Begun in 1837, the lower portion of the Custom House resembles a Greek temple. But the federal government wanted something grander, so in 1913 it exempted itself from local height restrictions and financed a 500ft tower. Nowadays there are many taller buildings, but the 22ft illuminated clock makes this gem the most recognizable part of the city skyline.
One of Boston’s first skyscrapers, the Custom House now houses a Marriott hotel. But that doesn’t mean you have to dole out big bucks to appreciate the building’s history and aesthetics. The public is welcome to the 1st-floor rotunda, a work of art in itself, which houses a small exhibit of maritime art and artifacts from Salem’s Peabody Essex Museum . Even better, the public is welcome to enjoy the spectacular views from the 26th-floor observation deck when weather permits.
