Welcome to the Christian Science Plaza. This 13.5-acre campus is the largest privately owned and publicly accessible open space in the city of Boston. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all our visitors, please respect the rules below.
State law requires that you have your dog on a leash when you’re off your own property.
Dogs are not allowed in the fountain, in the reflecting pool, or on most green spaces.
Please only use areas specifically designated for walking dogs, including paved spaces and select green spaces.
Please clean up after your dog.
Non-domesticated and exotic animals are not allowed anywhere on the Plaza.
Only service animals are permitted inside Plaza buildings. Service animals must be under the control of their owners at all times.
As defined under The Massachusetts Service Animal Law, a service animal is “a dog that accompanies an individual with a sensory and or physical disability.” In the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service animals are “dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.” The ADA further states: “only dogs meet the definition of service animal under the ADA, with the exception of miniature horses.”
Animals providing emotional support, comfort, and/or therapy are not permitted inside Plaza buildings unless they qualify as service animals, as defined above.
The following substances are prohibited in all forms:
Alcohol
Recreational drugs
Smoked tobacco and marijuana products
Vaped tobacco and marijuana products
Children must be monitored by their caregivers at all times.
Children must wear something over their diapers while in the fountain.
No glass is allowed in the vicinity of the fountain, including on the lawn.
No objects are allowed in the fountain or the pool, including cups, boats, rafts, and toys.
Pets are not allowed in the fountain or the pool.
Running in the fountain is not permitted.
Entering the pool is not permitted.
Walking or playing on the marble edge around the pool is not permitted.
Shoes must be worn at all times.
Bathing suits are only considered appropriate attire at the fountain.
The Christian Science Plaza is private property.
The Plaza is a smoke-free campus.
Security may request visitors to leave the premises if a person’s behavior is deemed not in compliance with Plaza rules or is considered unsafe, illegal, or offensive.
The First Church of Christ, Scientist, is not responsible for the loss of or damage to belongings or property.
Weapons, explosives, and flammable items are prohibited.
Shirts must be worn at all times, with the exception of the fountain, where bathing suits are considered appropriate attire.
Shoes must be worn at all times on the Plaza, including in the fountain.
Conduct that is disorderly, disruptive, or that interferes with or endangers other visitors, is prohibited. Such conduct includes, but is not limited to:
Disseminating printed literature or other items
Soliciting
Busking
Fighting
Graffiti or vandalism, including attaching anything to trees, signage, poles, or other surfaces
Hanging on or swinging from tree limbs
Inappropriate public displays of affection or sexual contact
Loud or offensive behavior and/or music
Sleeping
Theft
Unsafe activity
All events must be sponsored or co-sponsored by The First Church of Christ, Scientist.
Unsanctioned protests, proselytization, rallies, or religious events are not permitted.
Classes and/or organized meetings are not permitted.
Please note that the Plaza is private property. Capturing images for purposes of publication or commercial use is not permitted. This includes photographs, videos, and other media created professionally for others (such as professional modeling or weddings), used as stock content, displayed on products or services, featured in promotional material or advertising, or used for commercial fine arts or merchandise. For media inquiries and requests for press images, please email plaza@christianscience.com.
Visitors may take photographs and videos for their personal use only. Personal use does not include publishing online or through organizational/corporate social media accounts. Visitors may share their personal photos online along with a review of their visit on websites (such as TripAdvisor and Yelp), on personal blogs, or on personal social media accounts.
Art students are permitted to draw and paint on the Plaza, but classes may not be conducted onsite.
Without written permission, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, prohibits any activity resulting in published images, photos, or videos whether or not they are sold in any way. Prohibited publication includes media shared on public platforms (such as Flickr or Canva); wedding and other staged photography and video; and film, art, or student projects that are likely to be shared. If you have further questions, please email plaza@christianscience.com.
Students and others completing research are welcome to email ComManager@christianscience.com with any questions or requests.
Kites, drones, and remote-controlled cars and boats are not permitted.
Organized sports and related activities are not allowed in green or paved spaces.
Segways are not permitted on the Plaza. They are only permitted on the sidewalks around the perimeter.
Please walk bicycles and push scooters while on the Plaza.
Please carry skateboards, longboards, and hoverboards while on the Plaza.
No unauthorized motorized vehicles are permitted on the Plaza except for driveway entrances or exits, including cars, golf carts, mopeds, motorcycles, scooters, and segways.
Drivers may not park or idle vehicles anywhere on the Plaza, including driveway entrances or exits.
Three-hour bus parking is available on Huntington Avenue westbound, adjacent to the Christian Science Plaza. Please do not idle buses at any time.
To park at the Christian Science Plaza, please visit PilgrimParking.com for detailed information.
If you have questions about special access to the Plaza, please email plaza@christianscience.com.
The rules listed on this page are not comprehensive and are subject to change at any time without notice.