Commencement 2024 Highlights
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MassArt is excited to celebrate the Class of 2025!
Thursday, May 22, 2025
1:00 PM (Doors open at 12:00 PM)
Leader Bank Pavilion 290 Northern Ave, Boston, MA 02210
Tickets will be required for all guests & there is no guest limit.
Guests will be able to reserve Commencement tickets starting in May.
Commencement 2024 Highlights
2024 MassArt Commencement. Photos by Melissa Ostrow.
Information for Guests
MassArt’s 2025 Commencement Ceremony will take place on Thursday, May 22, 1pm at the Leader Bank Pavilion, a stunning open-air, tented amphitheater located on the South Boston Waterfront. Tickets are required for all guests, but there’s no guest limit, and tickets are completely free! We look forward to celebrating this momentous occasion with the graduates, their loved ones, and the MassArt community.
Venue Information
As you enter the LeaderBank Pavilion, please be prepared for inspection, which may include physical pat down and/or the use of metal detectors.
The ceremony venue has a Clear Bag Policy:
- Only clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC tote bags no larger than 12” x 6” x 12” and/or small clutch bags (6” x 9”, does not need to be clear) will be allowed into the Pavilion.
- Diaper Bags are considered medically necessary and therefore not subject to the bag policy, however they will be searched and inspected.
We recommend bringing as little as possible to help minimize wait times.
A designated stroller parking area will be available for your convenience.
TRANSPORTATION
MassArt encourages guests to use public transportation whenever possible. The MBTA’s Trip Planner can provide you with customized directions.
To reach the venue:
- Take the subway, commuter rail or bus to South Station.
- Transfer to the Silver Line Waterfront service. The Pavilion is located one block away from the Silver Line bus stop.
For guests driving to the ceremony, paid parking is available at several garage and surface lots along Seaport Boulevard and Northern Avenue.
A live drop-off area will also be available at the Pavilion entrance for guests with physical disabilities and mobility impairments.
Lodging
If you’re booking hotel accommodations, we recommend searching in Boston’s Seaport neighborhood, where the Leader Bank Pavilion is located.
Additionally, guest lodging will be available at a discounted rate at MassArt’s TreeHouse Residence Hall.
Celebrating Virtually
Friends and family unable to attend in person can join the celebration virtually! The ceremony will be streamed live at the top of this page on the day of the event.
Commencement FAQs
Yes. As of last May, the ceremony venue has recommended that the College institute a ticketed system to bring our event into alignment with other events at the venue, including college Commencements. We have accepted that recommendation. Graduating students do not need a ticket. However, all of your guests will be asked to show a ticket to the ceremony when they arrive.
There is no limit to the number of tickets or the number of guests each graduate may bring. The event is General Admission, meaning that there are no assigned seats and there is no cost to attend the event. Tickets may be scanned from a mobile device, or printed and brought to the venue.
There is no limit to the number of friends and family you wish to invite – just be sure that all guests have their own ticket in hand.
Our ceremony lasts approximately 2 hours, and will end around 3:00pm. We encourage you not to make any plans until after 4:00pm to allow time for photos and for all guests to exit the venue.
No. You do not need to let us know that you’re coming, or if you don’t plan to attend. We have your name on our list, so just show up and check in!
All candidates are encouraged, but not required, to wear cap and gown at Commencement. If you choose not to wear a gown, that’s OK, too! However, please note that full face coverings (e.g. costume masks) or other clothing that completely obscures your face are prohibited. Medical/surgical masks are allowed.
As little as possible. There is no secure storage available at the Pavilion, and anything you bring with you must be carried at all times. Items that are expressly prohibited include, but are not limited to: weapons of any kind (real or replica), alcohol, illegal drugs/substances, glass containers, cans, hard sided/large coolers, large or oversized bags/back-packs, laser pointers, animals (except service animals) and fireworks. A full list of venue guidelines can be found here.
Over the summer. Diplomas are not given out on stage because final grades are not submitted until the end of May. You will receive an email from the Registrar’s Office in early June confirming your graduation, as well as where you would like it shipped – keep an eye on your inbox!
Please email us at commencement@massart.edu, we are more than happy to help.
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