There are many ways to experience the Waterworks Museum!

Self-Guided Tours

Visitors may browse the museum on their own. Staff members are always available to answer questions, provide directions to local venues, and point you to the nearest T stops.

School Field Trips

If you’re looking for an educational experience your students won’t forget, we can help.

From field trips to resource materials to online activities, the Waterworks Museum has what educators or homeschoolers need. The tours and hands-on experiences make learning meaningful and exciting, and the power of place deepens students' understanding of history, science, engineering, and technology. All school materials are aligned with the Massachusetts State Curriculum Standards.

Group Visits

Whether you are a school, a summer camp, an afterschool program or a senior citizen organization, we welcome groups of any size and with a variety of interests. Tour Facilitators are well informed about the four content areas that the Museum addresses: architecture, engineering, public health and social history. We do not charge groups to take a general self-guided tour; our Facilitators are available to answer questions. If you are interested in booking a private tour with a Facilitator, please contact the Museum ahead of time. Please note the following fees apply to privately lead tours and must be paid at the time of your visit: 

Groups of 10 or less:    $50

Groups of 11-25:          $100

Groups of 26-50:          $150

If you plan to bring a group larger than 50, please contact the Museum one month in advance to make special arrangements at 617-277-0065 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Lectures

Here’s your opportunity to engage with experts. Hear about Boston’s first water safety laboratory, the politics of building the Quabbin Reservoir, the landscaping of Boston, and more.

Professional Development for Teachers

Learn new skills by attending one of these professional development workshops. Waterworks Museum workshops provide teachers with an opportunity to explore history, engineering, architecture, and public health science. All workshops reflect the Massachusetts State Curriculum Standards.

Guided Tours

Guided tours are available throughout the year. See the Greeter at our front desk for more information.

Special Activities

Throughout the year, the Waterworks Museum hosts a variety of special evening and weekend programs. Check our calendar for updates.

Research

While cataloguing is an ongoing process, many of our collections are available when visiting the Waterworks Museum. Please arrange your visit in advance to make the most of your time.