Exploring Boston Museums
A trip to Boston wouldn’t be complete without a visit to either the Museum of Fine Arts or the Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum – two iconic galleries. But if you’re looking for a more unique museum experience, we have you covered too!
Museum of African American History
46 Joy Street | 617-725-0022
Just steps away from the Massachusetts State House, you’ll find the Museum of African American History, New England’s largest African American art and history museum. It is located in the former Abiel Smith School, which was opened in 1835 as America’s first public school for African American children. This museum offers exhibits, programs, and educational activities that explain authentic representations of life in the 18 and 19 centuries, and powerful stories of black families who advanced the cause of freedom.
If you’ve already checked out the MFA or Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum and are looking for more museums to see, then here’s a list of some interesting, lesser-known Boston museums to put on your radar.
Gibson House Museum
137 Beacon Street | 617-267-6338
Transport back to the mid-nineteenth to early-twentieth centuries inside this home in Back Bay. The Gibson House Museum, known as a time capsule of domestic life in these centuries, served as a residence to three generations of Gibson family members and staff between 1859 and 1954. You can take a guided tour of all 4 floors, which shows class and culture through the stories and artifacts of the Gibson family. Fun fact, this museum was also featured in 2019’s Little Women as Jo’s New York boardinghouse and publisher’s home!
The Sports Museum in TD Garden
100 Legends Way | 617-212-6814
You may just know TD Garden only for attending Celtics or Bruins games, but did you know there’s also a sports museum located inside the arena? The Sports Museum is located on premium levels 5 and 6 of TD Garden. It features a half-mile of exhibits celebrating the history and treasures of Boston sports and athletes. These tours last approximately an hour and are walk-in only! The museum also offers award-winning educational programs, such as Boston vs. Bullies, which uses sports to teach the values of leadership and respect to youth in the community.
The Boston Athenaeum
10½ Beacon Street | 617-227-0270
One of the oldest and most distinguished independent libraries in the U.S. and best kept secrets of Boston is located right by Boston Common. The Boston Athenaeum, founded in 1807, is a wonderful haven for readers, writers, and thinkers alike. This 12-floor establishment is a unique blend of a library, museum, and cultural center. You can explore over half a million books here, along with thousands of sculptures, paintings, art pieces, and more. If you’d like to make a visit, you can book a one-hour tour or a day pass!
And if you haven’t yet been to the MFA or the Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum, we’ve got you covered!
Museum of Fine Arts
465 Huntington Avenue | 617 267-9300
The Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston is a treasure trove of art spanning various cultures and periods. It’s known for its extensive collection, ranging from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary pieces. The museum holds paintings by renowned artists like Van Gogh, Monet, and Rembrandt, as well as an impressive array of sculptures, decorative arts, and textiles. If you get the chance to visit, it’s definitely worth exploring!
Isabella Stewart Gardner
25 Evans Way | 617-566 -1401
Just a few steps away from the MFA, this 15th-century Venetian-style three story palace boasts galleries surrounding an open air courtyard. This museum is also the scene of the 1990 heist which over 500 million in Art was stolen, including an original Rembrandt. This museum is renowned for its distinctive layout and the personal collection of its founder, Isabella Stewart Gardner, a prominent art collector and philanthropist.
