The Christian Science Plaza
Some information on the The Christian Science Plaza.
The Christian Science Plaza in Boston is a beautiful place to walk around or to sit and enjoy the sights and sounds of Boston. From the east side of the plaza, you have an excellent view of the Prudential Tower and surrounding buildings.
If your visiting Boston in January, you can still get nice pictures of the Boston Skyline with the winter blue sky. You don't need to have water in the reflection pool to appreciate the architecture of the City of Boston.
The best time to take pictures at the reflection pool is in the afternoon. That's when the sun will shine on the right side of the Prudential Tower.
Reflection Pool
The Reflection Pool at the Christian Science Center is 670 foot long. Compare that to the famous Lincoln Memorial Reflection Pool, in Washington DC, which is 2,029 feet long.
The water in the pool usually drains in the middle of November. The water comes back a couple of weeks after opening day at Fenway Park (around mid-April). It usually takes about 4 hours to fill up the reflection pool.
The Christian Science Plaza will not publicly announce when they plan to empty or fill up the pool. (This seems like a missed opportunity.) If you're visiting Boston in November or April, you never know if the pool is going to change. It's worth stopping by to see to see the difference the plaza is with and without water.
Like most reflection pools, there is no swimming allowed. Last year, the management allowed people put in remote control sail boats in the pool. It's kind of cool to see the boat going back and forth, and then trying to figure out who is controlling it. (Tip: Usually the person near a big duffle bag which is used to carry the boat.)
Water Fountain
On hot summer days children can cool off at the water fountain. The fountain is running every day when the temperature is above 50 degrees. Just before the fountain is shut off for the season they run the water at full blast, this causes a lot of steam which causes a nice effect.
If you do bring your children, you can treat them to come cool ice cream at Cold Stone Creamery on the other side of Belvedere Street.
Christian Science Plaza
Be sure to visit other sites around the plaza. Check out the gardens near the reflection pool and the trees around the plaza. There's lots of weekly activities at the Mary Baker Eddy Library, including the historical Mapparium.