West End Museum

Boston


This gem of a neighborhood museum is dedicated to preserving the memory of the West End and educating the public about the ramifications of unchecked urban development. The main exhibit, the Last Tenement, traces the history of the neighborhood from 1850 to 1958, highlighting its immigrant populations, economic evolution and eventual destruction.

Additional space is devoted to temporary exhibits that highlight former residents, neighborhood architecture and broader issues of historic preservation. The museum also hosts occasional concerts, book talks and guided tours.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Boston attractions

1. New England Sports Museum

0.12 MILES

The New England Sports Museum is not the best place to witness Boston's deep-rooted devotion to sport (try Fenway Park for that), but fans will enjoy the…

2. Otis House

0.2 MILES

This stern, Federal brick building was the first of three houses designed by Charles Bulfinch for Mr Harrison Gray Otis at the end of the 18th century…

3. Ether Dome

0.29 MILES

On October 16, 1846, Thomas WG Morton administered ether to the patient Gilbert Abbott, while Dr John Collins Warren cut a tumor from his neck. It was the…

4. Museum of African American History

0.31 MILES

The Museum of African American History occupies two adjacent historic buildings: the African Meeting House, the country’s oldest black church and meeting…

5. City Hall Plaza

0.35 MILES

City Hall Plaza is a cold, windy, 56-acre concrete plaza, surrounded by government office buildings. Occupying the site of the former Scollay Sq, the…

6. North End Park

0.38 MILES

Designed as the North End neighborhood's 'front yard,' this wide lawn is perfect for picnics, while kiddies can cool off in the Canal Fountain.

7. John Adams Courthouse

0.38 MILES

Peek inside the impressive courthouse on Pemberton Sq, which is home of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (the oldest appellate court in the…

8. Massachusetts State House

0.38 MILES

High atop Beacon Hill, Massachusetts’ leaders and legislators attempt to turn their ideas into concrete policies and practices within the State House…