Boston City Hall, Boston

Ah, Government Center, the delightful slice of Downtown Boston that oozes charm with its imposing sea of towering grey monoliths. Once upon a time, it was Scollay Square, Boston's vibrant den of "culture" that included a healthy dose of porn halls and tattoo parlors. But hey, who needs history when you can have a concrete jungle?

Back in the swinging '60s, Scollay Square was obliterated, taking with it all traces of its racy past and its vibrant character. All that remains as a reminder of its saucy days is the Oriental Tea Company's colossal 227-gallon Steaming Kettle ad, a relic that has been fogging up the skyline since 1873. The once lively area is now draped in concrete, courtesy of the grand plan hatched by I.M. Pei, flanked by two colossal giants: Boston City Hall on the plaza's east side and the ever-so-inviting John F. Kennedy Federal Building up north. The former is a shining example of Brutalism, an architectural style that embraces the philosophy of "rough" and "unadorned" concrete. It's so eye-catching that it's either the best or the worst thing you've ever seen – depending on your taste, of course.

Over the years, grand plans have been tossed around to make City Hall Plaza more people-friendly. Gardens, restaurants, music venues, and hotels have all been considered to warm up the frosty Government Center. If there's one thing that could possibly heal the collective aversion Bostonians have to this spot, it might just be tearing it all down. Well, guess what? Locals are getting their wish. City Hall Plaza, one of Boston's largest public spaces, is undergoing a massive transformation. The upside-down ziggurat design of City Hall and its brutalist redbrick plaza are getting a makeover. Soon, you'll find aesthetically pleasing tree canopies, terraces, and improved public spaces, and the plaza will once again become the vibrant hub for the city's legendary festivals, rallies, and outdoor concerts. Stay tuned for the grand unveiling!

Tip:
Free admission through security (be ready for a bag check and metal detector) – explore it!