Since 2002, Doors Open Lowell has opened the doors to over 100 of Lowell's historic buildings, many not normally open to the public.

Lowell was the first city in the United States to launch this prestigious event dedicated to preservation, architecture, and design which is presented as part of the community's National Preservation Month activities.  Each May you can explore many of Lowell's historic buildings, from residential lofts to churches to rehabilitated mills and everything in between.  Doors Open Lowell is completely FREE with no registration or tickets required.

Lowell is known nationally and internationally for its preservation-based economic development efforts.  Nearly $1 billion has been invested in the Downtown Lowell Historic District with nearly 98% of 5.2 million square feet of mill space having been rehabilitated.  Preservation sets the stage for much of the city's economic development, tourism, and cultural efforts and Doors Open Lowell is an opportunity to catch a glimpse of that success.

The inspiration for Doors Open Lowell came from Toronto who first brought the Doors Open concept to North America in 2000.  In 2004, two years after bring Doors Open to the United States, Doors Open Lowell was recognized as an "innovative program" by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and the White House when Lowell was designated a Preserve America Community.

Doors Open Lowell is presented annually by the Lowell Historic Board, Lowell National Historical Park, Lowell Heritage Partnership, City of Lowell, Mosaic Lowell, and the Greater Merrimack Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau.  The event would also not be possible without the support of our sponsors and of course, the support and access provided by the many building owners who graciously open their buildings to the public.