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• Historic Harvard Square Kiosk Set to Be Transformed Into Community Space and Information Center

Historic Harvard Square Kiosk Set to Be Transformed Into Community Space and Information Center

10/31/2024 • 3 weeks ago

Embarking on a journey to reimagine the heart of Harvard Square, the City of Cambridge announced today a partnership with CultureHouse and the Cambridge Office for Tourism to activate the historic Kiosk in Harvard Square. Through this collaboration, the recently restored landmark is set to become a vibrant cultural incubator, community gathering space, and visitor information center called the Cambridge Kiosk. The Kiosk is expected to open in early 2025.

Guided by a two-year, community-driven process, this initiative aims to reflect the diverse needs and aspirations of the community. There will be multiple opportunities for community members to play a role in the Kiosk’s transformation. Applications are now open to those who wish to serve on the City’s new Cambridge Kiosk Advisory Committee that will oversee the operations of the new cultural facility. Additionally, CultureHouse has posted an interest form for artists, creatives, non-profit organizations, and businesses who want to bring engaging events and activities to the Kiosk.

"The activation of the Cambridge Kiosk represents a significant milestone for our community,” said Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang. “By transforming this historic landmark into a dynamic public space, we will provide greater opportunities for creativity, connection, and collaboration in the center of Harvard Square."

Through its partnership with the City, CultureHouse will be operating and leading programming at the Kiosk. CultureHouse collaborates with municipalities and organizational partners to transform unused spaces into hubs of arts and culture, guiding the process of identifying potential uses, and ultimately bringing people together. To ensure the Kiosk reflects the community’s programmatic needs,

CultureHouse will host opportunities to gather input on desired programming. This will include multilingual surveys, interactive feedback, and more. Additionally, through the interest form, local talent and businesses will be invited to contribute to the vibrancy and relevance of the space.

“We're thrilled to collaborate with local creative leaders to cultivate and promote a series of events and workshops that celebrate our community's diverse talents,” said Aaron Greiner, Executive Director of CultureHouse. “Programming at the Cambridge Kiosk will continuously evolve to meet the needs of the community and turn the space into a dynamic hub where people from all places and backgrounds can come together to experience culture and to build relationships.”

"The Cambridge Kiosk represents the transformative potential of public space as social infrastructure, harnessing the strengths of our diverse, creative community by engaging local residents, artists, entrepreneurs, and community organizations,” said Iram Farooq, Assistant City Manager for Community Development. “By embracing our community's assets, we're dedicated to creating welcoming spaces that promote interaction, creativity, and a sense of belonging for all.”

During the renovation of the Kiosk, the service formerly offered in the Cambridge Visitor Information Booth moved into a temporary Visitor Center housed on the first floor of Cambridge Savings Bank.

"At the Cambridge Kiosk, our dedicated staff will continue to assist visitors with navigating the city and discovering its vibrant cultural scene” said Robyn Culbertson, Executive Director of the Cambridge Office for Tourism. “From offering personalized recommendations on unique dining destinations to providing essential information about local attractions, our team is dedicated to enhancing the Cambridge experience."

Built as an entrance to the subway station below in 1927, the Kiosk evolved to house the Out of Town Newsstand from 1983 until the most recent tenant ceased operations in 2019. The Kiosk was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 and was designated a Cambridge Landmark in 2017.

“The Kiosk has adapted over its nearly 100 years to meet the needs of the community and it is exciting to see it transform yet again. The current renovations have been led by a dedicated team of architects, engineers and historians and will support this treasured building becoming a modern amenity, while honoring and celebrating the historic details that make it special,” said Kathy Watkins, Commissioner of Cambridge Public Works. “It has truly been a labor of love for everyone involved. I encourage visitors to the Cambridge Kiosk to take a moment to look up at the details of the roof, the interior wood ceiling and the brick columns that have been painstakingly restored, and the modern windows, open entrances, and cabinetry that were thoughtfully designed to complement the historic elements. I hope you can get a sense of the attention that went into the design and construction of the building, as well as all of the history and texture contained within.”

Stay updated on upcoming activities and offerings at the Kiosk by signing up for email updates here or by visiting cambridgekiosk.org.