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Since its gala opening in 1912, The Fairmont Copley Plaza Boston has stood as a landmark and symbol of Boston's rich tradition of culture, history, elegance, and hospitality. Constructed on the original site of The Museum of Fine Arts, the "Grand Dame" of Boston was designed by Henry Janeway Hardenbergh. Hardenbergh also designed The Plaza Hotel in New York; the sister hotels share the same double "P" insignia seen throughout both properties.
Located in Boston's historic Back Bay, The Fairmont Copley Plaza Boston stands alongside the Boston Public Library, Trinity Church and Hancock Tower, and joins these buildings as the architectural landmarks of Copley Square.
Considered one of the most beautiful rooms in Boston, The Fairmont Copley Plaza Boston's Oval Room features a realistic sky and cloud ceiling mural. Legend has it that when John Singer Sargent was painting the murals at the Boston Public Library, he would often come to the hotel and watch the artisans paint the Oval Room's mural as he enjoyed his lunch. The artisans asked Sargent to add his touch to the mural, so Sargent mounted the scaffolding and painted an angel. Sargent's angel graced the ceiling for over 30 years, until the mural was painted over during renovations in the 1940s.
Today, Sargent's angel is the invisible guardian of the Oval Room. Every United States President since Taft (President Clinton stayed at the hotel while he was a candidate), many foreign dignitaries, royalty, and countless celebrities have stayed at The Fairmont Copley Plaza Boston. In addition, the hotel has been featured in several major motion pictures including The Firm and Blown Away.
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