Artisan's Asylum Boston
A communal lab for mad science
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."
About this spot
Find your way with 128 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Boston
Rick Walker’s
Unexpected cowboy style on Newbury
"Rick Walker’s" is like a portal into another world. It's my go to sources in Boston for Western shirts, vintage Levis, secondhand belts & cowboy hats.
by
Zac
Cardwell
Bobby From Boston
Vintage menswear
"Bobby From Boston" is a vintage menswear shop offering a range of leather jackets, new old stock blue jeans, vests and many more that a gentleman needs...
by
Zac
Cardwell
Christina's Ice Cream
Save room for dessert
"Christina's Ice Cream" is a post-dinner of mid-afternoon must in Boston. There are 50 flavors of ice cream. I like the chocolate and ginger molasses.
by
Zac
Cardwell
Boston Athenaeum
A charming independent library
The "Boston Athenaeum" is an independent library praised for its architecture, history and collection. Reading by the windows on a sunny day? My bliss.
by
Supriya
Manot
Veggie Crust
A slice of nice
"Veggie Crust" in Boston is definitely not just another pizza joint; first off it's 100% vegetarian. They even have falafel pizza, and it's actually good!
by
Kristian
Beck
Rose Kennedy Greenway
Elevated highway to park
"Rose Kennedy Greenway" in Boston was a work in progress for many years. Now it's dotted with sculptures, fountains, food trucks... a true destination!
by
Zac
Cardwell
Flat Black
Australian style coffee
"Flat Black" in Boston makes Australian-style espresso. These guys roast their own beans in Dorchester and make the best carving designs into the milk!
by
Cris
Concepcion
Charles River Dam
The Musical Locks
"Charles River Dam" in Boston, with the Musical Locks, is a great place to cross on my bike the water that separates Boston and Cambridge...
by
Cris
Concepcion
Sound Bites
A kinder, gentler breakfast tyrant
"Sound Bites" in Boston has a reputation. I also have a personal, touching story that has made me really like this breakfast cafe. I'll share it with you.
by
Cris
Concepcion
Hilton's Tent City
Old school adventure
"Hilton's Tent City" is where the Boston outdoorsmen of yore picked up their stuff before Goretex and GPS. I like that they have modern and classic brands.
by
Cris
Concepcion
Brooklyn Boulders
Climbing and community
"Brooklyn Boulders" is a solid addition to the climbing scene in Boston. Of course the choice to set up show in this specific street is deliberate & edgy.
by
Cris
Concepcion
Heading to Boston?
128 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 128 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
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:
