The Historic Restoration of the Tanglewood Whispering Bench in Lenox, Massachusetts
- Kaitlyn Miller
- Jun 11
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 7
Nestled among the rolling hills of Lenox, Massachusetts, the Tanglewood campus serves as the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO). It is also the site of the iconic Tanglewood Whispering Bench. Originally known as the Tappan Estate, this 210-acre property was gifted to the BSO in late 1936. The orchestra performed its first concert there in 1937 during the fourth annual Berkshire Symphonic Festival.
The Importance of the Whispering Bench
The 2019 restoration of Tanglewood’s historic Whispering Bench was undertaken to preserve its early 20th-century design. Age and weather contributed to the concrete deterioration. The main goal of the restoration was to ensure the bench's functionality and safety for visitors. A long-term plan for maintenance and durability was developed during this process.
Famous for its acoustic phenomenon, the shape of the bench allows whispers to travel clearly from one end to the other. Although the photograph above seems to capture the Whispering Bench being built, very little is actually known about its original construction. This mystery adds to the bench’s allure and significance within the Tanglewood campus.
A Closer Look at the Restoration Process
Through our restoration and enhancement division, Reg Hough Associates, RHa enlisted our expert Comprehensive Surface Specialists. Their task was to replace the concrete while maintaining the original shape, design, and mechanics of the bench in collaboration with the design team.
Due to the limited information about the bench's original construction at the project's start, extensive field investigation and analysis were essential. We had to determine whether the bench could be safely restored or if a complete redesign was necessary. Laboratory testing revealed that the outer layer suffered damage from cyclic freezing and thawing caused by Northeastern weather patterns. However, the underlying structure was still sound, which empowered us to move forward with the historical restoration process rather than opting for total demolition.
The Presentation and Findings
The presentation linked below comes from the ICRI Concrete Repair Spring Convention held in April 2025. It features a detailed discussion about the construction of the bench by SGH Senior Principal Matthew Sherman, P.E., F. ICRI, and Reg Hough Associates Operations Manager Guy Battaglia. This presentation highlights the scientific research and process used to decode the bench’s mysterious makeup.
Through comprehensive documentation, field investigations, and laboratory testing of samples from the bench, SGH, RHa, and Reed Hilderbrand were able to take the overgrown bench area and restore it. Visitors can now sit and enjoy splendid views of the Tanglewood campus and the rolling hills of Lenox. The presentation includes a thorough look into the bench restoration process from start to finish, showcasing exclusive repair drawings, photographs of the historical reconstruction, custom formwork, and much more.
ICRI: Concrete Repair or Artwork Conservation? - The Whispering Bench by Matthew Sherman, P.E., F. ICRI at Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc. and Guy Battaglia at Reg Hough Associates.
Conclusion
The Whispering Bench is once again a beautiful spot to visit among the gardens of Tanglewood. This transformation was made possible through the dedicated work of everyone involved in this project. From RHa’s team on the ground to the laboratory scientists testing samples of the bench’s original structure, everyone played a vital role. The overall investment in and revival of the Tanglewood campus has solidified its legacy as a destination for musicians and classical music lovers for years to come.
Photos Courtesy of:
Boston Symphony Orchestra
Guy Battaglia, Reg Hough Associates
Tanglewood Music Center
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