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Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

280 Fenway
Boston, MA 02115
Phone: (617) 566-1401
Fax: (617) 566-7653
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Cross Street:
Huntington Avenue
Best of Citysearch:
Budget Date Spot 2008
Hours:
Tue-Sun 11am-5pm

Message from Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Art in an artful setting

  • 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.

Paid advertisement by Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.

Editorial Review for Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum – by Citysearch Editors

The Scene
Start your tour by studying 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, Bostonians visit as often for the music series, the flower-filled courtyard, the excellent cafe and a series of fascinating programs with visiting artists.

The Collection
The art, gathered in large part with the assistance of art historian Bernard Berenson, 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.

Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.

Insider Tips

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.

User Reviews for Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

10/07/2007 Posted by broker77

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.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

11/06/2002 Posted by cinortiz15

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is one of the best museums I have been in a long time, its beauty and ambience is exquisite!

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Editor's Review

A collection of works by European masters assembled by one of Boston's most remarkable figures.  See the full editorial review.

Insider Tips

When to Go

Fridays at the Gardner feature free guided tours which begin at 2:30pm.

More Insider Tips

Visual Arts Location Information

Admission

  • $5-$12

Smoking

  • No

Audio Tour

  • Yes

Parking

  • Pay lot
  • Street

Venue Type

  • Museum

Hours

  • Tue-Sun 11am-5pm

Dress Code

  • Casual

Payment Types

  • American Express
  • Gift Certificate
  • MasterCard
  • Visa
  • Discover

Recognition for Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

2008 Editorial Winner - Budget Date Spot

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