Boston Children’s Museum Advances Powerful Coastal Resilience Mission With Multi-Phase Waterfront Upgrade Against Rising Sea Levels and Severe Storms

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Boston Children’s Museum is using the first phase of a multi-year effort to upgrade their waterfront to educate as well as serve the community. Rising sea levels, worse storms, and flooding eventually will affect the Museum located along Fort Point Channel. This $18 million effort will also make the 135-year-old building safer and make upgrades to critical utility systems. Along with this, the project will create a safe, climate ready for the public waterfront, and an outdoor learning space. The initial part of the plan will create barriers against flooding and improve the safety of operations. The rest of the plan will create a sustainable waterfront that has a public outdoor space with climate change education and harbor access.

The Waterfront Resiliency Plan officially moves into construction in August 2026, introducing a series of infrastructure upgrades designed to reduce flood damage, protect essential systems and prepare the museum for future climate challenges. The project also combines environmental protection with educational experiences, allowing visitors to better understand coastal ecosystems and climate adaptation.

Boston has been recognised as one of the major global cities facing significant flooding risks. Climate projections for the city identify South Boston and nearby waterfront districts as highly exposed areas under different sea-level-rise and storm scenarios. Previous extreme weather events demonstrated the vulnerability of the region, with severe winter storms causing floodwaters to reach surrounding streets and impact the museum itself.

Major Waterfront Plan Designed for Long-Term Climate Protection

The resilience project has been developed as a multi-stage initiative to provide immediate protection while supporting wider coastal adaptation efforts across Boston.

The first phase focuses on strengthening the museum’s existing building structure and protecting critical systems from flooding risks expected over the coming decades. Construction will include improvements to the building envelope, advanced drainage solutions and upgrades to essential utility infrastructure.

A future second phase will transform the museum’s outdoor waterfront area into a climate-resilient public park designed to provide additional protection through 2070. The planned space will improve access to Fort Point Channel and Boston Harbor while creating new opportunities for recreation, environmental learning and community engagement.

Once completed, the full project will contribute to broader flood resilience efforts across surrounding areas, helping reduce the impact of potential flooding pathways affecting the Seaport, South Boston and neighbouring communities.

New Infrastructure Will Strengthen Flood Defence Systems

The first stage of construction includes three major improvements designed to protect the museum from extreme weather events.

The project will reinforce the building’s exterior systems to limit water intrusion during flooding. It will also introduce below-ground drainage networks, pumps and water storage solutions to better manage excess floodwater. In addition, critical utility systems will be protected and relocated where necessary to prevent severe operational disruptions.

These improvements are expected to reduce the risk of major damage that could force temporary closure of the museum and require costly repairs. Protecting essential systems is particularly important for maintaining uninterrupted access for families, schools and visitors who rely on the museum’s educational programmes.

The initiative highlights the growing need for cultural institutions in coastal locations to invest in climate adaptation strategies that protect both historic structures and public services.

“In response to climate change, the Museum set ambitious goals for its Waterfront Resiliency Plan, a plan that will deepen its connection to the Harbor and natural environment,” said David Healy, Board Chair. “When complete, the Plan will offer BCM visitors a more resilient, accessible, playful, and educational waterfront that supports its mission, vision, and values.”

Waterfront Transformation Will Combine Protection With Learning

Beyond infrastructure improvements, the project aims to create a more engaging and environmentally focused waterfront experience for visitors.

The redesigned area will integrate climate education, outdoor exploration and public access along the Harborwalk and Fort Point Channel. Plans include greener waterfront spaces, habitat restoration features and interactive areas where children can learn about marine environments and coastal ecosystems.

Future improvements will introduce features such as living shorelines, floating gardens and tide pool habitats, creating a hands-on environment where visitors can explore the relationship between cities, waterways and nature.

The project will also enhance connections between the museum and Boston Harbor, creating a more welcoming public space for residents and tourists while supporting the city’s wider waterfront development goals.

“Preparing for climate change is essential in protecting Massachusetts’ economic future,” said Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley. “Boston Children’s Museum is not only a beloved destination for families, but also an important driver of tourism and economic activity on Boston’s waterfront. This project will help safeguard a historic institution, strengthen surrounding neighborhoods and showcase how thoughtful investments in resilience help create more secure, sustainable communities.”

Historic Museum Secures Future Through Climate Investment

The Waterfront Resiliency Plan represents a significant investment in protecting one of Boston’s most recognised family attractions. The museum has secured more than $15 million in funding support to begin the first phase of construction and continue planning for future improvements.

“As one of Boston’s most vulnerable coastal flood pathways, increasing protections along Fort Point Channel is a vital piece of Boston’s broader climate resilience strategy,” said Brian Swett, Chief Climate Officer at the City of Boston. “This project shows how strategic investments and nature-based solutions can safeguard critical infrastructure while expanding vibrant, accessible waterfront space for all Boston families.”

The project will help preserve the museum’s 135-year-old building while ensuring it remains a safe and accessible destination for future generations. By combining flood protection, sustainable design and environmental education, the initiative demonstrates how cultural institutions can adapt to the realities of climate change.

As coastal communities worldwide face growing environmental pressures, Boston Children’s Museum’s resilience project provides an example of how historic landmarks can be protected while creating new opportunities for learning, recreation and community connection. The development marks a major step towards a safer and more sustainable waterfront future for Boston.