City Council Says Harvard Square Kiosk Hasn’t Met Expectations Nearly a Year After Reopening

Nearly a year after Cambridge reopened the renovated Harvard Square Kiosk, city councilors are questioning whether the $3.3 million project is fulfilling its intended purpose.

At a meeting last Monday, members of the Cambridge City Council criticized the kiosk’s programming and low visitor turnout, raising concerns that the reimagined space has failed to reflect the city’s cultural identity or generate sufficient public engagement since its reopening last May.

The kiosk — now branded as the Cambridge KiOSK — is jointly managed by the city’s Office of Tourism and Culture House, a Somerville-based arts organization. The Office of Tourism provides information to visitors in Harvard Square, while Culture House uses the space primarily to sell artwork and host limited arts programming.

Several councilors argued that the kiosk’s current use does not justify the city’s investment.

The kiosk “doesn’t seem active at all,” Cambridge City Councilor Timothy R. Flaherty said.

Councilors also took issue with the nature of the programming, criticizing Culture House for featuring work that is not consistently produced by Cambridge-based artists or delivering a return on the city’s investment. Councilor Catherine “Cathie” Zusy said she was “concerned” that the company was not reflective of Cambridge.

“Cambridge is a place of ideas with extraordinary richness, and the kiosk must reflect this and transport visitors to a higher plane. So we can't just have something a little bit mediocre at the kiosk,” Zusy said.

Originally built in 1928 as the entrance to the Harvard Square T station, the kiosk later served as a newsstand for Out of Town News from 1984 to 2019, before remaining vacant during the Covid-19 pandemic and undergoing a decade-long renovation.

Some councilors questioned the city’s decision to partner with Culture House, citing its lack of roots in Cambridge.

“There is something fundamentally counterintuitive about the gateway to Harvard Square being stewarded by an organization that isn’t rooted in the community,”Simmons said.

Culture House did not respond to a request for comment. Cleo Brigham, who manages Culture House’s part of the kiosk, said that the company was focused on “revitalizing the kiosk and giving it a new light.”

“We’re so honored to be able to be stewards of this historical landmark — a place that means so much to so many,” Brigham said, “and we can't do exactly what Out of Town News did, but we want to really honor their legacy by continuing to be a cultural center and information center.”

Despite criticism, city officials said that Culture House has provided “consistent, high-quality programming” for the kiosk since it opened last year. Melissa A. Peters, Cambridge’s Assistant City Manager for Community Development, wrote in a statement that the exhibits aim to highlight the city’s creativity.

“From paper planes made 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,” Peters wrote.

Still, some councilors argued that a local organization — such as the Harvard Square Business Association — would be better suited to manage the kiosk.

“I still remain confused as to why they are not in charge of this” said Councilor Marc C. McGovern, “They have obviously a vested interest in making sure that the Square as a whole is thriving.”

The HSBA previously considered taking responsibility for the kiosk ahead of its reopening, according to HSBA Executive Director Denise A. Jillson, but ultimately withdrew its proposal over restrictions imposed by the city.

Jillson said the organization could not comply with requirements on operating hours and noise levels.

“If you’re familiar with any of our events, you understand that they involve music, food, children, activity, lots of activity,” Jillson said. “Our events are free, they’re open to the public, they’re welcoming to everybody — and we could not, in good conscience, meet the requirements as stated in the RFP.”

Jillson added that those same restrictions — including closing the kiosk at 8 p.m. and limiting noise levels — may be contributing to the low foot traffic.

According to a report from the city’s Office of Tourism, Harvard Square saw nearly 1.24 million visitors in November 2025, and only 1,308 stopped by the kiosk.

“The current uses by Culture House and the Cambridge Office of Tourism, which are as directed by the city, really inhibit and stifle public access and use,” Jillson said.

Councilors also noted that ongoing construction surrounding the kiosk may be affecting attendance.

“We have to acknowledge it’s really tough with the construction there to understand what the actual impact is,” Councilor Patricia M. “Patty” Nolan ’80 said.

Construction on the plaza surrounding the kiosk is expected to be completed in the fall, which officials say will create more space for programming and public use.

“I look forward to a change in the kiosk. It is not working. It is not attracting people,” Nolan added.