Photo courtesy City of Lowell

LOWELL — Two hundred photographs showing the best sides of Lowell are on display at City Hall in celebration of the City’s bicentennial, and residents and visitors alike are invited to stop by and view the collection.

The exhibit, “200 Photos for 200 Years,” will remain on display in the City Hall lobby until the end of the month.

The exhibit features images of historic landmarks, defining moments in the City’s past and scenes from everyday life in Lowell across the decades.

The collection was curated by the Lowell Bicentennial Committee in collaboration with the Office of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (CASE). Earlier this year, the committee issued a public call for submissions, and the final selections were made by a review committee.

The exhibit is part of Art in City Hall — an ongoing series of monthly art shows featuring local artists and galleries since 2023.

“This exhibit shows Lowell through the eyes and lenses of those who live and work here, and it’s a great way to celebrate our City during this historic year,” said City Manager Thomas A. Golden, Jr. “I want to thank the Bicentennial Committee, CASE, and the residents who shared their photos to help make this exhibit possible.”

Mayor Erik Gitchier congratulates the winners of the Winterfest Bakery Showcase — Sugar Sparks Bakery. (Photo Courtesy City of Lowell)

The exhibit opened Tuesday during a ceremony at City Hall that also recognized winners of several contests held during Winterfest.

Mayor Erik Gitschier and Director of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Peter Crewe presented awards to the following winners:

Bakery Showcase
Sugar Sparks Bakery – First Place
Good Thymes – Second Place
Olympos Bakery – Third Place

Richard Rourke Memorial Soup Competition

Judge’s Award
Laos Thai Kitchen – First Place
FORK Included – Second Place
Trem Caipira – Third Place

People’s Choice
Purple Carrot Bread Co. – First Place
FORK Included – Second Place
Laos Thai Kitchen – Third Place

Scavenger Hunt
The Ghost of Poe Returns – First Place
McHatton Maniacs – Second Place
The Campbell Cats – Third Place

Snow Relay Race
Worthen Cafe – First Place
Latinx C0mmunity Center of Empowerment – Second Place
Lowell Hip Hop Festival – Third Place

Youth Mural Competition
Greater Lowell Technical High School Team A – People’s Choice
Greater Lowell Technical High School Team A – First Place High School
YouthBuild Lowell – Second Place High School
CTI Youth Advisory Board – Third Place High School
Greater Lowell Technical High School Team X – Honorable Mention High School
Girls Inc. – First Place Middle School
Refuge Lowell – Second Place Middle School
Lowell Community Charter Public School – Third Place Middle School
Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell – Honorable Mention Middle School

“Lowell is a city built by its people, and this exhibit reflects the heart of our community,” said Mayor Erik R. Gitschier. “I want to thank everyone who submitted photos and shared their perspective on life in Lowell – your contributions help us celebrate our past, our present, and the people who make this city special. I encourage all residents and visitors to come see your city through these remarkable images.” 

For a full schedule of events and more information about Lowell’s bicentennial celebration, which will continue throughout the year, visit lowellma200.org.

For more information on Art in City Hall, visit: likelowell.com/art-in-city-hall