Welcome to our informative article on the best museums to visit in Boston, MA! If you’re planning a trip to this historic city, you won’t want to miss out on the rich culture and incredible exhibits offered by its many museums. From art and history to science and technology, Boston’s museum scene has something to offer everyone. Whether you are a local resident or travelling from afar, strap in for an exciting journey as we take you on a tour of the must-see museums in Boston!
The Must-See Museums in Boston MA
Boston is a city rich in history and culture, and it’s no surprise that the city is also home to some of the best museums in the world. These museums offer visitors the chance to explore the city’s past, present, and future through fascinating exhibits, collections, and interactive experiences. Here are some of the must-see museums in Boston MA:
The Museum of Fine Arts
The Museum of Fine Arts is one of the most popular museums in Boston MA. It houses over 500,000 works of art from around the world spanning 5000 years of history. The museum’s collection includes ancient Egyptian artifacts, Impressionist paintings, contemporary art, and much more. Additionally, the museum also features special exhibits throughout the year including art from emerging artists and cultural celebrations.
The museum also offers a variety of programs, concerts, and special events for visitors of all ages. They have special family-friendly programs to engage young visitors and help them learn about the collection through a variety of activities and games.
The Harvard Museum of Natural History
The Harvard Museum of Natural History is a must-see for anyone interested in the natural world. The museum has a vast collection of preserved specimens from around the world, including a 42-foot-long Kronosaurus and specimens collected by famous explorers such as Charles Darwin. The museum also has exhibits on gems and minerals, biodiversity, human origins, and much more.
Families with young children will enjoy the museum’s hands-on exhibits and activities that encourage learning through exploration. The museum also offers lectures, workshops, and special events throughout the year.
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is known for its stunning collection of European and American art, including works by Rembrandt, Michelangelo, and Raphael. A highlight of the collection is the museum’s three-story Venetian-style palazzo, which houses the galleries and a beautiful courtyard garden that visitors can explore.
The museum also offers visitors a variety of programs throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, and special events. Visitors can take guided tours of the galleries or explore the collection on their own using the museum’s interactive guide.
The Boston Children’s Museum
The Boston Children’s Museum is a must-see for families visiting Boston. The museum offers a wide range of hands-on exhibits and activities designed to educate and engage children of all ages. Exhibits include a Japanese House, a construction zone, a science playground, and much more.
The museum also offers special programs and events throughout the year, including music and dance performances, storytime, and hands-on workshops. Visitors can also participate in daily, family-friendly programs led by the museum’s expert staff.
The New England Aquarium
The New England Aquarium is located on Boston’s waterfront and is home to over 20,000 animals representing more than 600 species. The aquarium features a giant ocean tank that houses a variety of marine life, including Myrtle the Turtle, an 80-year-old sea turtle who has lived at the aquarium since 1970.
The aquarium also offers visitors a variety of interactive exhibits and hands-on activities, including touch tanks where visitors can get up close with sea creatures like starfish and horseshoe crabs. Additionally, visitors can participate in behind-the-scenes tours, harbor cruises, and other special events throughout the year.
No trip to Boston would be complete without a visit to these must-see museums. Each museum offers a unique experience that will provide visitors with an unforgettable educational and cultural experience.
The Museum of Fine Arts
Overview of the Museum
If you are a lover of art, then the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston should be on your bucket list. The museum is home to over 500,000 works of art that span over 5,000 years of history. This makes it one of the most comprehensive art museums in the world. The collection includes American art, Asian art, ancient Egyptian art, and much more.
The Museum of Fine Arts is not just a place to view art, but it is also an educational institution in itself. It has an extensive research library with over 320,000 books and documents, which is open to visitors who hold a research card. The library is a valuable resource for art historians, scholars, and students.
Exhibitions and Events
The Museum of Fine Arts hosts numerous changing exhibitions throughout the year. These exhibitions offer visitors an opportunity to see rare and valuable pieces of art. The exhibitions cover a wide range of topics and themes, from Ancient Greece to contemporary art. Some exhibitions feature works from the museum’s extensive collection, while others feature works on loan from other art institutions around the world.
The museum also hosts events throughout the year that are designed to engage visitors of all ages. These events can be lectures, workshops, family programs, and more. Some events are free, while others require a fee or reservation.
Visitor Information
The Museum of Fine Arts is located at 465 Huntington Avenue in Boston. It is easily accessible by public transportation and has parking available in the garage underneath the museum. The museum is open seven days a week, with extended hours on Wednesday and Friday. Admission fees vary depending on age and residency status. Visitors should check the museum’s website for the most up-to-date information on admission fees and hours.
If you are planning to visit the museum, it is recommended that you set aside at least two to three hours to explore the collections. The museum has several cafes and restaurants where visitors can grab a bite to eat or a cup of coffee. The gift shop is also a great place to purchase souvenirs and other art-related items.
The Museum of Fine Arts is truly a gem of Boston’s cultural scene. With its diverse collection and engaging exhibitions and events, it offers something for everyone, from art enthusiasts to casual visitors. Whether you are a local or a tourist, a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts is an experience not to be missed.
The New England Aquarium
The New England Aquarium is a must-visit destination for marine life enthusiasts and families vacationing in Boston, Massachusetts. Boasting a wide variety of exhibits and events, the aquarium provides visitors with an unforgettable experience that showcases the diverse aquatic life that thrives off the New England coast.
Overview of the Aquarium
The New England Aquarium features a vast array of marine life exhibits that display marine creatures from various aquatic environments. Visitors can witness a rare vivacious sea turtle, an endemic blue lobster, and a colossal octopus up close! One of the main attractions is a giant ocean tank that has more than 2,000 animals, including Myrtle, the 90-year-old sea turtle, and several types of sharks. Visitors can witness frequent animal training demonstrations where the animals showcase their talents and provide insightful information about their behavior and habitat. Don’t forget to visit a whole colony of African Penguins that will make you homesick for their natural environment!
Exhibitions and Events
Beyond its permanent collection, the aquarium hosts various events and special programs throughout the year. One of the major highlights is the IMAX® Theater, where visitors can experience extraordinary underwater adventures in 3-D on New England’s largest screen. Additionally, visitors can attend animal encounters, where they can touch starfish or horseshoe crabs under the watchful eye of a knowledgeable animal curator. These programs and events allow visitors to learn and interact with marine life in a way that enhances their understanding of the ecosystem in general.
Visitor Information
The New England Aquarium is located at 1 Central Wharf in Boston, Massachusetts by the Boston Harbor. The aquarium is open seven days a week, and ticket prices vary depending on age and preferred type of experience. You can check online or at the aquarium’s booth for a schedule of shows and programs during your visit.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Boston and are looking for an exceptional experience, make sure to put the New England Aquarium on your to-do list. Witness the diverse range of aquatic life, learn about their habitat, and participate in the various programs to make your visit even more memorable.
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Overview of the Museum
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is a must-visit museum for art lovers. The museum is located in Boston, Massachusetts and showcases an impressive collection of art from various cultures and periods, including European, Asian, and Islamic art. The museum is set up in a stunning Venetian-style palace that was once the home of its founder, Isabella Stewart Gardner.
Isabella Stewart Gardner was known for her love of the arts and amassed a collection of over 2,500 objects ranging from paintings, sculpture, furniture, textiles, decorative objects and more. She designed the museum to look like a Venetian palazzo and installed the works she had collected in the galleries.
The museum has a unique layout, with rooms opening up into gardens, staircases leading visitors from one level to another, and a breathtaking courtyard garden that is a tranquil escape from the city.
Exhibitions and Events
The museum houses both permanent and temporary exhibitions that are worth exploring. The permanent collection includes works by renowned artists such as Titian, Rembrandt, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Botticelli. The temporary exhibitions offer a chance to view contemporary works as well.
Apart from exhibitions, the museum hosts a range of events throughout the year. Live music performances, lectures, and other special events add to the appeal of the museum and draw visitors from all over the world. Some popular events include Art After Dark, Third Thursdays, and concerts in the courtyard.
Visitor Information
The museum is located at 25 Evans Way, Boston, MA 02115, United States. The museum is closed on Tuesdays, and admission fees vary depending on age and residency status. Adults pay $15, students with ID pay $5, while seniors (65+) pay $10.
If you plan to visit the museum, it is advisable to book in advance as tickets can sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons. Visitors are not allowed to bring backpacks, large bags, food, or drink into the museum. Photography is not allowed inside the museum but is permitted in the courtyard.
Overall, The Isabella Gardner Museum is a must-visit museum in Boston for art lovers, history buffs, and anyone seeking a unique cultural experience. From its stunning Venetian-style palace to its impressive collection of art, this museum offers visitors a chance to escape into the worlds of different cultures and periods.
The Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum
Overview of the Museum
The Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum is an interactive museum located on 306 Congress Street, Boston, MA. It provides visitors with a first-hand experience of the historic event that took place in Boston’s harbor in 1773. The museum is designed to take visitors back in time to understand how and why the Boston Tea Party occurred. Visitors can participate in an immersive exhibit that puts them in the event that made history.
The museum has two full-size replica ships that played a central role in the Boston Tea Party. Visitors can board the ships, view original artifacts, learn about the history of the Tea Party, and explore multimedia presentations.
Exhibitions and Events
The Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum is known for its immersive exhibit that provides visitors with the opportunity to throw tea overboard, just as the colonists did in 1773. The event is narrated and facilitated by live performers, and visitors are encouraged to participate as patriots. The museum also features various galleries that focus on the Tea Party, colonial life, and the events that led to the American Revolution. These galleries showcase a range of historical artifacts including documents, costumes, and artwork. Additionally, the museum has a gift shop that offers souvenirs, books, and historical literature.
The museum also offers educational programs for schools and groups. School-age visitors can participate in interactive programs that are designed to be fun and engaging while also teaching them about the historical significance of the Boston Tea Party. Professional development workshops and teacher resources are also available to help educators design curriculum plans that align with national standards.
Visitor Information
The Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum is open seven days a week, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Admission fees vary depending on age and residency status. They offer many types of discounts, so be sure to check their website for the latest information. Visitors can purchase tickets online in advance to avoid long lines and ensure their spot for the immersive experience.
In summary, The Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum is a destination that everyone should visit, especially those interested in American History. The museum’s interactive experiences make it a place to not only hear about past events, but also relive them as patriots. With its immersive exhibits, educational programs, and gift shop, it is a must-see attraction in Boston, MA.