04/17/09

sanctuary & artistic retreat extraordinaire

by Raina413

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.

• Pros: any day here is a happy one
• Cons: can't think of any

10/07/07

Everbody that lives in MA should visit this museum at least once!

by Brokerinbeantown

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.

10/05/06

A collection of works by European masters, housed in a Venetian palace, assembled by one of Boston's most remarkable figures.

by Contributor

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

The perfect spot for a romantic interlude or a hand-held stroll, this lush indoor garden stays constantly in bloom.

by Contributor

The Scene
Modeled after the 15th century palaces of Venice, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum's courtyard is lined on three sides with large archways complete with stone windowsills (posing as benches and front row garden seats). A black and white mosaic patio acts as the centerpiece and stone-fish-fountains, dirt pathways and verdant green plants make up the garden. A four-story glass ceiling successfully brings the outdoors inside.

What to Look for
Depending on the time of year, the garden displays many greeneries, including freesias, azaleas, hydrangeas, cape primrose, chrysanthemums, poinsettias and cyclamen.

Extras
The flowers are grown in the Museum's on-site greenhouses and are shown throughout the museum and in the courtyard. The only downside is that you can't actually walk through the courtyard; you can only admire from the periphery.

11/06/02

A women with class!!

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!

08/03/02

Not your typical museum

by jane_doe2

This isn't a place to roam halls and marvel at the exhibitions. It is a place to go and absorb the ambiance and the feeling that you are visiting a slice of heaven. There's something very peaceful and unique about this museum and it's on my list of must-see again if I ever return to Boston.

• Pros: Overall atmosphere, Serene + stimulating, Breathtaking courtyar
• Cons: Little pricy