CambridgeSide Announces Historic Photo Exhibition: The Diner Project: Discovering a Time Past But Not Forgotten

CambridgeSide has announced the installation of a special photography exhibition: The Diner Project: Discovering a Time Past, But Not Forgotten. Compiled by photographer Andrew Satter formerly of Cambridge and currently residing in New Paltz, NY, The Diner Project is comprised of black-and-white photographs taken between 1974 and 1977 at the iconic Russ's Kitchenette Diner in East Cambridge. The photographs, many which have never been exhibited and were presumed lost nearly three decades ago, document an important and bygone period of Cambridge's history and culture. 
The diner, which was located on the corner of First and Rogers Streets in East Cambridge, was a beehive of daily activity from its opening in 1937 until its closing in 1978. 
 
Documented through the eyes of then aspiring twenty-year old photographer Andrew Satter, viewers will be transported back through time and introduced to the diner's staff: Russ the owner, Charlie the cook, and Geri the waitress, as well as many of its loyal customers -- some for more than thirty years including police officers, truck drivers, clerks, letter carriers and construction workers. 
 
“If a picture tells a story, these images capture the grit, pathos, and playful comradery consistently displayed by this tightly knit community of blue-collar workers and reminds us of a bygone time,” Satter comments.
 
In addition to the forty-one unique images on display in the exhibition, visitors have the option to watch two videos about the Diner Project: An Artist Talk with Andrew Satter, and Down Around Here, an award winning short documentary film about the diner by local filmmaker David Sutherland.  
The exhibition will be open to the public from Sunday, March 30 through May 31, 2025. Visit CambridgeSide.com for center hours.
 
“CambridgeSide is delighted to host this historic art exhibition which brings to life the flavor of the East Cambridge community in the mid 1970’s,” says Melissa LaVita, Regional Marketing Director of CambridgeSide. 
  
CambridgeSide 
The reimagined CambridgeSide is a place to shop, dine, work, indulge and relax in Cambridge, MA, just steps from downtown Boston. CambridgeSide features one great waterfront location with shops, restaurants and planned future office, lab, residential and additional retail, restaurants, and green spaces. CambridgeSide features Apple, Sephora, Mango, lululemon, Victoria’s Secret, T.J.Maxx, The Cheesecake Factory, and more. Zara will also be joining the center. CanalSide Food + Drink, a new global food experience, is now open featuring 13 eateries, waterfront bar and weekly events. CambridgeSide is located near top tourism attractions including the Museum of Science and Charles Riverboat. CambridgeSide is handicapped and MBTA accessible (Green Line T to Lechmere Station or Red Line T to Kendall Square to the free CambridgeSide Shuttle Bus), and offers attached, covered parking. For directions and information, call 617-621-8666 or visit CambridgeSide.com. CambridgeSide is a New England Development shopping destination.