Every year Doors Open Lowell provides an inside look to nearly 30 buildings over two days. Look for old favorites this year as well as new additions to the roster of buildings.
Please note that Doors Open Lowell 2025 will again be a one day event on Saturday, May 10.
No tickets or pre-registration is required. Admission is free.
Look for the blue Doors Open Lowell banners identifying participating sites.
Shuttle bus will run on a rolling basis on Saturday, May 10 between several sites.
The official Doors Open Lowell program guide will be online and also available at the Lowell National Historical Park’s Mogan Cultural Center and Boott Cotton Mills Museum, Pollard Memorial Library, and other locations to be announced.
The Lowell National Historical Park’s Moody Street Feeder Gatehouse at 269 Merrimack Street will serve as the hub for Doors Open Lowell information this year on May 10.
The 2025 building roster is a work in progress and the listing below reflects sites confirmed for this year as of 4/3/2025.
CLICK HERE TO SEE AND DOWNLOAD THIS YEAR’S PROGRAM GUIDE AND MAP (AVAILABLE LATE APRIL, 2025)
Click on each building’s name to learn more about its history.
Saturday, May 10
10 am - 1 pm
St. Anne’s Church
227 Merrimack Street
This Gothic Revival church (1825) is modeled after a medieval English church and is home to several Tiffany stained glass windows. Originally providing worship for the mill girls, it was also a stop on the Underground Railroad and is part of Lowell’s Black History Trail. Still in use today for worship, come see its deep-rooted past as the church celebrates its bicentennial.
First Unitarian Church *New in 2025*
72 Merrimack Street
The former First Unitarian Church (1832) was designed in the Greek Revival style by architect Ammi Young who also designed Boston’s Custom House (1847) and became the first Supervisory Architect of the United States Treasury Department in 1852. The building ceased being a church in 1926 and has always contained commercial businesses. Discover the third floor with its period Greek Revival decor and ornament which was once part of the former church’s hall.
Talbot & “K” Buildings *New in 2025*
40 Middle Street
Both the Talbot Building (1887) and “K” Building (1886) were built as Middle Street transitioned from a residential street to one lined with similar commercial and light-industrial buildings in the late 19th century with the “K” Building being one of downtown’s best examples of Queen Anne commercial architecture. See how Middlesex Community College has repurposed both buildings for academic programs.
Simpson and Rowland Building *New in 2025*
80 Middle Street
Middle Street was first developed as a residential street in the 1830s and 1840s, then largely redeveloped in the late 19th century with larger commercial and light-industrial buildings like the Simpson and Rowland Building (1891). Originally home to a wholesale grocer, Middlesex Community College now occupies the building.
Boston & Maine Railroad Depot
240 Central Street
This High Victorian Gothic style structure (1876) was originally built as a train depot but is more commonly known locally as the former Rialto Theater up until 1960 when it was converted into a bowling alley. Discover how it has been spectacularly rehabilitated by Middlesex Community College and is now home to the Richard & Nancy Donahue Family Academic Arts Center and the new Owl Theatre.
St. Patrick Church
282 Suffolk Street
Visit this Gothic Revival church (1853-1874) and learn more about past restoration projects and how the church continues to serve Lowell’s immigrant populations today. Designed by famed ecclesiastic architect Patrick Keely, St. Patrick is home to the oldest Catholic parish in the Merrimack Valley and third oldest in the Archdiocese of Boston. Doors Open XTRA
Saturday, May 10
10 am - 4 pm
Moody Street Feeder Gatehouse
269 Merrimack Street
Discover how this gatehouse (1848) regulated the flow of water through the underground Moody Street Feeder, connecting the Western Canal to the Merrimack Canal. The gatehouse will also serve as the Doors Open Lowell headquarters throughout the day where you can get information, a program guide, and your event sticker.
Gates Block
307 Market Street
The Gates Block (1881) originally housed a leather goods manufacturer as well as the manufactory for Moxie Nerve Food, a patent medicine that later became a soft drink. Explore the building’s rebirth as an arts center, home to the Arts League of Lowell, Van Gogh’s Gear Art Supplies, and three floors of artist studios.
Whistler House Museum of Art
243 Worthen Street
Built for the Lowell Machine Shop’s agent, this Federal/Greek Revival building (ca. 1825) is best known as the birthplace of artist James McNeil Whistler and is celebrating the 200th anniversary of its construction in 2025.
Brush Art Gallery & Studios
256 Market Street
Browse these working artist studios and view current exhibits housed in this Italianate style mill building originally built by the Lowell Manufacturing Company in 1882, today the Market Mills complex.
National Streetcar Museum
25 Shattuck Street
The Queen Anne style Mack Building (1886) was originally home to W.A. Mack and Company, a manufacturer and dealer in cast iron stoves, architectural elements, fences, and other metal products. Browse exhibits about the influence of street railways on the development of our cities.
Saturday, May 10
11 am - 3 pm
201 Canal Apartments *New in 2025*
201 Canal Street
Completed in 2022 by the WinnCompanies, these new buildings are home to 125 mixed income apartments located within the former Appleton millyard. See how historic mill wall remnants have been preserved and incorporated into their canal side patio and don’t miss a chance to experience the views of Lowell from their roof deck.
Saturday, May 10
1 pm - 4 pm
Pollard Memorial Library
401 Merrimack Street
See the restored Richardsonian Romanesque Pollard Memorial Library (1893) and discover how the building continues to serve as Lowell’s library today. Pick up your self-guided map at any of the library information desks. Doors Open XTRA
Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church
25 Fr. John Sarantos Way
The Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church (1956-1964), founded in 1924, grew from humble beginnings to a stunning Byzantine-style church adorned with breathtaking gold mosaics and iconography. Visitors can admire its rich ornamentation, including imported mosaics, intricate iconography, and stained glass windows.
Tremont Yard
1 Tremont Place
Located beneath the Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union headquarters, discover exposed historic subterranean waterpower features that were the site of pioneering turbine experiments undertaken by famed engineer James B. Francis in 1855. Doors Open XTRA
Tremont Gatehouse
Suffolk Street @ Western Canal
The Italianate style Tremont Gatehouse (1855) is one of the smallest on the Lowell canal system. Take a peek inside and see how it helped regulate water flow on this portion of the system.
The River Transformed Exhibit
Wannalancit Mill
Find out how engineers harnessed the waterpower of the Merrimack River to drive Lowell’s mills and view an operating 19th century turbine.
Spalding House
383 Pawtucket Street
The Georgian style Spalding House (1761) is the third oldest surviving house in Lowell. Learn about its history and the Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust’s preservation efforts. Doors Open XTRA