Commonwealth Avenue Mall

Historic Design

Imagine strolling down a 32-acre green corridor that feels like stepping back in time. That's Commonwealth Avenue Mall for you, designed back in 1856 by Arthur Gilman who drew inspiration from those elegant French boulevards. This linear park stretches from the Boston Public Garden all the way to Kenmore Square, forming the backbone of the charming Back Bay neighborhood while connecting the Public Garden to Frederick Law Olmsted's Emerald Necklace park system.

What makes this mall special is its wide central promenade flanked by rows of majestic trees that create a natural cathedral-like canopy overhead. While originally lined with American and European elms, today you'll find a diverse mix of trees including sweetgum, green ash, maple, linden, zelkova, and Japanese pagoda trees providing shade and beauty throughout the seasons.

This Samuel Eliot Morison sculpture is one of several statues in the park

Photo: Chris Rycroft (CC BY 2.0)

Notable Monuments

As you wander along the mall, you'll encounter several impressive statues and monuments that tell stories of Boston's rich history. These sculptures, which have been added since 1865, commemorate people and events that shaped the city and nation.

Take your time to discover statues of historical heavyweights like Alexander Hamilton, Abigail Adams, Leif Erikson, and William Garrison among others. Each monument offers a little window into the past, making your walk both scenic and educational.

Bench nestled among fallen leaves on the mall's shaded walkway

Photo: Vitor Pamplona (CC BY 2.0)

Seasonal Beauty

The mall transforms beautifully with the seasons. In spring, the magnolia trees bloom in pink and white - attracting many photographers hoping to capture the perfect shot.

Come fall, the promenade becomes a canvas of gold and red as the leaves change color. And if you visit during winter, especially around the holidays, you're in for a treat with Christmas lights twinkling throughout the trees, creating a magical atmosphere as darkness falls.

Lush green canopy above the park's central pathway

Photo: Chris Rycroft (CC BY 2.0)

Community Space

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the mall provides valuable green space for the densely populated Back Bay area. Locals and visitors come here to relax, enjoy light recreation, or simply be among others.

On any given day, you might see morning joggers, people walking their dogs, friends having impromptu picnics, or individuals simply sitting on benches soaking in the surroundings. The uniform setbacks and architectural harmony of the brownstones and Victorian buildings lining the mall create a distinctive urban landscape that's become quintessentially Boston.

The tree-lined pathway through Commonwealth Avenue Mall in autumn

Photo: Vitor Pamplona (CC BY 2.0)

Accessibility and Amenities

Getting around the mall is straightforward with its paved paths and pedestrian crossings at all intersections. It conveniently connects several Boston highlights including Copley Square and the Boston Public Garden, and it's just a short walk from the shopping haven of Newbury Street and the scenic Charles River.

While you won't find restrooms or playgrounds within the mall itself, there are plenty of benches where you can take a breather during your walk. The space is dog-friendly, however your four-legged companions need to stay leashed, and you'll want to clean up after them.

Preservation Efforts

It hasn't always been smooth sailing for this historic green space. Challenges like Dutch Elm disease and urban development pressures have threatened the mall over the years. Thankfully, community organizations like the Friends of the Public Gardens and the city have worked tirelessly to preserve this urban oasis.

Today, Commonwealth Avenue Mall represents an excellent example of 19th-century urban planning and landscape design - a peaceful natural corridor through the heart of Boston. Winston Churchill reportedly called it "the grandest boulevard in North America."