Sports Temples of Boston: Boston Arena

The Cyclorama

Title: The Cyclorama Building, Battle of Gettysburg, Tremont Street

Date: circa 1880

Creator: Not identified

Original Media: 4½" x 7½" albumen silver print on 5" x 8" mount

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The Cyclorama was built in 1884 to house a huge, and life-like panoramic painting of the Battle of the Gettysburg. The circular design of the painting allowed the observer to view the awesome and terrible drama of the great Civil War battle in all its tragedy and glory. Oftentimes real objects, like flags and cannons were placed between the viewing platform and the picture and were meant to blend into the picture, enhancing the realism of the work, and adding a three dimensional quality. The showing of the Battle of the Gettysburg was a huge success and was followed by the showing of The Battle of the Little Big Horn in 1889.

The Cyclorama, built on Tremont Street in Boston’s South End is a steel-framed, iron and brick structure designed by Cummings and Sears, a very successful and important Boston architectural firm. The original façade had the look of a medieval fortress with turrets and battlements that unfortunately have long been removed. The original tin roof was replaced in 1922 by a 127-foot diameter glass dome.

The Cyclorama was early used as a venue for a wide variety of sporting events such as the New England Roller Polo championship games held in 1893 and various exhibitions of military drill bands and rough riding. The building later became used for bicycle riding and racing and as a work-out ring for boxers. The facility is now used for a wide variety of social activities including antique fairs, dances, benefits, book readings, and art exhibits just to mention a few.

Although the original exterior of the Cyclorama is now hidden by structures added on in the 20^th century, one can still see the roof structure from Tremont Street.

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