The Rebirth of the Harvard Square KiOSK

For nearly a century, the little brick building in the heart of Harvard Square has been a beacon of connection. Built in 1927 as a subway entrance and later home to the legendary Out of Town News, the kiosk has always been more than a structure—it’s been a meeting point, a cultural landmark, and a symbol of Cambridge’s restless energy.

Now, after years of community input, careful planning, and painstaking restoration, the City of Cambridge unveiled a bold new chapter for this beloved landmark. In May 2025, the historic kiosk reopened as the Cambridge KiOSK—a cultural incubator, community gathering space, and visitor information center designed to celebrate the City’s creativity and diversity.

The opening day celebration featured live music, refreshments, and the chance for residents and visitors alike to step inside the transformed space for the very first time.

Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future

The inaugural exhibit paid homage to the KiOSK’s storied history with a pop-up newsstand celebrating Cambridge’s print media legacy. Visitors witnessed how radical newspapers, music publications, and of course, Out of Town News itself shaped the city’s identity. Weekly “15 Minutes of Cambridge” talks brought these stories to life, creating a bridge between history and today’s conversations.

But the new KiOSK isn’t just about looking back. It’s about creating a flexible, ever-evolving space for art, performance, and community connection. Visitors have come across live music, poetry readings, art workshops, comedy nights, and exhibits that change with the seasons—all shaped by the people of Cambridge.

“This transformation respects the KiOSK’s rich history while creating new opportunities for gathering, creativity, and civic engagement in the heart of Harvard Square,” said City Manager Yi-An Huang. “We have been excited to see it thrive as a welcoming hub where residents and visitors can connect and celebrate Cambridge’s cultural vibrancy.”

A Community Vision, Years in the Making

The reimagining of the KiOSK didn’t happen overnight. Guided by a two-year community process, the design reflected the voices of residents, local organizations, and artists who wanted the space to be inclusive, dynamic, and true to Cambridge.

From the carefully restored roof and brick columns to the modern windows that now open the building to the plaza, every detail reflects a balance between honoring history and welcoming the future.

“This has truly been a labor of love,” said Deputy City Manager Kathy Watkins. “We encourage visitors to look up, take in the restored wood ceiling and historic details, and also enjoy the thoughtful modern touches that make this space accessible and inviting today.”

A Gateway for Visitors, A Stage for Locals

The KiOSK also serves as the new home for the Cambridge Visitor Information Center, offering curated itineraries, insider tips, and the warmth of volunteers who know the city best—many of whom were once loyal Out of Town News patrons.

“Visitors will find more than just maps and directions,” said Candice Beaulieu, Executive Director of the Cambridge Office for Tourism. “They’ll discover personalized ways to experience the best of Cambridge’s arts, culture, and history.”

Meanwhile, CultureHouse, the nonprofit stewarding programming at the KiOSK, has invited local artists, nonprofits, and businesses to bring their creativity into the space. From small-scale performances to hands-on workshops, the goal has been to keep the programming as diverse and vibrant as the City itself.

“Out of Town News once brought global conversations to Harvard Square,” said Aaron Greiner, Executive Director of CultureHouse. “Today, it’s local connections that are most precious. The KiOSK is about creating those moments of discovery and belonging for everyone who walks through its doors.”

An Overview of Past Programming

In collaboration with CultureHouse, the KiOSK has hosted a wide range of exhibits and events since its reopening, all open for the public to explore and enjoy.

From paper planes made out of historic Cambridge newspapers to interactive installations where visitors can directly contribute their thoughts, the KiOSK's exhibits celebrate the diversity and creativity that make Cambridge so special.

Residents and visitors have come together here for hands-on workshops in color theory, zine writing, linocut printmaking, cartooning, and more. The KiOSK has also hosted several musical and comedic performances, offering a central space to gather and unwind while giving local performers a platform to share their talents. 

Beyond individual artists and musicians, the KiOSK has partnered with several local organizations and projects — including Queer History Boston, Images of Mexico, and the Dawat Supper Club — to bring multicultural stories and practices to the broader community.

With its growing lineup of exhibits, performances, and partnerships, the KiOSK is poised to offer even more opportunities for community engagement in the months ahead. View scheduled programming at cambridgekiosk.org.

More Than a Building

The reopening of the KiOSK is also part of a larger transformation. The City is in the midst of reconstructing Harvard Square’s central plaza, adding new landscaping, public seating, and improved accessibility. The plaza and KiOSK together will form a welcoming crossroads at the heart of Cambridge.

It’s a reminder that this project isn’t just about restoring a building—it’s about reinforcing a commitment to community. The KiOSK’s new life reflects the city’s belief that public spaces should inspire, include, and connect.

As the doors swing open once again, the next chapter is already unfolding for the little brick building in Harvard Square stands ready for its next chapter—not just as a landmark of the past, but as a living, breathing space for the people of Cambridge today.