Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Tours

Photo provided by Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum showing interior views and heritage elements
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum featuring a garden and heritage elements
Photo provided by Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum featuring signage as well as a family


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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Best Lodging Options Near Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

citizenM Boston Back Bay

citizenM Boston Back Bay

4 out of 5
408 Newbury street, Boston, MA
citizenM Boston Back Bay
Hilton Boston Park Plaza

Hilton Boston Park Plaza

4 out of 5
50 Park Plaza, Boston, MA
Hilton Boston Park Plaza
The Arcadian Hotel

The Arcadian Hotel

3.5 out of 5
1200 Beacon St, Brookline, MA
The Arcadian Hotel
Copley Square Hotel, a FOUND Hotel

Copley Square Hotel, a FOUND Hotel

4 out of 5
47 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA
Copley Square Hotel, a FOUND Hotel
Sheraton Boston, a Marriott Hotel

Sheraton Boston, a Marriott Hotel

4 out of 5
39 Dalton St, Boston, MA
Sheraton Boston, a Marriott Hotel
Hyatt Regency Boston/Cambridge

Hyatt Regency Boston/Cambridge

4 out of 5
575 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA
Hyatt Regency Boston/Cambridge
The Verb Hotel

The Verb Hotel

3.5 out of 5
1271 Boylston St, Boston, MA
The Verb Hotel
The Revolution Hotel

The Revolution Hotel

3.5 out of 5
40 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA
The Revolution Hotel
Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Back Bay/Fenway

Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Back Bay/Fenway

3 out of 5
125 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA
Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Back Bay/Fenway
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

At the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including engaging sports and captivating theater performances nearby. One of the highlights is the opportunity to participate in photo tours, allowing guests to capture the museum's stunning architecture and art collections. With its unique blend of culture and creativity, the museum promises a memorable experience for all who visit.

Shopping

Located 2 miles away, John Lewis, Inc offers unique gifts and souvenirs. For a wider selection, visit Harvard Square and Boston Public Market, both about 3 miles from the museum, featuring local goods and delightful finds. If you're up for a drive, explore more shopping options further out.

Recreation

Experience live performances at MGM Music Hall at Fenway, just 0.6 miles from the museum, immersing yourself in vibrant entertainment. For sports enthusiasts, Agganis Arena, 1 mile away, offers thrilling events. Relax and unwind at Larz Anderson Park, 3 miles from the museum, surrounded by nature's tranquility.

Adventure

Explore the Irish Heritage Trail, a scenic hiking trail 3 miles from the museum, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. For water sports, visit the Courageous Sailing Center, also 3 miles away, offering thrilling sailing experiences. If you're into skiing, the Blue Hills Ski Area is 9 miles from the museum, ideal for winter sports.

Nightlife

Experience the charm of Coolidge Corner Theatre, just a mile away, for family-friendly films and romantic outings. Two miles from the museum, the Charles Hayden Planetarium offers a captivating night sky experience, while Wilbur Theatre hosts a variety of performances, blending culture and entertainment seamlessly.

Find the best attractions near Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is a cultural gem in Boston, offering visitors a blend of art and history. Nearby, you can explore historic colleges and universities, enjoy the tranquility of urban parks, and attend events at local conference venues. The museum itself is a must-see, showcasing unique attractions that cater to families and art enthusiasts alike. Don't miss out on the rich experiences waiting for you in and around this iconic destination.

  • Fenway Park: Experience the thrill of America's pastime at one of the oldest baseball stadiums in the country. Fenway Park offers an electric atmosphere, rich history, and a chance to catch a Red Sox game, making it a must-visit for sports enthusiasts.
  • Boston Common: Enjoy the lush greenery and vibrant atmosphere of Boston's oldest park. Ideal for families, Boston Common features walking paths, playgrounds, and seasonal events, providing a perfect escape in the heart of the city.
  • TD Garden: Home to the Boston Celtics and Bruins, this venue hosts major sporting events and concerts. Its modern design and bustling environment make it a prime location for both business events and entertainment.

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

To save money on your visit to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, consider traveling during the off-peak months from December to February, when accommodation prices drop. Sundays are typically the cheapest days to stay, unlike Saturdays which are more expensive. Use Expedia to find eco-friendly lodging and sort by price to find the best deals. Booking a package that includes flights and activities can further reduce costs. Don’t forget to join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and cashback on future bookings.

  • 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 Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you’re looking for. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly accommodations currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel stay near the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum with your flights and activities.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.