Return of the ‘Pru’: Boston’s Prudential Tower observatory gets an upgrade
Boston residents and visitors will finally have a spot to see the city’s views from up above after a noticeable vacancy.
The tallest building in the city, 200 Clarendon Street – best known colloquially as John Hancock Tower – was the prime spot in Boston before its observation deck was permanently closed after 9/11. Prudential Tower, Boston’s second-tallest building, soon became the optimal spot to enjoy panoramic views at its observatory or enjoy an elegant meal at the popular restaurant, Top of the Hub.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic putting the world on pause, the “Pru” halted access to the observatory and permanently closed the restaurant. The owners of the Prudential Tower promised to come back with a completely reimagined version of the attraction and three years later, that vision has come to fruition.
On June 15, the top three floors of the Pru will be reopened to the public after a $180 million renovation, reports Frommers. The 59,000-square-foot space, which has been aptly renamed “View Boston,” still maintains the spirit of the original attraction with far-reaching scenic views of the city through massive floor-to-ceiling windows. An open-air terrace, bar, bistro, and interactive exhibits are also available for guests to enjoy.
Frommers gave a walkthrough of the new experience atop the Prudential Tower.
What to expect when inside…
Guests will start their visit in an elevator, where they will be taken to the 52nd floor and greeted by a panoramic view of Boston. Technologically advanced viewfinders with touchscreens give visitors more info about landmarks and neighborhoods within their line of sight. Miniature metal models of specific landmarks are also present throughout, which were designed with accessibility purposes in mind. According to the Boston Globe, the sculptures are “designed to be touched, so those with visibility impairments can feel and see” what can be viewed from the windows. The outdoor terrace and cocktail lounge reside on the building’s 51st floor and on the 50th are exhibits including an intricate model of Boston.
Throughout View Boston’s three floors are various areas for guests to scan their ticket’s barcode to learn more about the places they are viewing from the observatory. For visitors who want to learn more, they can opt to have additional information sent to their inbox.
General admission tickets for View Boston, which includes access to all three floors and exhibits, start at $34.99 for adults, $32.99 for seniors ages 65 and older, and $28.99 for kids ages 6 through 12. Children five and under are admitted for free with an adult who has purchased a ticket. Upgraded tickets are also available for purchase. For more information, visit ViewBoston.com.
Roshae Hemmings is an arts and culture magazine journalist from St. Louis, MO. A graduate from the Missouri School of Journalism, Roshae has bylines in the Columbia Missourian, Vox Magazine and 5280 Magazine discussing topics ranging from pop culture, social justice and eat and drink. She is a foodie at heart and enjoys eating food as much as learning about the story behind it. You can reach Roshae via email at roshaehemmings@detourxp.com.
This story was originally published May 31, 2023 at 7:40 PM with the headline "Return of the ‘Pru’: Boston’s Prudential Tower observatory gets an upgrade."