Explore the Vibrancy of the SoWa Art + Design District
Discover the artistic heartbeat of Boston at the SoWa Art + Design District, where creativity thrives in every corner and local culture shines brightly.
The SoWa Art + Design District in Boston is a captivating hub for art lovers and design enthusiasts alike. Nestled in the South End, this vibrant area is home to art galleries, studios, boutiques, and a lively community of creatives. Offering a unique blend of contemporary art and local craftsmanship, SoWa is a must-visit destination for tourists seeking to immerse themselves in Boston's rich artistic culture.
A brief summary to SoWa Art + Design District
- 450 Harrison Ave, Boston, South End, Massachusetts, 02118, US
- +1857-496-5357
- Visit website
- Monday 9 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
- Thursday 9 am-5 pm
- Friday 9 am-5 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-4 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-4 pm
Local tips
- Visit on the weekend to experience the SoWa Open Market, featuring local vendors and live music.
- Check out the schedule for special art events and exhibitions at various galleries throughout the year.
- Take advantage of the free parking available on Sundays to explore the district without worrying about fees.
- Don't miss the street art; it's a vibrant part of the district's charm and makes for great photo opportunities.
- Plan to spend a few hours to fully enjoy the galleries, boutiques, and the local dining scene.
Getting There
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Public Bus
From any central location in Gloucester, walk to the nearest bus stop and catch the MBTA bus 441 towards Boston. Make sure to check the bus schedule for the next departure. The bus will take you to Haymarket Station in Boston. Once you arrive at Haymarket, exit the bus and walk to the Haymarket T Station. Take the Orange Line train towards Oak Grove. At North Station, transfer to the Green Line towards Government Center. Get off at Copley Station. From Copley, walk south on Clarendon Street until you reach Harrison Avenue. Turn left onto Harrison Avenue, and you will find the SoWa Art + Design District at 450 Harrison Ave.
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Train
Walk to the Gloucester MBTA train station located at 2 Railroad Avenue. Board the train heading towards Boston's North Station. The train journey will take approximately 30 minutes. Once at North Station, follow the signs to the Haymarket T Station and transfer to the Green Line. Take the Green Line towards Government Center and get off at Copley Station. After exiting, walk south on Clarendon Street to Harrison Avenue. Turn left onto Harrison Avenue, and you will see the SoWa Art + Design District at 450 Harrison Ave.
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Rideshare
Open a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft on your smartphone. Enter 'SoWa Art + Design District, 450 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA' as your destination. The driver will pick you up from your current location in Gloucester and take you directly to the destination. The journey may take around 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
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Walking from Local Accommodations
If you are staying at a local hotel or accommodation in Gloucester, ask the front desk for directions to the closest bus or train station. Once you reach the station, follow the public transport options mentioned above to get to the SoWa Art + Design District. If your accommodation is near the harbor, you might enjoy a scenic walk along the waterfront before heading towards the transportation point.
Discover more about SoWa Art + Design District
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Boston Neck
0.2 km
Discover the rich history and vibrant culture of Boston Neck, a historic landmark in the South End, where past and present meet.
Cathedral of the Holy Cross
0.4 km
Experience the beauty and serenity of the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Boston's largest Catholic cathedral, steeped in history and architectural splendor.
Mel King Square
0.9 km
Discover the rich history and vibrant community spirit at Mel King Square, a significant landmark in Boston dedicated to social justice and activism.
Chinatown Gate
1.0 km
Discover the vibrant cultural landscape of Boston's Chinatown at the iconic Chinatown Gate, a stunning symbol of the city's rich heritage and diversity.
Edgar Allan Poe Statue
1.1 km
Discover the Edgar Allan Poe Statue in Boston, a captivating tribute to the iconic writer surrounded by the vibrant energy of the city.
John Hancock Tower
1.1 km
Discover the architectural brilliance of the John Hancock Tower, a Boston landmark that reflects the city's vibrant culture and stunning skyline.
Central Burying Ground
1.1 km
Discover Boston's Central Burying Ground, a serene cemetery rich in history and the final resting place of notable figures amidst the city's vibrant landscape.
William Ellery Channing Statue
1.1 km
Experience the legacy of thought and freedom at the William Ellery Channing Statue in Boston's historic Beacon Hill neighborhood.
Wendell Phillips Statue
1.1 km
Experience the Wendell Phillips Statue in Boston’s Public Garden, a stunning tribute to an abolitionist hero amidst lush landscapes and rich history.
Freedom Trail Foundation Tours
1.2 km
Explore the Freedom Trail in Boston, a historic 2.5-mile path connecting 16 iconic sites of America's Revolutionary past.
Copley Square
1.2 km
Experience the vibrant heart of Boston at Copley Square, surrounded by iconic landmarks and rich cultural events in the historic Back Bay.
John Singleton Copley Statue
1.3 km
Discover the historic Copley Square and the John Singleton Copley Statue, a cultural gem in the heart of Boston, rich in art and architecture.
Phil and Morgan's Tree
1.3 km
Experience the historical essence of Boston at Phil and Morgan's Tree, a captivating landmark nestled in the heart of Beacon Hill.
Church of the Covenant
1.3 km
Discover the architectural beauty and serene atmosphere of the Church of the Covenant in Boston's historic Back Bay, a peaceful retreat for tourists and locals alike.
Parkman Bandstand
1.3 km
Discover the timeless charm of Parkman Bandstand in Boston Common, a historic monument offering vibrant music and cultural experiences amidst stunning landscapes.
Unmissable attractions to see
South End
0.5 km
Explore the South End of Boston, a vibrant neighborhood filled with historic architecture, diverse dining, and a rich cultural scene perfect for any traveler.
Boston Center for the Arts
0.5 km
Experience Boston's vibrant arts scene at the Boston Center for the Arts, featuring galleries, performances, and community events that inspire creativity.
Chinatown
0.8 km
Discover the rich flavors and vibrant culture of Boston's Chinatown, a historic neighborhood filled with authentic cuisine and colorful streets.
St Stephen's Episcopal Church
0.8 km
Experience the serene beauty and rich history of St Stephen's Episcopal Church in Boston's vibrant South End, a perfect retreat from city life.
Blackstone Square
0.8 km
Experience the tranquility of Blackstone Square in Boston's South End, a vibrant park perfect for relaxation, picnics, and local events.
Charles Playhouse
0.8 km
Discover the vibrant arts scene at Charles Playhouse, Boston's premier performing arts theater, showcasing unforgettable live performances and rich history.
Blue Man Group Boston
0.8 km
Immerse yourself in the creative world of the Blue Man Group in Boston, where art, humor, and music collide for an unforgettable experience.
Jacques' Cabaret
0.8 km
Discover the lively atmosphere and dazzling performances at Jacques' Cabaret, a premier cabaret club and bar in Boston's Bay Village.
Boch Center - Wang Theatre
0.8 km
Discover the grandeur of Boch Center - Wang Theatre, Boston's premier venue for performing arts and live music, steeped in history and cultural significance.
The Saunders Castle at Park Plaza
0.9 km
Discover the enchanting Saunders Castle at Park Plaza, a stunning blend of history and elegance in the heart of Boston, perfect for events and exploring.
Emerson Cutler Majestic Theatre
1.0 km
Explore Boston's cultural gem at the Emerson Cutler Majestic Theatre, where history and performance come to life in a stunning setting.
Boston Theater District
1.0 km
Experience the vibrant energy of Boston's Theater District, where exceptional performances and exquisite dining await every visitor.
Essential places to dine
Bar Mezzana
0.2 km
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Yellow Door Taqueria
0.3 km
Indulge in authentic Mexican cuisine and creative cocktails at Yellow Door Taqueria in Boston's vibrant South End.
KAVA Neo-Taverna
0.4 km
Experience authentic Greek flavors in Boston at KAVA Neo-Taverna - where tradition meets modern culinary excellence.
The Elephant Walk South End
0.5 km
Discover the exquisite fusion of Cambodian and French cuisine at The Elephant Walk South End in Boston's vibrant South End.
Beehive Restaurant
0.6 km
Experience American cuisine at its finest in Boston's South End with live jazz and blues at the iconic Beehive Restaurant.
Bootleg Special
0.6 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of Southern cuisine at Bootleg Special, Boston's premier seafood restaurant in the heart of the South End.
Banyan Bar + Refuge
0.6 km
Discover flavorful Asian cuisine in Boston's South End at Banyan Bar + Refuge – where culinary creativity meets inviting ambiance.
Aquitaine
0.6 km
Discover Aquitaine: A Culinary Journey Through Authentic French Cuisine in Boston's South End.
Moonshine 152
0.7 km
Explore the vibrant flavors of American cuisine at Moonshine 152 in South Boston—where every meal is a celebration.
Fox & The Knife
0.7 km
Experience the best of Italian cuisine at Fox & The Knife in South Boston – where tradition meets innovation in every bite.
Amrheins Restaurant
0.8 km
Experience authentic American cuisine at Amrheins Restaurant in South Boston—perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner in a cozy atmosphere.
anoush'ella
0.8 km
Experience authentic Mediterranean flavors at Anoush'ella in Boston's South End – where every meal tells a story.
Lenox Sophia
0.9 km
Experience exquisite fine dining at Lenox Sophia in South Boston, where innovative cuisine meets elegant ambiance for an unforgettable culinary journey.
Mistral
0.9 km
Indulge in authentic French cuisine at Mistral Bistro in Boston's Back Bay—where elegance meets exceptional flavors.
Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse
0.9 km
Experience the fusion of Northern Italian cuisine and modern steakhouse elegance at Davio's in Boston's Back Bay.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
SoWa Vintage Market
0.0 km
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Stitch and Tickle
0.1 km
Explore the charming Stitch and Tickle gift shop in Boston's South End, offering unique fashion accessories, handbags, and home goods for every taste.
Flock
0.3 km
Explore Flock, the stylish women's clothing store in Boston's South End, offering unique fashion pieces and personalized service for a memorable shopping experience.
PATCH NYC
0.4 km
Explore PATCH NYC: A treasure trove of unique gifts, home goods, and fashion accessories in Boston's vibrant South End.
VIOLA LOVELY
0.5 km
Discover chic fashion at Viola Lovely in Boston's South End, where style meets sophistication in a beautifully curated boutique.
Trove On Tremont
0.7 km
Explore Trove On Tremont in Boston's South End for unique gifts, handcrafted jewelry, and stunning home decor that captures the city's artistic spirit.
Gifted
0.7 km
Discover unique gifts and local treasures at Gifted, Boston's charming gift shop specializing in baby products, fashion accessories, and more.
Bos. Shop South End
0.8 km
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Bottega Veneta Boston Boylston
1.1 km
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Essex Corner
1.1 km
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Copley Place
1.2 km
Discover luxury shopping and upscale dining at Copley Place, Boston's premier shopping destination with iconic brands and cultural experiences.
Riccardi
1.3 km
Explore Riccardi in Boston's Back Bay for a curated selection of men's and women's fashion and timeless accessories.
Simon Pearce
1.3 km
Explore Simon Pearce, Boston's premier gift shop for handcrafted glassware, pottery, and lighting, showcasing the best of artisanal craftsmanship.
Mure and Grand - Back Bay
1.4 km
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Unique Boutique
1.4 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Shore Leave
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant flavors and unique atmosphere of Shore Leave, Boston's premier sushi destination in the South End.
Barcelona Wine Bar
0.5 km
Discover the vibrant flavors of Spain at Barcelona Wine Bar in Boston's South End, featuring authentic tapas and an extensive selection of wines.
Wink and Nod
0.6 km
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Trophy Room
0.6 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere and delicious American cuisine at Trophy Room, the ultimate bistro and lounge experience in Boston.
Delux Cafe
0.8 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of America at Delux Cafe, a lively restaurant in Boston known for its innovative cocktails and delicious dishes.
Clerys
0.9 km
Discover Clerys, a lively bar & grill in Boston's Back Bay, offering a delightful menu and an extensive drink selection for a memorable night out.
Rock & Rye American Bar
0.9 km
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The Tam
1.0 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere and local charm of The Tam, Boston's quintessential bar for drinks, snacks, and socializing.
Corner Pub
1.0 km
Discover Corner Pub, a lively bar in Boston's Leather District offering delicious food, craft beers, and a vibrant atmosphere for all.
OFFSUIT
1.1 km
Discover OFFSUIT, Boston's premier cocktail bar, where creative drinks meet a lively atmosphere in the heart of the Leather District.
OAK Long Bar + Kitchen
1.1 km
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Avery Bar
1.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Boston at Avery Bar, a premier cocktail destination in the heart of the city, offering unique drinks and a lively atmosphere.
Sip Wine Bar and Kitchen
1.2 km
Experience exquisite wines and delectable American cuisine at Sip Wine Bar and Kitchen, Downtown Boston's premier dining destination.
The Street Bar
1.2 km
Savor the essence of American cuisine at The Street Bar in Boston's vibrant Back Bay, where every meal is a delightful experience.
Five Horses Tavern - South End
1.3 km
Experience the essence of Boston's culinary scene at Five Horses Tavern, a lively bar and restaurant in the charming South End.
