied multiple times for a parking permit. Even though my car and insurance are registered to my apartment, as well as all of my bills, I AM DENIED A PERMIT OVER AND OVER AGAIN. I have paid an excessive amount in parking tickets while parked in front of my apartment. I pay to live here, I work here and you still steal even more money from me by forcing me to pay tickets and then denying me a permit continuously. Seriously ridiculous. read more

This building is just ugly. With architecture being one of my favorite parts of Boston, it's so disappointing that this building is City Hall. Please consider building something else! read more

Great center of the city. Right next to multiple T stops-Government Center(green line), Haymarket (green and orange lines), State (orange line), Blue (Bowdoin)-but unless your on your way to someplace else, there is no reason to make a stop at this one. Nothing special here. read more

I don't despise the building itself as much as many people seem to. I have not seen another building like it, so you can call it unique at least. My biggest issue is trying to walk by when the wind is picking up. There are times you wonder if you will just blow away. I have too many fond memories here (concerts, parades, etc) to really dislike it too much. read more

The women named Theresa who works here is beyond rude. I called asking a question and she gave me nothing but attitude saying "what do you want?" After explaining my whole situation. Theresa, learn how to speak to people before working in a job like this, you're tone is disrespectful to say the least. read more