Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Tucked away behind the MFA, it'd be easy to miss the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and that would be a shame. Housed in the former home of its namesake, the museum is a gorgeous sprawl of lush...
Published by Christina M. More

Tucked away behind the MFA, it'd be easy to miss the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and that would be a shame. Housed in the former home of its namesake, the museum is a gorgeous sprawl of lush courtyards surrounded by works of art becoming of such a beautiful home. You won't find tons of big names here (although the huge John Singer Sargent painting alone is worth the visit), but what you will find is a lovely collection worth spending an hour or so visiting. Perfect for a sunny afternoon when you can just sit and admire the beauty around you.
Published by Christina M. Less

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is like visiting some art-loving person's crowded, huge house that happens to have a big garden inside. In fact that's what you're visiting, and it is really...
Published by Alison P. More

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is like visiting some art-loving person's crowded, huge house that happens to have a big garden inside. In fact that's what you're visiting, and it is really cool. You can go through the whole thing in an hour, but give yourself more time to relax by the courtyard and pause to talk to the employees. The security guards here seem to love working here and are full of trivia, especially about the famous art heist in the early 90s (the spaces on the wall where those pieces hung are still empty - very creepy). Fabulous outdoor gardens in warmer weather. Try to come when it's less crowded - there's a lot to look at in rather small spaces, and the whole place feels holy.
Published by Alison P. Less

House museums are my absolute favorite type of museum. An Italian courtyard in the middle of Boston -- who couldn't love that. They occasionally have concerts here, and they have a lovely gift ...
Published by Annabella G. More

House museums are my absolute favorite type of museum. An Italian courtyard in the middle of Boston -- who couldn't love that. They occasionally have concerts here, and they have a lovely gift shop (not sure about a cafeteria). As per the terms of Gardner's will, the collection remains displayed as it always has been (this is sad, of course, since the empty frames sit where the paintings were stolen some years ago). It's unfortunate that the location on the E line is somewhat inconvenient, and parking in this area can be really challenging. This museum is a perfect way to spend an afternoon!
Published by Annabella G. Less

The first thing that will strike you as odd is this place has practically no signage. There are no placards describing each work of art, and sometimes, it's impossible to tell who the artist was...
Published by Michael G. More

The first thing that will strike you as odd is this place has practically no signage. There are no placards describing each work of art, and sometimes, it's impossible to tell who the artist was unless you're in the know. This can work in two ways. Hopefully, it allows visitors to open their minds and see the art for thsemselves rather than through someone else's interpretation and narrative. Alternatively, it could backfire, and you could be stuck with the art historian snob who won't shut up about their incredible knowledge of the work. Then, you can't just point to a placard to silence them. Either way though, this museum is top-notch. It's the perfect place to go on a daytime date and has a gorgeous garden.
Published by Michael G. Less