New Architectural Lights Will Debut at City Hall This Month

A rendering shows City Hall’s new exterior with LED lights from a viewpoint at Faneuil Hall. / Photo provided by the office of the Mayor

Let there be light in City Hall Plaza.

The new architectural lighting installation planned for Boston’s beloved Brutalist building will debut this month at an event dubbed “Light Bright Beer Garden.” The celebration on October 13 will be the last Beer Garden on the Bricks of the year. It’s poised to the largest one yet.

In addition to the unveiling of the lights, the event will offer expanded food and drink options as well as glow-in-the-dark lawn games. The beer garden is set to open at 5 p.m. and a light show will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Tomorrow night see #CityHall transform w/ new exterior lights. Join us at 6:30pm for the celebration #LightBrightBOS https://t.co/2YB7K9X6Jh

— Mayor Marty Walsh (@marty_walsh) October 12, 2016

In January, Mayor Walsh announced a plan for lights to enhance City Hall’s original design. According to a release, the new lighting is part of the Walsh Administration’s goals to “liven up City Hall and create a safer area for pedestrians.”

The installation will illuminate the building with a white light and will be able to change color during city celebrations. The light fixtures are to be hidden behind existing parts of the plaza and placed on new light poles from the Government Center MBTA station. New high-efficiency LED lights will also replace original ones.

Still curious? Check out the new architectural lighting at City Hall, by the numbers.