Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Tours and Activities

Photo provided by Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Photo provided by Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum


A world-renowned private collection of art and cultural treasures awaits at this small yet lavish museum.

Step inside this Venetian-styled mansion and share in the vision of one of America’s most passionate art collectors. The Isabella Gardner Museum houses an impressive collection of paintings, furniture, textiles and photographs. Allow at least two hours to take the journey across the ages of art, from ancient Rome to contemporary times. Enjoy masterpieces by famous artists, including a portrait of Gardner by John Singer Sargent. Other artists exhibited include Matisse, Botticelli, Degas, Rembrandt and Titian.

The museum is a tribute to Isabella Stewart Gardner, one of the best-known women in Boston society at the turn of the 20th century. A philanthropist, art collector and patron of the arts, Gardner established the museum in 1903. The building is as much a part of the attraction as the art inside. Its design was inspired by the opulent 15th-century palaces of Venice. In 2012, a modern wing was completed to house the museum’s ever-expanding collection, as well as classrooms for performance and educational programs.

Gardner spent years arranging her collection into themed rooms such as the Yellow Room, the Spanish Cloister and the Little Salon. Most rooms look out upon the central courtyard, offering tranquil views of  trees and seasonal flowering plants. In 1990, the museum fell victim to one of the greatest art heists in history. Look for the empty picture frames in some of the rooms, left hanging in the hope that one day the masterpieces will be returned. 

Pull up a chair at Café G and sample dishes from historical recipes dreamt up by Gardner. The museum’s gift store is well stocked with souvenirs and original crafts.

Check out the museum concert program, which features performances by local and visiting artists and ensembles. The museum also runs symposiums and horticultural tours and classes.

The Isabella Gardner Museum is in Boston’s Fenway-Kenmore neighborhood. The museum is open Wednesday through Monday, and closed for some holidays. Admission is a small fee, and free for anyone named Isabella.

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Hyatt Regency Boston/Cambridge

Hyatt Regency Boston/Cambridge

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The Verb Hotel

The Verb Hotel

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Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Back Bay/Fenway

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Things to do near Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

At the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as guided museum tours, scenic walks around the beautiful grounds, and photography tours to capture the stunning artworks and architecture. Nearby, sports events and theatrical performances add to the cultural experience, making it a perfect destination for a well-rounded visit.

Shopping

The nearest shopping option is The Games People Play, located 1.6km from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, offering a variety of games and toys. Harvard Square and Boston Public Market are both 4.8km away, featuring diverse shops and local goods. If you're up for a drive, explore further shopping centres nearby.

Recreation

At MGM Music Hall at Fenway, enjoy vibrant concerts that uplift your spirit, located 966m from the museum. For sports enthusiasts, Agganis Arena, 1.6km away, offers thrilling events. For relaxation, visit Larz Anderson Park, 4.8km from the museum, providing a serene environment for wellness and leisure.

Adventure

Explore the Irish Heritage Trail, located 4.8km from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, for a scenic hiking experience amid lush landscapes. For winter sports, head to Blue Hills Ski Area, 14.5km away, or enjoy thrilling water sports at Courageous Sailing Center, also 4.8km from the museum.

Nightlife

Near the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the Coolidge Corner Theatre offers a charming atmosphere with a mix of culture and romance just 1.6km away. The nearby Charles Playhouse and Wilbur Theatre, both 3.2km away, also provide engaging performances perfect for family entertainment and a lively night out.

Find the best attractions near Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

While visiting the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, you can explore nearby historic colleges and universities, urban parks, and event venues. This area offers a rich cultural experience, perfect for families and city explorers alike. Don't miss the chance to delve into the museum's stunning collections and gardens, and consider nearby attractions to enhance your visit.

  • Fenway Park: Experience the charm of one of the oldest ballparks in Major League Baseball. Fenway Park is an iconic venue where you can catch a Red Sox game and soak up the vibrant sports culture and history that surround this beloved stadium, located 966m from the museum.
  • TD Garden: A bustling hub for major events, TD Garden hosts everything from concerts to sports games. With its modern amenities and electric atmosphere, it’s 4.8km away and perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in Boston’s dynamic entertainment scene.
  • Boston Common: As America’s oldest public park, Boston Common offers a picturesque setting for relaxation and recreation. Located 3.2km away, it’s an ideal spot for families to enjoy outdoor activities amidst the city's greenery and historic charm.

Best time to go to Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Visitor numbers around Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum falls in July, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January30.0°F (-1.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February31.5°F (-0.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
March37.9°F (3.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April48.2°F (9.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May58.5°F (14.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June66.6°F (19.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July73.6°F (23.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August72.7°F (22.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
September65.7°F (18.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
November44.4°F (6.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December36.3°F (2.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

For a budget-friendly visit to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, consider exploring nearby free attractions like Boston Common and Harvard University. The best time to visit is from December to February for lower accommodation prices, especially on Tuesdays. Use Expedia to find eco-certified hotels, compare rates, and consider booking a package that combines your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Remember to check for cheap hotel options, availability, and reviews to secure the best deals.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May and September to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Take advantage of Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, preferred location, and ideal hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodations currently available. To find the best prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation for the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.