Ink Block Underground
4.5(270)google
5.0(2)yelp
Street ArtPhoto SpotwalkingurbanQuirky
Overview
Ink Block Underground, officially known as Underground at Ink Block, is a spectacular, award-winning urban design triumph that transformed an 8-acre barren concrete underpass beneath the Interstate 93 highway into an active public arts park. Located between the South End and South Boston, this gritty urban playground features world-class, massive hand-painted graffiti murals curated by celebrated street artists. It features fully paved pedestrian pathways, a dedicated off-leash pet sanctuary, and hosts energetic street food markets.
Practical Info
Suggested DurationAbout 45-60 minutes
Best TimeThe best time to explore is between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM on a bright day in spring or autumn. Tucked beneath an active highway overpass, this urban graffiti and concrete public art park captures natural rays perfectly, bringing out the vivid tones of the street murals.
Getting ThereNestled under the highway at 90 Traveler St on the edge of the South End, take the MBTA Subway Red Line to Broadway Station. Exit and walk west along Traveler St across the bridge for about 7 minutes to enter the open-air creative wall hub.
Travel Tips
- This urban graffiti park is located beneath an active highway overpass. While free to enter, the park lacks sufficient illumination and security after dark. Restrict your photo ops entirely to bright daylight hours for personal safety.
- Best parking alternative: Skip the pricey residential apartment garages at Ink Block for short stays. Seek the timed municipal metered parking spaces along 90 Traveler St to slash your transit costs.
Photo Tips
Photo Rules
- Drone flights and commercial model shoots are strictly prohibited without state permits. Handheld cameras and smartphones are free to use, but setting up detached tripods, lighting rigs, or sliders will get you removed by security.
Reviews
Positive
- Cleverly transforms an abandoned highway underpass into a vibrant graffiti art park; the massive street murals offer high visual shock and raw artistic value.
- Completely free to the public, featuring smoothly paved concrete accessible paths, clear signage, and a fenced dog park popular with pet owners.
- Highly convenient location on the edge of the South End, just a short walk across the bridge from the Red Line Broadway subway station.
- Security guards and staff patrol regularly during the day, keeping the industrial-style park relatively clean, making it a unique off-the-beaten-path photo spot.
Heads up
- Being directly underneath a busy highway overpass results in constant traffic roar and surface vibrations, and vehicle exhaust harms the air quality and peace.
- The park interior features zero public restrooms, food trucks, or convenience stores; the primitive amenities make it hard to enjoy long stays.
- Underpass areas get very dim and shadowy at night or during heavy rain; a lack of ample lighting in corners causes safety concerns, so solo night walks are discouraged.
- Outside of rare underground night markets or graffiti festivals, daily tourist density is low and commercial activities are absent, leaving casual tourists bored.