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STREET
ENTERTAINMENT AT FANEUIL HALL MARKETPLACE
History
Street Performers,
or buskers as they’re often called, first appeared at Faneuil
Hall Marketplace more than thirty years ago to provide entertainment
for construction workers renovating Quincy Market, South Market
and North Market Buildings.
Today Faneuil Hall Marketplace is internationally renowned for
its street entertainment - and performers provide near continuous
enjoyment for the crowds of visitors to the Marketplace. Jugglers
and clowns, puppeteers and dancers, musicians and a host of other
skilled entertainers perform along the cobblestone promenades
between the three market buildings. Some performers have been
at the Marketplace for many years, while others are just starting
their careers.
The Street Performers Program
The Street
Performers are selected during the annual Street Performers Audition
held the last weekend in April at Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Each
act performs for fifteen-minutes during which they are judged
upon a variety of factors, including audience appreciation and
involvement. Upon acceptance into the program, entertainers are
entitled to schedule performances throughout the season. Street
performances are held at six different locations around the Marketplace
from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. from March through October (weather permitting).
The Annual Street Performers Festival is held during Memorial
Day Weekend to showcase the lineup for the year. With over fifty
street performers on the books at Faneuil Hall Marketplace, the
variety and quality is enormous. The Marketplace welcomes performers
from around the world and has played host to a diverse and talented
array of entertainers from Macedonian puppeteers to South American
and Japanese music groups to Russian and Hungarian classical musicians.
Street Entertainment Today
With over
fifty street performers on the books at Faneuil Hall Marketplace,
the variety and quality is enormous. The Marketplace welcomes
performers from around the world and has played host to a diverse
and talented array of entertainers from Macedonian puppeteers
to South American and Japanese music groups to Russian and Hungarian
classical musicians.
In addition
to its world famous buskers, Faneuil Hall Marketplace hosts a
catalogue of activities and entertainment that ranges from annual
events such as Harborfest and The Holiday Lighting Ceremony, to
community events and fun fairs.
______________
“The City of Boston, the Cradle of Liberty, may Faneuil
Hall ever stand a monument to teach the world that resistance
to oppression is a duty, and will, under true republican institutions
become a blessing.” - General Lafayette, 1825
FANEUIL
HALL: THE ROOTS OF HISTORY
For 262 years, Faneuil Hall has been the heart of Boston, the
setting where history was changed in colonial times and urban
life transformed in modern day.
In 1742, Faneuil Hall was built by Boston’s wealthiest merchant,
Peter Faneuil, as a gift to the city. The edifice was home to
merchants, fishermen, and meat and produce sellers, and provided
a platform for the country’s most famous orators. It is
where colonists first protested the Sugar Act in 1764 and established
the doctrine of “no taxation without representation.”
Firebrand Samuel Adams rallied the citizens of Boston to the cause
of independence from Great Britain in the hallowed Hall, and George
Washington toasted the nation on its first birthday. Through the
years, Faneuil Hall has played host to many impassioned speakers,
from Oliver Wendall Holmes and Susan B. Anthony to Bill Clinton
and Teddy Kennedy, always living up to its nickname, “The
Cradle of Liberty.”
To better
accommodate the merchants and shoppers, Faneuil Hall was expanded
in 1826 to include Quincy Market, which was designed in the then-popular
Greek Revival style and later dubbed for Boston Mayor Josiah Quincy.
The market remained a vital business hub through the 1800’s;
but by the mid-1900’s, the buildings had fallen into disrepair
and many stood empty. The once-thriving marketplace was tagged
for demolition until a committed group of Bostonians sought to
preserve it in the early 1970’s. Through the vision of Jim
Rouse, architect Benjamin Thompson and Mayor Kevin White, the
dilapidated structures were revitalized, thoroughly changing the
face of downtown Boston. The 1976 renovation was the first urban
renewal project of its kind, one which spawned imitations in this
country and abroad.
Today, what
is known as Faneuil Hall Marketplace is still Boston’s central
meeting place, offering visitors and residents alike an unparalleled
urban marketplace. The unique—and burgeoning—array
of shops, restaurants and outdoor entertainment have made it a
premiere urban destination that attracts more than 20 million
visitors annually.
_______________
“…Faneuil Hall, the cradle
of American liberty.”
- Daniel Webster, 1851
SHOPPING
AT FANEUIL HALL MARKETPLACE
For over twenty-five years, Faneuil Hall Marketplace has offered
Bostonians a place to shop for a variety of unique gifts and specialty
items. The mix of independent merchants, artisans, pushcart vendors
and well-known retailers, set in a festival atmosphere in historic
downtown Boston, make the Marketplace a truly engaging, one-stop
shopping experience.
The Marketplace thrives on maintaining a balanced mix of diverse
shops, from the upscale to the unusual. Shopping options include:
- Pushcarts
--The Bull Market pushcarts, a concept created by Faneuil Hall
Marketplace, became the model for pushcarts in malls across
the country. The carts offer unique collectibles and clothing
from our own New England neighbors as well as from craftsmen
around the world. For example, wool sweaters from Ulyssian Imports
are handmade in convents in Greece, transported from the convents
by mules and shipped directly to the Marketplace. The Merry
Trading Company sells the finest quality sheepskins, including:
hats, gloves, mittens, slippers, and baby booties.
- Specialty
Retailers -- Specialty stores run the gamut from clothing to
accessories to toys. Celtic Weavers, one of the first stores
to open in Faneuil Hall Marketplace, features beautiful imports
from Ireland including the Emerald Isle’s world famous
hand-knit sweaters. The Bill Rodgers Running Center, appropriately
located in the city of the world’s most famous marathon,
features running gear and sneakers for novices and pros.
- National
Retailers –The Marketplace is home to an array of popular
national retailers, such as Coach, Origins, Ann Taylor, Victoria’s
Secret and Crate & Barrel. The eclectic mix of well-known
stores is ideal for the holiday shopper or anyone needing to
a new “special something” for themselves.
Faneuil
Hall Marketplace offers Boston residents and visitors from abroad
an unparalleled shopping experience right in the heart of Boston.
The Marketplace is open weekdays until 9 p.m. and is accessible
via subway or bus. Parking is available at 75 State Street garage
for $9 weekdays after 5 p.m. and all day Saturday, Sunday and
holidays with a merchant validation from any of the shops or restaurants.
Visit www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com for details.
DID
YOU KNOW...?
- Faneuil
Hall was founded in 1742 by Peter Faneuil as a central marketplace
for crops and livestock in downtown Boston. At first there was
opposition to the new marketplace from farmers who feared a
competitive “buyer’s market” would cut profits.
- The famed
“Golden Grasshopper” weathervane was placed atop
Faneuil Hall in 1742. From this perch, the grasshopper has witnessed
over 260 years of American history in the making and the remarkable
growth of the city.
- In 1761,
a fire at Faneuil Hall damaged the grasshopper weathervane.
Thomas Drowne, a blacksmith and the son of the grasshopper’s
creator, repaired the weathervane and inserted a “time
capsule” in its stomach. The capsule, which is engraved
“Food for the Grasshopper,” includes historical
newspapers, coins, and messages from mayors that have been added
as the grasshopper has been periodically refurbished.
- As England
attempted to impose taxes on the colonies, Faneuil Hall emerged
as an important meeting place, hosting the Sons of Liberty as
they resisted the taxes and debated the important issues of
the day.
- Faneuil
Hall used to be waterfront property - in the early 1800’s
Bostonians needed more land, so they filled in the harbor, pushing
the waterfront back to where it is today.
- Faneuil
Hall was expanded to include Quincy Market in 1826, when Boston’s
rapid growth necessitated a larger marketplace.
- Durgin
Park, the oldest existing restaurant in Faneuil Hall Marketplace,
was opened in 1826.
- Faneuil
Hall celebrated its 150th birthday in 1976 with major renovations,
creating Faneuil Hall Marketplace. The construction was considered
- America’s
most prominent “urban renewal” project, and the
Marketplace’s subsequent success has spawned the creation
of other similar urban marketplaces in New York, Baltimore,
Miami, Washington, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Cardiff, Glasgow, and
most recently in Portland, Maine.
- During
the 1976 construction, workers discovered Quincy Market’s
“Great Dome,” which had been hidden by a false ceiling.
The dome has been refurbished and is now visible.
- Faneuil
Hall Marketplace originally had five restaurants, three bars,
seven delicatessens, and 16 food shops, as well as other shops
selling a variety of merchandise.
- Today,
there are 49 shops, 18 restaurants and pubs, 35 Colonnade eateries
and 44 pushcarts in Faneuil Hall Marketplace. It is easily accessible
from Boston public transportation, and there are 10,724 parking
garage spaces within a two-mile radius of the Marketplace.
- Street
performers began performing at Faneuil Hall in the early 1970’s
to entertain the construction workers. They have never left,
and today, Faneuil Hall is one of the premiere venues for street
performing in the world.
_____________
“To
found a great empire for the sole purpose of raising up a people
of customers may at first
sight appear a project fit only for a nation of shopkeepers.”
- Adam Smith, Wealth of Nations, (1775.)
FANEUIL
HALL MARKETPLACE FACT SHEET
Sprawling
on 6.5 acres, Faneuil Hall Marketplace attracts more than 20 million
visitors annually.
SHOPS/SERVICES:
Local merchants and entrepreneurs have always been the
Marketplace’s key attraction. Shopping for one-of-a-kind
gifts and specialty items at Faneuil Hall Marketplace is always
an adventure.
The Colonnade – 35 food stalls line the Quincy
Marketplace Colonnade to comprise a melting pot of fresh homemade
delicacies from all over the world.
Exotic coffees, fresh seafood, baked breads, gourmet desserts,
hearty gyros and healthy salads are just a few of the food delights
to be eaten at butcher block tables in the building’s central
Upper and Lower Rotunda, on an outdoor bench or on a stroll through
the halls. The second floor Rotunda also features old market signs
and a photographic exhibit showing the history of the Marketplace.
The Shops – 49 owner-operated and nationally owned
shops fill the Marketplace with a unique selection of jewelry,
formal and casual clothing, accessories, and gift ware.
The Restaurants – 18
DESCRIPTION:
Located in the heart of downtown Boston, Faneuil Hall Marketplace
is the nation’s premier urban marketplace. It combines the
glories of the past and vitality of the present, with 49 shops,
44 pushcarts, 18 full service restaurants, 35 food stalls and
Boston’s most popular comedy nightclub.
Across the street from Boston’s waterfront, the Marketplace
is comprised of three restored 19th century buildings. A blend
of Neoclassic and Greek Revival architecture, the complex is a
beautiful representation of old Boston, tastefully enhanced by
urban contemporary additions. Ethnic foods, unique gifts and street
performers are just a few elements that make the cobblestone streets
of Faneuil Hall Marketplace such a festive and special restaurants
and pubs feature varied menus, and are open for lunch and dinner.
During the warm weather, the outdoor cafes are a perfect spot
to relax and have a meal or appetizer and drink.
The Bull Market – Faneuil Hall Marketplace was
the country’s first to introduce pushcart shopping. The
Bull Market’s fleet of wooden pushcarts, housed under the
Quincy Market glass canopies, is constantly changing to reflect
the seasons. Named after the bull atop Quincy Market’s weathervane,
the ever-changing Bull Market pushcarts provide an opportunity
for New England artisans and entrepreneurs to showcase and sell
their creations.
ENTERTAINMENT:
A festival-like atmosphere distinguishes Faneuil Hall Marketplace.
Renowned for its outdoor entertainment, the Marketplace is host
to world class jugglers, clowns, mimes, acrobats, magicians, storytellers,
caricature artists and musicians. Boston’s most popular
comedy club can also be found here. The Marketplace welcomes numerous
events throughout the year, including Harborfest, and the Street Performer’s
Festival. Visit www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com
for details.
LOCATION:
In the heart of downtown Boston, Faneuil Hall Marketplace is adjacent
to historic Faneuil Hall and is bordered by the financial district,
the waterfront, the North End, Government Center and Haymarket.
Many of the Freedom Trail’s most popular historic sites--Boston
Common, Bunker Hill Monument, King’s Chapel and Paul Revere’s
House--are just a few minutes away from the Marketplace by foot
or public transportation.
GETTING HERE:
Faneuil Hall Marketplace is a short walk from Boston’s subway
system, commuter rail and buses (stops at the Old State House,
Government Center and at the JFK Federal Building). The Marketplace
is located at the intersection of Congress and North Streets.
Logan Airport is two subway stops away. Validated parking is available
at 75 State Street (entrance located on Broad St.) for $9 weekdays
after 5 p.m. and all day Saturday, Sunday and holidays.
HOURS OF OPERATION:
The Quincy Market Colonnade is open 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. and
the North and South Market retail stores are open 10 a.m. –
9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, everything is open
from noon – 6 p.m. Restaurants and pubs are open late every
evening.
DEVELOPER:
Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Inc., is an affiliate of General Growth
Properties, Chicago, Illinois.
QUINCY
MARKET COLONNADE: AN INTERNATIONAL GOURMET FEAST
Millions of
people from every walk of life have enjoyed the diverse abundance
of prepared foods at the Quincy Market Colonnade, one of the largest
and most highly trafficked food halls in the world. 35 food stalls
line the Colonnade, comprising a melting pot of fresh homemade
delicacies from all over the world.
The array
of ethnic cuisine includes Middle Eastern, Italian, Chinese, Mexican,
Greek, South American and American. Walking down the long hall
of food stalls offers an almost overwhelming experience of tempting
sights and smells, leaving only the difficult question of which
dishes to taste. A meal at the Colonnade could include lobsters
and fresh seafood, New England soups and freshly baked breads,
or pizza and Greek salad. And don’t forget the ice cream
and bakeries for dessert! The Colonnade also features authentic
New England specialties such as clam chowder, baked beans, and
maple syrup candies. With so many choices, visitors will want
to return time and again to sample the diverse and delectable
fare. Quincy Market’s Colonnade truly offers something for
every taste.
In 1826, Quincy
Market was the premier place for Bostonians to shop for the best
produce and meats local purveyors had to offer. The market was
packed with loyal patrons and merchants, bartering over purchases
and exchanging news of the day. This entrepreneurial spirit is
still thriving in the efforts of the Colonnade vendors today.
In many ways
Quincy Market continues that tradition today, featuring a wide
array of the finest food in the area. Many of the food stalls
are unique to Boston, such as Boston Chipyard, Kilvert & Forbes,
and the Boston & Maine Fish Co. In keeping with the true entrepreneurial
spirit of the original Quincy Market, Colombo and Finagle A Bagel
opened their very first food shops here and have since become
extremely popular in the region.
Right in the
heart of Boston’s downtown, the Quincy Market Collonade
offers an unparalleled selection of gourmet foods to satisfy the
palates of the discerning Epicurean, the particular toddler –
and everyone in between.
Pictured
above: A La Carte serves up a variety of sumptuous selections,
including rotisserie chicken and bacon wrapped scallops.
Note: Press
passes are available by contacting the appropriate parties below:
Contact:
Charles J. Cohen
Public Relations.Events.Consultation
Phone 617-436-6159
Fax 617-436-6184
Geri Brown
Director Sales & Marketing Strategies
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
(617) 523-1300
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