Opening late fall 2026
The Smith Family Pavilion & Charlesbank Campus
A new gateway to the Charles River Esplanade — a 9,000 sq ft visitor center and 1.9-acre campus on the historic Olmsted-designed Charlesbank site, built for visitor services, gathering, and year-round connection to the river.
A historic site
Olmsted's Charlesbank, reimagined
In the 1880s, the landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted designed the original "Charlesbank" along this stretch of the river — home to North America's first public outdoor gymnasia. For decades, much of this riverfront has been closed off from the public.
The new campus reconnects the community to Olmsted's vision: an open, welcoming, year-round space that honors the site's recreational heritage while serving the Esplanade's 4 million annual visitors.
Explore the park's full history
On the new campus
What's coming
Five new spaces, all designed for accessibility and built for the whole community.
- Visitor Center & Café A 9,000 sq ft welcome center with year-round visitor services and a riverfront café.
- Meeting Rooms Two configurable rooms for workshops, board meetings, and community gatherings.
- Flexible Plaza An open riverfront plaza for markets, performances, and seasonal festivals.
- Court Lawns Multi-use courts and an open green carrying forward the Charlesbank recreational legacy.
- Upper Deck Patio An elevated terrace with sweeping views of the Charles and the Boston skyline.
Plan ahead
How to visit
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Location
280 Charles Street, along the Charles River Esplanade in Boston — steps from the Gronk Playground and the Alfond Spray Deck.
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Opening
The campus opens to the public in late fall 2026. Watch this page for visitor hours and seasonal programming.
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Accessibility
Every space is designed step-free and to WCAG-aligned standards — accessible routes, restrooms, and seating throughout the campus.