Frequently Asked Questions

What does it cost to visit the Museum?
The Museum is free, however we encourage $5 donations to support the Museum's educational programs.

Where do I park?
Please see the "Parking" section at the bottom of this page.

Is photography allowed in the Museum?
Only personal, non commercial photography/videography without flash is permitted.

Where are the restrooms?
Restrooms are located on the lower level of the Museum, and are for Museum visitors.

Where can I check my coat?
We have an unmonitored coat rack in the Great Engines Hall.  The Museum is not responsible for lost or stolen goods.

Are cellphones permitted in the galleries?
Please be considerate when using your phone, as there may be tours in progress.

Is food or alcohol permitted in the Museum?
Neither are allowed unless you are holding a Private Event.

Public Transportation

By Train

Take Green Line “B” to the Chestnut Hill Avenue Station. Walk down Chestnut Hill Avenue toward Cleveland Circle. Walk 7-10 minutes west on Beacon Street, with the reservoir on your right. The Waterworks Museum will be on your left.

Take the Green Line “C” to Cleveland Circle Station. Walk 7-10 minutes west on Beacon Street, with the reservoir on your right. The Waterworks Museum will be on your left.

Take the Green Line “D” to Reservoir Station. Walk to your right toward Cleveland Circle. The reservoir will be ahead of you, and a park on the left. Turn left onto Beacon Street. Walk 7-10 minutes straight up Beacon Street, with the reservoir on your right. The Waterworks Museum will be on your left.

By Car

From Downtown Boston

From Watertown Square

From the east on the Massachusetts Turnpike (Route 90) using Exit 18

From the west on the Massachusetts Turnpike (Route 90) using Exit 17

From the north on Route 95 (Route 128) using Exit 20

From the south on Route 95 (Route 128) using Exit 19

From Harvard Yard

From M.I.T.

From the Museum of Fine Arts

Accessibility

The Waterworks Museum is committed to providing a quality experience for all our visitors. The exhibits, programs, and restrooms are accessible to visitors who are variously challenged, or for whom English is a second language. For more information, please call the museum at 617-277-0065.

Parking

Please note - parking is limited.  There are only 30 parking spaces in the Waterworks complex owned and allocated for exclusive use by the Museum. Visitors may use these marked spaces and must obtain a temporary dashboard pass from the Museum’s Welcome Desk if they plan to spend longer than 2 hours at the Museum. The condominium property manager is responsible for parking enforcement.  During special events, additional parking may be found on Cleveland Circle at the skating rink/Gatehouse 1 where Chestnut Hill Avenue and Beacon Street intersect.

School buses will park offsite, except during drop-off and pick-up.