![John Hancock Tower (200 Clarendon), Boston](/img/gd_attr/51993.jpg)
John Hancock Tower (200 Clarendon), Boston
Back in the early 1970s, the tallest building in all of New England gained notoriety as the skyscraper that occasionally showered glass down upon the city. This peculiar issue stemmed from improperly seated windows in the sills of the distinctive blue rhomboid tower designed by I. M. Pei. However, after a substantial effort that involved replacing more than 10,000 panels of mirrored glass, which span an astonishing 13 acres, and reinforcing the central core, the problem was ultimately resolved.
Initially, Bostonians were concerned that the Hancock's stark modernist design might overshadow the nearby Trinity Church. To their surprise, the building's shimmering sides actually reflected the older structure, enhancing its presence rather than diminishing it. In 2015, the building was renamed from the John Hancock Tower to 200 Clarendon.
While the majority of the structure is occupied by offices and remains inaccessible to the public, it proudly remains the tallest and most cherished skyscraper in the Boston skyline, soaring to a height of 790 feet (240 meters). Its highly reflective window glass has a subtle blue tint, which results in the structure harmonizing almost seamlessly with the sky on a clear day.
Tip:
For a unique perspective, take a moment to appreciate the tower's view of Trinity Church, gracefully reflected in its facade.
Initially, Bostonians were concerned that the Hancock's stark modernist design might overshadow the nearby Trinity Church. To their surprise, the building's shimmering sides actually reflected the older structure, enhancing its presence rather than diminishing it. In 2015, the building was renamed from the John Hancock Tower to 200 Clarendon.
While the majority of the structure is occupied by offices and remains inaccessible to the public, it proudly remains the tallest and most cherished skyscraper in the Boston skyline, soaring to a height of 790 feet (240 meters). Its highly reflective window glass has a subtle blue tint, which results in the structure harmonizing almost seamlessly with the sky on a clear day.
Tip:
For a unique perspective, take a moment to appreciate the tower's view of Trinity Church, gracefully reflected in its facade.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Boston. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
John Hancock Tower (200 Clarendon) on Map
Sight Name: John Hancock Tower (200 Clarendon)
Sight Location: Boston, USA (See walking tours in Boston)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Boston, USA (See walking tours in Boston)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Boston, Massachusetts
Create Your Own Walk in Boston
Creating your own self-guided walk in Boston is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Boston Shopping Areas
One of the top shopping destinations in the US northeast, Boston has a strong network of interesting stores, galleries and boutiques to visit along with its many high-class shops, some of which are nestled inside historical buildings. Shopping here in more than one way mirrors the city itself: an amalgamation of classic and vanguard, the handmade and the high-end, and both local and international... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Harvard University Walking Tour
The United States’ oldest institution of higher education (and, of course, among the most prestigious), Harvard was established in 1636. Reverend John Harvard, who bequeathed his entire library and half of his estate, is the University’s namesake. Presidents, billionaires and Rhodes Scholars are only some of the illustrious graduates; in fact, Harvard has more Nobel Prize-winning alumni,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Bunker Hill Walking Tour
Bunker Hill, sitting on the bank of the Charles River in Boston, Massachusetts, is a historic site that holds great significance in American history. At its heart stands the Bunker Hill Monument, a towering obelisk commemorating the Battle of Bunker Hill, a pivotal event in the American Revolutionary War.
The battle took place on June 17, 1775, when American patriots faced off against British... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
The battle took place on June 17, 1775, when American patriots faced off against British... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
North End Walking Tour
The North End was the city's first neighborhood, and one that has been key to its fortunes, having become a hub of commercial, social and intellectual activity by the 1750s. Later known as Boston's Little Italy, it has been home to Italian immigrants through much of the 20th century, and still retains a certain Mediterranean flavor in its many restaurants, cafés, and specialty shops. In... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Historical Cambridge MA Walking Tour
Once a quiet New England farming village-turned capital of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, today's Cambridge, MA is a university town that dazzles visitors as the home of renowned Harvard University – alma mater of many intellectuals, literary geniuses, celebrities, and wealthy and powerful. Many of America’s elite have spent some time at Harvard, and their contributions to Cambridge have... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Historical Churches Walking Tour
Boston's great churches are among the most precious of the city's numerous architectural jewels. What makes them special are their unique styles, elegant facades and long history.
Starting with the Old North Church, which towers in the city’s North End, this journey surely feels like taking a step back in time. Legend was made there, in the very place that Paul Revere waited for... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Starting with the Old North Church, which towers in the city’s North End, this journey surely feels like taking a step back in time. Legend was made there, in the very place that Paul Revere waited for... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Boston's Marblehead Eateries
With such a diverse variety of dining cuisines and styles, the little town of Marblehead has something to satisfy every budget and culinary palate. You won't find any neon here, none is allowed in town and there are no fast food or drive-thrus establishments either. Most are quaint and...