Mapparium

Mapparium. A three-story-tall, stained-glass globe, it is a walk-through exhibit offering a unique perspective of the world as it was in the mid-1930s. Located within the Mary Baker Eddy Library in Boston, the structure is renowned for its perfect spherical shape and unusual acoustical properties. It was conceived as a monumental symbol of global awareness and remains a significant architectural and historical landmark.

History and construction

The creation was commissioned by the Christian Science Publishing Society under the leadership of Archibald McLellan. Designed by the architect Chester Lindsay Churchill, construction was completed in 1935 as part of the Extension of The Mother Church complex. The project utilized a team of artisans from the Rambusch Company, a noted design firm, to fabricate the intricate stained glass panels. Its inception coincided with a period of growing international tension, reflecting the organization's desire to promote a broader, more interconnected worldview. The original cartography was meticulously researched and painted by a team led by artist Charles H. Owens of the Los Angeles Times.

Design and features

The structure is a precise sphere, thirty feet in diameter, constructed from 608 stained glass panels held within a bronze framework. Visitors traverse a thirty-foot-long glass bridge through its interior, experiencing a novel, inside-out view of the Earth. A key feature is its unique acoustics; the spherical shape creates a "whispering gallery" effect where sound travels clearly along the walls. The geographic representation is a snapshot of the political world of 1935, showing nations like the Soviet Union, Republic of China, and colonial empires such as French Indochina. The lighting system, originally comprising 300 lamps, has been updated to modern LED technology to illuminate the vibrant colors of the Panama Canal and the Himalayas.

Symbolism and message

Intended as a tool for global education, it physically places the observer at the center of the world, challenging perceptions of distance and national isolation. The Christian Science theology of its founders emphasized the unity and harmony of all people, a theme embodied by the structure's encompassing design. The fixed 1935 map serves as a historical document, preserving borders from the interwar period before the Second World War and the subsequent wave of decolonization. This intentional preservation encourages reflection on the impermanence of political divisions and the interconnectedness of human experience across continents like Africa and South America.

Renovations and preservation

A major restoration was undertaken between 1998 and 2002, involving a complete disassembly of the glass panels. This meticulous project was managed by the firm EverGreene Architectural Arts, which cleaned, repaired, and releaded each piece of glass. During this process, the original painted map on the interior surface was carefully preserved, while the external structural frame was strengthened. The updated lighting and a new sound system were installed to enhance the visitor experience. The conservation effort was recognized with awards from the Boston Preservation Alliance and the Massachusetts Historical Commission, ensuring its maintenance for future generations.

In popular culture

The distinctive locale has served as a filming site for several major motion pictures and television series. It featured prominently in the climax of the 1996 film *The Next Step* and appeared in an episode of the television drama Boston Legal. Its futuristic and symbolic appearance has made it a popular setting for music videos, including works by artists like They Might Be Giants. The site is also frequently cited in literature and media discussing unique architectural spaces or Boston landmarks, alongside places like the Museum of Fine Arts and Fenway Park.

Category:Buildings and structures in Boston Category:Tourist attractions in Boston Category:1935 establishments in Massachusetts