South End House Tour – South End Historical Society

Saturday, October 17, 2026

10:00 am – 4:00 pm

General Admission

Day of Tour: $35

First organized in 1967, the South End House Tour features an inside look at restored and renovated townhouses in the largest Victorian row house district in the United States. The tour is a perennial favorite of anyone interested in home design, architecture, restoration, history, or preservation. Participants are given a guidebook that includes descriptions of the private homes and a map so that they can design a route at their own pace.

In addition to private homes, this year’s tour features two historic South End buildings – the Children’s Art Centre and the Cathedral of the Holy Cross – that participants can visit. Ticketholders will have the opportunity to learn more about the history of these two buildings by attending talks relating to each of them. Julia Glatfelter, artist, author, and former teacher at the Children’s Art Centre, worked with relatives of Charlotte Dempsey (the Director of the Children’s Art Centre from 1930-1971) to publish a book written by Charlotte about her time at the Centre. Julia will be talking about Dempsey’s book at the Children’s Art Centre at noon and again at 1:30pm. South End Historical Society Historian John Neale will be at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross speaking about the history of the cathedral at 11:00am and 3:00pm.

Advance tickets are no longer available. To purchase your tickets, please visit Sprogis & Neale Real Estate, located at 679 Tremont Street.

All pre-sale tickets can be picked up along with guidebooks on the day of the tour at Sprogis & Neale Real Estate, located at 679 Tremont Street.

Thank you to our 2026 House Tour sponsors!

Charles Bulfinch Sponsor

Triple Parlor Sponsors

Bow-Front Sponsors

Go to top

Want to learn more about the South End House Tour? Visit our FAQs below!

All proceeds from the South End House Tour are used to support the Historical Society’s ongoing efforts to preserve the neighborhood’s architectural integrity and to promote its rich social history. The House Tour is our biggest fundraiser. Fundraising provides one third of our yearly operating budget and ensures our continued operation.

Go to top

FAQ

What is the South End House Tour?

The South End House Tour is a self-guided walking tour of private homes and public spaces in Boston’s historic South End. Tour goers are given a ticket that gains them admission to the homes and a guidebook with descriptions of the homes and a map of the tour route so they can take the tour at their own pace.

When is the Tour?

The South End House Tour is always held on the 3rd Saturday in October from 10 AM – 4 PM.

How long does the Tour take?

For the average healthy person, we usually recommend allotting 2 hours to walk the whole route. However, the Tour does involve climbing stairs and the length of the route varies from year to year, so you might want to allow extra time if have limited mobility or just want to make stops in the South End’s many restaurants and shops along the way.

How much does the Tour cost?

General admission for the Tour is $30 if you purchase your tickets in advance (by credit card, cash, or check), or $35 on the day of the Tour.

Where can I pick up my ticket?

All tickets are available the day of the Tour at Sprogis & Neale Real Estate, 679 Tremont Street. If you purchased your ticket in advance, your name will be on the will-call list at the ticketing table.

How many stops are on the Tour?

There are usually 4-6 homes on the Tour and a few public spaces.

Can I know which houses are on the tour?

Unfortunately not. For the privacy and security of the homeowners who have so generously opened their houses to us, we do not release addresses or details prior to the day of the Tour.

Are there any rules I should be aware of?

Yes. We ask all of our tour-goers to abide by the following:

You may be asked to remove your shoes

Carriages and backpacks must be left outside

Babies should be in your arms

Cell phones should be turned off

Photographing interiors of homes IS NOT allowed

Doors that are closed SHOULD NOT be opened

NO smoking, drinking, and eating in the homes.

One thought on “South End House Tour”