Blackfriars Theatre and Arts Centre

Blackfriars Theatre is a medieval arts venue in Boston with several spaces for performances and exhibitions. The two-story building contains a 230-seat auditorium, a foyer gallery, a bar, and an art studio where different activities take place.

The building was founded in 1288 as a refectory for Dominican friars and served as a religious space for centuries. Following extensive restoration in 1963, it reopened as a theatre in 1965 and has hosted artistic activities ever since.

The space serves as a meeting point for local theatre groups and artists who regularly present their work to audiences in the community. Visitors can see how different performance ensembles use the halls to connect with people throughout the year.

The venue is open to visitors most days with performances and exhibitions happening throughout the month. It is best to check ahead to find out what events are scheduled and when the building will be available to explore.

The building contains a relocated 17th-century staircase that was carefully moved to its current location during restoration. The main hall stretches about 90 feet from east to west, revealing the original scale of the medieval refectory space.