Abbotsford

Abbotsford is a museum building in Roxbury, Boston, featuring High Victorian Gothic architecture with pointed arches and constructed entirely from local Roxbury puddingstone. The structure stands on an elevated site along Walnut Avenue and dominates its surroundings with distinctive stone work.

The building was constructed in 1872 for industrialist Aaron Davis Williams by architect Alden Frink and was originally known as Oak Bend. It later served as a disciplinary school before being transformed into an art museum.

The building houses the National Center of Afro-American Artists, which showcases black visual art forms. Visitors encounter paintings, sculptures, and photographs created by both historical and contemporary black artists.

The site sits on elevated ground, so visitors should wear comfortable shoes and check the building for stairs or elevators. Parking options should be verified ahead of time, along with current hours of operation.

The name Abbotsford was inspired by the Scottish residence of writer Sir Walter Scott, a literary tribute by its original owner. This naming choice links the Boston location to European artistic and cultural traditions.

Location: Boston

Website: http://ncaaa.org/visit

GPS coordinates: 42.31635,-71.09238

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:06