Chinatown Gate

Until August 1775, a beautiful old elm tree graced this spot. During the Revolutionary era, Bostonians met in the shelter of the tree, or as they called it: "Liberty Hall". Here they discussed new ways to flummox, humiliate, and resist the British at every opportunity. The tree—and the events that transpired here—became so popular in the minds of colonists that folks from Rhode Island to South Carolina soon christened liberty trees of their own. This particular tree was so hated by the British that it was quickly chopped down and used for firewood once the Redcoats captured Boston. Over the centuries the importance of this rebellious symbol has waned, and today it's been all but forgotten. The site's primary theme of overthrowing the government was deemed too incendiary for inclusion with the popular Freedom Trail. There is, however, a bronze plaque fixed in the ground nearby. You can also look above the Chinatown station entrance, as there's another marker for the Liberty Tree embedded within the brickwork. It's not much of a remembrance considering the site's import, but it's there and always worth a visit.

Many transit routes go through this station, notably several Amtrak and MBTA train routes. The building was built in 1899 and once had a train shed that was the largest in the world. Architectural features inside the station include the coffered ceiling, the Ionic columns, a hand-operated clock which is the largest of its kind in New England and its curved entrance.

Performing arts theater owned by Emerson College. This is the Art-Deco one opened in the 1930s as a movie theater. Two smaller spaces are here as well, the 150-seat Black Box Theatre, and a 170-seat screening room.

Opened in 1928 as a movie theater, it was rededicated as a performing arts venue in 1980, and was restored in 2004. The Boston Ballet is the primary offering here.

Performing arts owned by Emerson College. Originally designed for opera performances in 1903.