Hatch Memorial Shell facts for kids
The Boston Pops performing at the Hatch Shell on July 4, 2005
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| Former names | Edward A. Hatch Memorial Shell |
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| Location | Boston, Massachusetts |
| Coordinates | 42°21′26″N 71°04′25″W / 42.357311°N 71.073687°W |
| Owner | Department of Conservation and Recreation |
| Type | Outdoor amphitheater |
| Seating type | open |
| Capacity | 10,000 |
| Opened | 1928 |
The Hatch Memorial Shell, often called the "Hatch Shell," is a famous outdoor stage in Boston, Massachusetts. It sits along the beautiful Charles River Esplanade. Built in 1939–1940, it's a great example of Art Deco style, which was popular back then.
Many people know the Hatch Shell because the Boston Pops orchestra plays there every year for the Fourth of July celebration. But it's also used for many free concerts and events during the summer. There are no seats, so people bring blankets and sit on the grass. A memorial to Arthur Fiedler, the first conductor of the Pops, is nearby.
What's in a Name?
The Hatch Shell is named after Edward Hatch. His family had lived in colonial Massachusetts for a long time. Edward Hatch passed away in 1910. Later, his sister Maria also passed away in 1926. She left a lot of her money to be used for a "park, playground or memorial" in Boston. This place had to be open to the public.
It took some time for her wishes to be carried out. In 1936, the Massachusetts Attorney General Paul A. Dever found the trust. New people were chosen to manage the money. They decided that a permanent concert stage on the Charles River Esplanade would be a perfect way to honor Maria Hatch's wishes.
A Look at History
The very first stage, made of wood, was built in 1928. It was meant to be temporary. The Boston Pops Orchestra played their first concert there on July 4, 1929. Arthur Fiedler conducted the orchestra. A second temporary stage, made of metal, was built in 1934.
The permanent Hatch Shell was designed by architect Richard J. Shaw. It was officially opened on July 2, 1940. In 1991, the shell was updated for its 50th birthday. It got new repairs and its sound system was improved. A skilled craftsman named Howard Brickman rebuilt the detailed wood panels inside.
A large bronze statue of George S. Patton stands near the shell. It was made by James Earle Fraser. This statue remembers General Patton's speech there on June 7, 1945. About 20,000 people came to hear him speak.
The Hatch Shell is used for many different things. These include concerts, showing movies, and speeches. It's also a meeting spot for big events like AIDS Walk Boston. The grassy area in front is great for picnics, playing casual sports, and sunbathing. It's like a big park for everyone to enjoy.
In 2018, the Hatch Shell had a big renovation that cost $2.4 million. This was the first major update since 1989. The outside panels of the shell were replaced. Workers used a special laser scan to create 673 new panels. These panels came in 93 different shapes!
Cool Architecture
The Hatch Shell is made of wood. It has a large, curved opening that is about 40 feet (12 meters) high. The opening is also 110 feet (33.5 meters) wide. In front of the stage is a stone platform with stairs. This platform makes the structure 160 feet (49 meters) wide.
On the front of this platform, you can see the names of famous composers carved into the stone. The outside of the shell is covered in terrazzo tiles. The inside is finished with wood. The floor inside the shell has steps that are shaped like a half-circle. Around the outside of the shell, there's a smaller building. This building has dressing rooms and storage areas for performers.
