citizenM has opened its second Boston-based property—citizenM Boston Back Bay. The 15-story tower is the company’s largest hotel to date.
The newest addition to the portfolio, featuring 399 rooms, is located in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood, part of the mixed-use development, Lyrik, and designed by citizenM’s long-standing architecture partner concrete Amsterdam. Local architecture firm Elkus Manfredi also worked on the project, which is situated on the same campus as the new LEGO office.
As a continuation of the brand’s citizens of the world series, citizenM is spotlighting eight citizens, native to both the Back Bay neighborhood and the greater Boston area, in a larger-than-life photography exhibition. The citizen will be featured in lifestyle content and storytelling across the brand’s digital channels. These eight citizens come from all walks of Boston, including culinary, music, culture, art and design. Launched originally in 2018 with citizens of the Bowery (in connection with the opening of citizenM New York Bowery) the program spotlights citizens across multiple pillars including art, business, culture, fashion and party. The content series has since continued to expand across cities where citizenM hotels are located, and has spotlighted more than 365 citizens of the world to date. Those part of the Boston Back Bay campaign include: Kimberly Flynn (director, marketing, Trident Booksellers), David Littlefield (founder, The Sausage Guy), Vivian Luo (electric violinist and performer), BREK.ONE (Official DJ of Boston Celtics), Doug Ansine (founder, Brainchild), Porsha Olayiwola (Boston’s Poet Laureate), Frank “The Butcher” Rivera (streetwear and sneaker Designer), and Boston-based muralist Rixy.
“We are thrilled to open the doors to our second Boston location, and what will be the largest hotel in our global portfolio,” says Robin Chadha, chief brand officer, citizenM. “Boston is known for its creative expression and captivating stories, and, likewise citizenM will spotlight locally inspired works of art and exciting opening campaigns with Boston citizens at the forefront. The Back Bay neighborhood is a historic area, featuring delicious eateries and bustling small businesses—we are excited to become part of this community and the Lyrik development. With our curated selection of artwork, rooftop bar and this prime location, citizenM Boston Back Bay will be the go-to spot for vibrant offerings and stunning city views.”
The team has commissioned a piece for the property’s entrance facade from Maria Molteni, a queer interdisciplinary artist and designer. The selected artwork takes inspiration from Molenti’s own stories, highlighting elements of quilting or weaving—their great-grandmother’s prolific craft. Molenti’s patterns within the art also reflect the sea (a nod to their experience as an ocean rower).
