You may not be aware of this, but some of Boston’s most historic and celebrated architectural works are the brainchild of one man. Charles Bulfinch was one of the first and most prominent architects to implement, as well as refine, the Federal style that’s become the hallmark of such buildings as the Massachusetts State House, Faneuil Hall and the United States Capitol. It’s fitting, then, that the West End Museum will be honoring Boston’s best builder with an exhibit dedicated to his works.

Bulfinch was born in the West End back in 1763, just a stone’s throw from today’s Bowdoin Station, one terminus of the Blue Line. The exhibit, called Bulfinch: Boston & Beyond, examines the lasting influence Bulfinch had on the landscape of Boston and on architecture as a profession, as well as his enduring legacy.

“Bulfinch needs to be acknowledged as Boston’s first urban planner and for his noble legacy helping to transform the city into one of America’s leading urban centers,” said Curator and Museum Board President Duane Lucia in a statement. “Basically, Bulfinch put the ‘proper’ in Boston’s landscape, bringing to the city the classical and dignified elements of the major European cities of his time.”

The exhibit delves into Revolutionary America and the effect the war had on Bulfinch’s childhood, and spans through his adult life and education, from his Grand Tour of Europe to his presidential appointment to lead the construction of the Capitol.

The exhibit premiers on July 8 and runs through October 4. On July 24 at 6:30 p.m. a show reception, at which attendees can tour the exhibit and enjoy light refreshments will take place.

Image via West End Museum Flickr

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