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Academics
Commencement
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.
Information for Guests
MassArt’s 2025 Commencement Ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 22, 1pm at the Leader Bank Pavilion, a beautiful open-air venue on Boston’s Seaport waterfront.
We look forward to celebrating this momentous occasion with the graduates, their loved ones, and the MassArt community.
Tickets
Tickets are required for all guests, but there’s no guest limit, and tickets are completely free. More information about reserving tickets will be coming in May.
Venue Information
ENTRY & SECURITY
- Guests should be prepared for bag checks and metal detectors
- We recommend arriving early and bringing minimal belongings
BAG POLICY
- Clear bags only (12″ x 6″ x 12″ max size)
- Clutch bags up to 6″ x 9″ (do not need to be clear)
- Diaper bags are allowed but subject to search
- Stroller parking will be available
Transportation
- Public transit is encouraged – we recommend using MBTA’s Trip Planner
- From South Station, take the Silver Line Waterfront to the World Trade Center stop (1 block from venue)
- Paid parking is available nearby
- Accessible drop-off is located at the Pavilion entrance
Lodging
- Book accommodations in Boston’s Seaport District
- Discounted guest lodging is available at MassArt’s TreeHouse Residence Hall
2025 MassArt Commencement Speaker, Honorary Degree and Godine Award Recipients
Honoring Creative Visionaries
This year’s ceremony will feature an inspiring address from Brian Collins (MassArt alumnus and co-founder of the globally acclaimed design firm COLLINS), who will also receive an honorary degree. A trailblazer in branding and innovation, Collins has led creative work for Spotify, Disney, Nike, and more, and has been a driving force in making design a catalyst for business and social transformation.
We are also honored to award honorary degrees to:
Hank Willis Thomas, internationally renowned conceptual artist and creator of The Embrace monument on Boston Common, whose work centers themes of identity, history, and civic engagement.
Maria Rosario Jackson, PhD, cultural policy leader and former Chair of the National Endowment for the Arts, recognized for her decades of work advancing the arts as essential to community health and equity.
The Morton R. Godine Medal will be presented to Peter Nessen, a longtime public servant and MassArt Trustee whose career reflects an enduring commitment to education, the arts, and public service.
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.
Celebrate From Anywhere
Can’t attend in person? No problem!
The ceremony will be live-streamed right here at massart.edu/commencement on the day of the event so friends and family near and far can celebrate the Class of 2025 together.
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