Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
(617) 963-0519
280 The Fenway
(at Huntington Avenue)
Boston,
MA
02115
42.3388
-71.0988
Neighborhoods: Fenway/Kenmore, Medical Center Area
Hours:
Tue-Sun 11am-5pm
Last updated 6.24.09
What People Are Saying About Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
The Owner
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Owner
Isabella Stewart Gardner first welcomed visitors to her museum on New Year's Day, 1903. On that evening, guests listened to the music of Bach, Mozart and Schumann, gazed in wonder at the courtyard full of flowers and viewed one of the nation's finest collections of art.
Today, visitors experience much of the same thing. The Gardner Museum has remained essentially unchanged, but certainly not stagnant, since its founder's death in 1924. Three floors of galleries surround a garden courtyard blooming with life in all seasons.
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
Study the famous Sargent portrait of Mrs. Gardner, museum namesake and locally renowned art patron--it conveys the sense, sensuality and force of character that led her to assemble her striking collection and the palace to house it, and to ensure in her will that no one could ever second-guess her. Besides the art, visit often for the music series, the flower-filled courtyard, the excellent cafe and programs with visiting artists. The art represents an impressive collection of Italian Renaissance (Titian, Botticelli) paintings as well as French, German and Dutch masters. One of Mrs. Gardner's well-represented favorites was Degas, and the museum owns the first Matisse to enter an American collection.
Photo by Christine Liu
User Reviews
Raina413
April 17, 2009
When you want to look at art & surround yourself in beauty but don't have the energy to do a full day walking around a museum, taking on multiple galleries, rest easy at the Gardner. Each room is an inspiraton and loaded with gorgeous and spectacular paintings, anitiques and relics that appeal to the eye but at the same time you won't be overwhelmed. Even if you just want to sit overlooking the courtyard garden the entire time you're here, it is time wellspent.
read full reviewAnonymous
November 16, 2007
Really cool museum. It's really cool to see what one woman has amassed as her own personal collection. The garden on the inside is amazing. The whole place is beautiful. Worth your time and money if you have a chance to go.
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broker77
October 07, 2007
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum has always been a favorite of mine since I first discovered it in the eighties. The building's architecture is just as impressive s the artwork itself. I love the multi levels and the views of the landscaped courtyard. This is a great place to spend a rainy day.
read full reviewThe Details on Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
One of Boston's Best:
Nominated for the best spot Where Art Meets Love because it combines the art of sculpting, color and use of design with the romance of flowers and the ambrosial outdoors in a quietly amorous atmosphere.
Hint:
Travel upstairs and snag a bird's-eye-view of the garden from one of the many windows overlooking it.
When to Go:
Fridays at the Gardner feature free guided tours which begin at 2:30pm.
Save Money:
$12; $10 seniors; $5 students ($3 college students, Wednesday); members and children under 18 free. All named "Isabella" admitted free. $2 off admission for visitors wearing Red Sox paraphernalia.
Know Before You Go:
John Singer Sargent's portrait of Mrs. Gardner was judged so scandalous that it was withdrawn from public view until after her death.
The Extras:
On the third Thursday of every month from 5pm-9pm, the museum hosts "Gardner After Hours," featuring live music and cocktails.
Save Money:
$12; $10 seniors; $5 students; members and children under 18 free. All named "Isabella" admitted free for life. $2 off admission for visitors wearing Red Sox paraphernalia.
The Extras:
On the third Thursday of every month from 5:30pm-9:30pm, the museum hosts "Gardner After Hours," featuring live music and cocktails.
Category:
Museums, Gift Shops, Stationery Stores
Payment Methods:
Gift Certificate, American Express, Discover, Visa, MasterCard
Smoking Permitted:
No
Message from Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
- Raphael, Rubens and Rembrandt
- Music performances
- Educational tours
Isabella Stewart Gardner first welcomed visitors to her museum on New Year's Day, 1903. On that evening, guests listened to the music of Bach, Mozart and Schumann, gazed in wonder at the courtyard full of flowers and viewed one of the nation's finest collections of art.
Today, visitors experience much of the same thing. The Gardner Museum has remained essentially unchanged, but certainly not stagnant, since its founder's death in 1924. Three floors of galleries surround a garden courtyard blooming with life in all seasons.
