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Evocative of a 15th-century Venetian palace, this museum houses a world-class art collection.
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Reviews — 8
This is a wonderful museum. I had never heard of Isabella Stewart Gardner or her museum before, but what a gem my wife found. From the very start of the display area you're entering a beautiful emmersive space. There are great works of art throughout, and they're arranged beautifully, exactly as she had intended.
There is a few audio tour accessible with your phone through the website, and my one recommendation would be to bring headphones to make that part of the experience easier. Also be prepared that it can get petty crowded at times. It was much very after we moved off the first floor, but just know that that is something you'll have to navigate.
There is a few audio tour accessible with your phone through the website, and my one recommendation would be to bring headphones to make that part of the experience easier. Also be prepared that it can get petty crowded at times. It was much very after we moved off the first floor, but just know that that is something you'll have to navigate.
I love the tapestries, but this museum has something for everyone (and if you’re into Christian iconography, it has a LOT). Much of the gallery remains the same, but the plants and flowers in the courtyard are always changing and they frequently have exhibitions of socially impactful art. Highly recommend.
And if you aren’t familiar with the art heist that happened here in 1990, it’s worth a read
And if you aren’t familiar with the art heist that happened here in 1990, it’s worth a read
This is the one museum, that I have been trying to visit for awhile now. It was well worth the wait. Stunning architecture, beautiful art and amazingly beautiful esthetics. The flowers and gardens were some of my favorites, as I am a nature lover. Must visit, if you've never been.
A wonderful place to take in works of art, flowers and gardens, a charming cafe, and more. The tapestries were the favorite for several in our group; mine was the Italian Renaissance paintings. Tickets are reasonable (you reserve a time), and the staff is friendly (unless they're on guard duty) and helpful. There are 4 stories, the stunning inner courtyard, and plenty of restrooms. Easily toured in a couple of hours, though you can stay longer and really soak things up.
Amazing palace with art all over! Amazing garden in the courtyard of the palace. Great John Singer Sargent paintings and an impressive early modern collection. Quite crowded on weekends. Definitely buy tickets ahead of time.
Really enjoyed my visit here. We stopped after seeing a baseball game and it was a great way to relax at the end of the day. There is so much to see here. The four stars is because they have all the signs for information on their website or audio but it would have been nice to have some things labeled as what they are. Not everyone has phones with unlimited batteries and you definitely need it in here. The collection is amazing but unless you are glued to your phone the entire time you will get no information. There also is absolutely nowhere to sit. So many rooms I would have loved to sit in and take things in or maybe look up a piece or two in the room but that’s never an option. The only other complaint I have is the first guard as I walked in. He was rather rude saying he thought they were sold out. They weren’t. We were in jeans. Not something I thought would matter but we chose to go on a day that it was free and for some reason there were a lot of people in incredibly fancy prom type dresses. Perhaps prom or graduation? We didn’t get the memo to wear ball gowns. Still a beautiful place to see. Just perhaps dress up a bit and do your homework on what is there before you go.
One of my all time favorite museum experiences, I have been three or four times over the past several years. I highly recommend scanning the QR codes in each room to learn about the collection, and going on a weekday if possible since it does get crowded. You must reserve tickets in advance but this ensures no wait when you arrive. Isabella had great taste— and what makes me recommend this museum above others in Boston, is that you feel her personal touch.
