SoWa Art + Design District

The SoWa Art + Design District is a creative neighborhood in Boston’s South End filled with artist studios, contemporary galleries, boutiques, design showrooms and restaurants, all housed in reclaimed industrial warehouses. Its name is short for “South of Washington.” Once a stretch of neglected warehouses, the area is now home to more than 200 studios, galleries, shops and eateries, along with offices and residences. Shoppers find handmade and designer goods, from hand-thrown ceramics to custom engagement rings.

The district is known for its recurring events. The SoWa Open Market runs on Sundays from spring through fall, bringing artisans, craftspeople, designers and local farmers together while shops open their doors. On First Fridays, galleries and studios open their doors to visitors, and the SoWa Art Walk showcases local makers. The SoWa Artists Guild, a nonprofit association of professional studio artists, is based here, and the SoWa Power Station can be rented for events.

What to Know

• The district has more than 20 galleries.
• Parking is available, and nearby transit includes Broadway, Tufts Medical Center and Back Bay stations and the Silver Line.
• The SoWa Open Market is described as award-winning.
• The district stretches roughly from Mass Ave to Herald Street and from Shawmut Avenue to Albany Street.