Jun 9, 2025

Artisan's Asylum Boston

A communal lab for mad science

""Artisan's Asylum" in Boston is a former warehouse that has been taken over by a collective of engineers and craftspeople. I just think they're crazy good!"

I meet my friend Drew outside Artisan's Asylum, and I hand over an old smartphone. "The screen is cracked," I say, "batteries are losing charge, and I think the power connection is going wonky."

"Nothing I can't fix," he says, "and besides that it's perfect."

Drew tells me about his ideas for a project. He has a used ambulance and he's planning on turning the inside into a mobile art house, with the phones intended to display visuals.

As he talks, he walks into the Asylum, a former warehouse that's now been taken over by a collective of engineers, metalworkers and craftspeople, and he shows me around.

"You know SCUL, of course." He waves at a den of hand-welded bikes that belong to a gang that friends of mine have ridden with. They're a menagerie of tall bikes and choppers, less bikes than human propelled metal sculpture.  

"Over here is wood shop. Machine shop next over. That's our new plasma cutter." He points at a squat, metal apparatus that uses electrical arcs to superheat gas for precision slicing of metal. Basically? A lightning knife.

There's more, of course - welding stations, paint shops, 3D printers, jeweler cubbies. Artisan's is a makerspace, a communal workshop for dreamers, artists and inventors, a place where wild ideas become reality. They teach classes, and they're open for tours for the curious, the inventive, and the creative.

"You mind if I write about you guys?" I ask.

"Not at all," he says, "the more, the madder."

Amsterdam
Antwerp
002-building
Art & culture
002-building
Art & culture
002-building
Art & culture

About this spot

10 Tyler street

US$

free

Find your way with 128 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Boston guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Boston

Schlesinger Library

A true hidden gem in Boston!

Don’t miss Schlesinger Library on Harvard’s campus, a hidden gem in Boston, for an enriching experience of women’s works. Look for original manuscripts!

002-building
Art & culture

by

Sara

Bozdemir

Jul 1, 2025

Union Park

The Perfect Residential Oasis

Union Park, located near downtown, was designed in the mid-19th century, inspired by English-style residential squares. Come for a tranquil retreat!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Sara

Bozdemir

Jul 1, 2025

Sip of Joy

A Cozy Coffee Haven in South End

Sip of Joy, a cozy family-run café in South End, blends Turkish and American flavors, offering flawless coffee, pastries, and a peaceful retreat.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Sara

Bozdemir

Jul 1, 2025

Tiffany Windows

The Dazzling Legacy of Tiffany

Arlington Street Church in Boston houses the world's largest themed collection of Tiffany stained glass windows — an unmistakeble artistic marvel.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Sara

Bozdemir

Jul 1, 2025

Glass Flowers

A Botanical Masterpiece in Glass

The Harvard Museum of Natural History's Glass Flowers exhibit showcases 4,300 stunning glass plant models, crafted by the Blaschkas between 1887 and 1936.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Sara

Bozdemir

Jul 1, 2025

The Puppet Free Library

Hidden Puppet Wonderland

Step into Boston’s Puppet Free Library on Newbury Street, where over 200 vibrant puppets await, spreading joy through lending since 1976.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Sara

Bozdemir

Jul 1, 2025

Rouvalis Flowers

Beacon Hill in Bloom

Rouvalis Flowers in Beacon Hill charms every season with stunning blooms, dried arrangements, and gifts — perfect for adding beauty to any Boston day.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Sara

Bozdemir

Jul 1, 2025

Cacao

A Sweet Escape in Boston

Cacao in Boston, run by a Dominican couple, offers rich hot chocolate, spicy cocoa, and delightful truffles — sweet haven for reading or writing.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Sara

Bozdemir

Jul 1, 2025

Zuzu’s Petals

A kingdom of sweets and wines!

Escape the rush at Zuzu’s Petals in Cambridge’s Inman Square — a cozy, screen-free haven for fondue, wine, conversation, and homemade delights.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Sara

Bozdemir

Jul 1, 2025

Gypsy Place Coffee and Juice Bar

Bohemian Vegan

Gypsy Place in Cambridge offers a bohemian vibe, fresh juices, vegan treats, and great coffee. Try the Azurite Bowl or Tiger’s Eye Truffles for a delicious energy boost!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Sara

Bozdemir

Jul 1, 2025

Zinneken's Belgian Waffles

Boston's Waffle Gem

Zinneken’s in Harvard Square serves authentic Liege waffles with indulgent toppings. Cozy vibes, rich coffee, and the perfect sweet treat near Harvard University!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Sara

Bozdemir

Jul 1, 2025

Regina Pizzeria

Iconic North End Slice

Regina Pizzeria in Boston’s North End has served legendary pizza since 1926. The white pizza is a must-try! Expect a wait, but it’s worth every bite.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Sara

Bozdemir

Jul 1, 2025

Heading to Boston?

128 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Boston?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

128 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture

Our team loves Boston

Get to know our other Spotters from Boston

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
66
Filters