If youβve ever wanted to build something but didnβt have the experience, money, or space to get started, a makerspace might be a great option for you. Whether you live in Boston, Worcester, or the Berkshires, there are plenty of Massachusetts Makerspaces to join.
What is a Makerspace?
A makerspace is a community-oriented workshop where people can work on projects, share knowledge, and collaborate. Many spaces are equipped with a wide range of tools that may not be accessible to the average DIYer.
For an affordable monthly fee, makerspace members gain access to the workshop’s tools and resources. Most makerspaces offer training and workshops so members can collaborate and share knowledge about different tools, disciplines and skills. Makerspaces arenβt just for adults – many also offer programming geared towards kids and families.
Iβve compiled a list of Massachusetts makerspaces here for your reference. If youβre looking to begin making things or join a community of fellow creatives, I highly recommend you check out some of these organizations. Most offer tours and classes so you can get acclimated before committing to a membership.
Massachusetts Makerspaces
Artisan’s Asylum, Brighton
In a brand new state-of-the-art space, Artisans Asylum is an inclusive, non-profit community center that is home to workshops, artist studios, classes, and community events. In addition to sustaining memberships, they offer a wide range of classes from figure drawing to digital fabrication.
Boston Makers, Boston
This 1,000+ square foot makerspace in downtown Boston is filled with digital fabrication and crafting tools including a laser cutter, 3D printers, sewing machines, and more. While classes are currently paused due to the pandemic, Boston Makers offers affordable memberships for 24/7 access to the workspace.
Cambridge Hackspace, Cambridge
With its weekly project nights, community is at the core of Cambridge Hackspace. With an impressive inventory of tools, the makerspace can support nearly any type of project. Tools include a laser cutter, CNCs, sewing machines, woodworking tools, and more. Anyone and everyone is welcome in the workshop, and collaboration is highly encouraged.
Framingham Makerspace, Framingham
Located in the Saxonville Mills, Framingham Makerspace is home to a nice array of woodworking, metalworking, fiber arts tools, and more. The organization is centered on supporting the maker community and aims to be a place that encourages and enables members to build their dreams.
Hatch Makerspace, Watertown
An initiative of the Watertown Public Library, Hatch Makerspace is a free workshop open to anyone. In addition to basic crafting supplies, the space is home to electronics supplies, a laser cutter, sewing equipment, and a vinyl cutter.
Launchspace, Orange
At over 10,000 square feet, LaunchSpace in Orange is one of the largest makerspaces in Massachusetts. The space is home to several different studios including photography, pottery, woodworking, and more. In addition to general memberships, LaunchSpace offers classes for the general public. Adult and child classes are added frequently throughout the year, so be sure to check out their latest offerings often.
Lowell Makes, Lowell
Lowell Makes is dedicated to education, entrepreneurship, and engagement. They offer memberships for any type of maker, from the casual DIYer to the aspiring small business owner. In addition to the typical shops offered at most makerspaces, Lowell Makes has a shop dedicated to brewing & fermentation, bicycle repair, and media production. Their business incubator program is home to over a dozen local small businesses.
Make-It Springfield, Springfield
A multicultural home that inspires creativity and experimentation, Make-It Springfield provides space, tools, and vision, especially for low- and moderate-income individuals and families, to explore and work on creative projects. The non-profit organization offers some great programs that support the needs of the local Springfield community.
Makers Workshop, Maynard
Nestled in downtown Maynard, Makers Workshop is committed to sharing the tools, technology, knowledge, and inspiration to help you make your projects and ideas a reality. Serving as the backdrop for Michael and Brooke Denaultβs YouTube channel, the makerspace is home to many woodworking, metalworking, and digital fabrication tools. They offer virtual and in-person memberships for makers near and far.
Revolution Makerspace, Waltham
Revolution Makerspace is a space in Waltham where artists, inventors, craftspeople and entrepreneurs can collaborate, discuss, create, innovate, invent, connect, and receive access to the training and tools they need to transform their ideas into reality. Members have 24/7 access to the spaceβs many tools and equipment.
Technocopia, Worcester
Technocopia is a 12,000 square foot facility located in the Printers Building in Downtown Worcester. The non-profit organization is home to dozens of artisans, hobbyists, entrepreneurs and professionals. The makerspace is equipped with tools for a wide range of disciplines including woodworking, metalworking, textiles, glass flameworking, digital fabrication, and more.
Tinkerhaus, Newburyport
Tinkerhaus is a place where makers of all ages and skill levels can share tools, space, ideas and knowledge. With classes for children starting at Pre-K, Tinkerhaus is a terrific space for the youngest of makers. The space is equipped with a woodworking shop, fabric studio, and 3D printers.
