The Best Art Museums and Galleries in Boston, Massachusetts

Boston in Massachusetts is a city where history and art intertwine to create a cultural haven for visitors. If you’re seeking to explore the vibrant art scene and immerse yourself in the city’s creative culture, you've come to the right place. In this article I have listed all the best museums, galleries and art events in Boston, to help you plan your visit and time in the city.

Boston is home to an impressive array of art museums, galleries, and immersive experiences that cater to all artistic tastes. From the renowned Museum of Fine Arts and the enchanting Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum to the captivating art galleries scattered throughout the city, there is no shortage of opportunities to admire exquisite masterpieces and discover emerging talent.

For more art museums and art galleries to visit beyond Boston, then please read my articles on Cape Cod and Connecticut or for art museums and galleries further afield, such as Washington D.C. or Las Vegas in the United States, or Lisbon and London in Europe, please read here.

1. Museum of Fine Arts Boston

The Museum of Fine Arts (MFA Boston) is a popular destination for visitors and residents of the city that attracts over 1 million visitors each year. It is one of the largest art museums in the world, with over 100 galleries and a collection of over 450,000 works of art from around the globe, ranging from ancient Egyptian treasures to contemporary masterpieces.

Visitors can use the MFA’s Collections Search to learn more about the works of art in question. The MFA has a rich collection of European paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts, including works by Rembrandt, Gerrit Dou, Peter Paul Rubens, Frans Hals, Anthony van Dyck, and Rachel Ruysch. The MFA also has one of the largest collections of Claude Monet’s work outside France.

The MFA’s Art of the Americas department studies, presents, and cares for the paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts made throughout North, Central, and South America. The department features galleries of art from Colonial Latin America, art made in Boston around the time of the American Revolution, and Native North American Art.

The MFA is also committed to presenting narratives, creative voices, and perspectives that it has historically underrepresented, including women and LGBTQ+ artists, Black artists and artists of color, self-taught and folk artists, and Indigenous and Latin American artists.

The MFA also has a Contemporary Art Collection, which includes works by artists such as Cindy Sherman, Jeff Koons, and Kara Walker.

2. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is housed in a beautiful Venetian-style palace and features an eclectic collection of art, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.

Established by famed art collector and philanthropist Isabella Stewart Gardner in 1903, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum offers visitors an arts and culture experience like no other. The museum’s personal collection reflects Gardner’s thirst for travel, a bohemian lifestyle, and the fine luxuries of ancient cultures. The museum’s bright and cozy setting, along with its fantastic collection, makes it one of the most popular museums in Boston.

The museum’s building itself is an architectural masterpiece, designed to resemble a 15th-century Venetian palace. It features beautiful gardens, cloisters, and a central courtyard filled with lush greenery, flowers, and tranquil water features.

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is home to a collection of over 7,500 paintings, sculptures, furniture, textiles, silver, and other decorative arts. The museum houses significant examples of European, Asian, and American art, including works by Sandro Botticelli, Titian, and Johannes Vermeer. The museum’s collection also includes paintings, sculpture, tapestries, and decorative arts.

3. Institute of Contemporary Art Boston

CC Image courtesy of Rhododendrites, Wiki Commons

The Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) in Boston (formerly named the Boston Museum of Modern Art) is dedicated to showcasing cutting-edge contemporary art.

The ICA’s waterfront location provides stunning views of Boston Harbor. Visitors can enjoy outdoor installations, sculpture gardens, and terraces that offer a unique perspective on the intersection of art, nature, and the urban environment.

The ICA presents a diverse range of contemporary art exhibitions, showcasing works by emerging and established artists from around the globe. These exhibitions often explore current social, political, and cultural issues, providing thought-provoking and immersive experiences.

The ICA’s permanent collection offers a diverse overview of national and international artworks in various media. The collection includes The Barbara Lee Collection of Art by Women, featuring 68 major works of 20th and 21st-century art and Paul Chan’s artwork “1st Light”, a projected digital animation lasting 14 minutes.

The museum’s building itself is a work of art. Designed by renowned architects Diller Scofidio + Renfro, the ICA boasts a striking contemporary design featuring a cantilevered glass structure that extends over the Boston Harbor. The building’s unique architecture adds to the overall experience of visiting the museum.

4. MIT Museum

The MIT Museum is an interactive museum that showcases the intersection of science, technology, art, and design.

The museum features a variety of exhibits that highlight cutting-edge research and technological advancements. These exhibits cover diverse topics such as robotics, artificial intelligence, holography, architecture, nanotechnology, and more. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits and displays, hands-on activities, and multimedia presentations that provide a deeper understanding of these fields.

The collections span various disciplines, including physics, computer science, engineering, architecture, and the arts. The Compton Gallery, located within the museum, hosts temporary exhibitions that showcase the work of MIT college students, faculty, and visiting artists.

5. Harvard Art Museums

The Harvard Art Museums are part of Harvard University and comprise three museums:

  • The Fogg Museum (established in 1895);

  • The Busch-Reisinger Museum (established in 1903);

  • The Arthur M. Sackler Museum (established in 1985);

The Harvard Art Museums’ collections feature European and American art from the Middle Ages to the present day. The museums have one of the largest and most renowned collections of art in the United States, with over 250,000 objects ranging from ancient art, including Greek and Roman sculpture and coins to contemporary works from artists such as Kara Walker, Doris Salcedo, and Ai Weiwei.

The museums’ permanent collections include works by artists such as Mark Rothko, Jackson Pollock, and Winslow Homer. The collections also include Western paintings, sculpture, decorative arts, photographs, prints, and drawings from the Middle Ages to the present day. It also includes artworks from Asia, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean, including Chinese jades, Persian and Indian paintings and drawings.

6. The Harvard Museums of Science & Culture

The Harvard Museums of Science & Culture (HMSC) is a partnership of four Harvard museums that coordinate captivating programming, permanent galleries, and dynamic rotating exhibits. Here are the updated museums that make up HMSC:

  1. Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments: This museum showcases exhibits on scientific instruments and their history. Visitors can explore the evolution of scientific practices and technological advancements through the display of various instruments.

  2. Harvard Museum of Natural History: Combining historic exhibits from the University’s vast collections with new and changing multimedia exhibitions, the Harvard Museum of Natural History offers a comprehensive exploration of the natural world. It covers topics such as biodiversity, geology, and the evolution of life on Earth.

  3. Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near East: The Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near East features artifacts from ancient civilizations of the Near East. Visitors can delve into the rich history, cultures, languages, and religions of ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Israel, and other regions.

  4. Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology: The Peabody Museum focuses on human cultures and the natural world. Its exhibits showcase archaeological artifacts and ethnographic materials, offering insights into the diversity of human civilizations throughout history.

HMSC invites visitors of all ages to connect with Harvard University’s distinctive collections and vital research on human civilizations, biodiversity, and the history of Earth and science. With a variety of exhibits and programs, the museums aim to provide engaging experiences for all visitors.

7. The Warren Anatomical Museum

The Warren Anatomical Museum is part of Harvard Medical School and features a collection of medical artifacts and specimens. It also has exhibits on the history of medicine and medical education.

The Warren Anatomical Museum is one of the last surviving anatomy and pathology museum collections in the United States. It is housed within Harvard Medical School’s Countway Library of Medicine and was founded in 1847 by Harvard professor John Collins Warren, whose personal collection of 160 unusual and instructive anatomical and pathological specimens now forms the nucleus of the museum’s 15,000-item collection.

The museum’s collection includes objects significant to medical history, such as the inhaler used during the first public demonstration of ether-assisted surgery in 1846 and the skull of Phineas Gage, who survived a large iron bar being driven through his brain.

8. Boston Athenaeum

The Boston Athenaeum is a member-supported library, museum, and cultural center that everyone is invited to join.

Founded in 1807, it is one of the oldest independent libraries in the United States. The Athenaeum’s mission is to engage all who seek knowledge by making accessible the library’s collections and spaces, thereby inspiring reflection, discourse, creative expression, and joy.

The Athenaeum’s holdings currently include over 600,000 volumes, and the collections’ strengths focus on Boston and New England history, biography, British and American literature, as well as fine and decorative arts.

The Athenaeum’s art collection includes works by John Singer Sargent, Winslow Homer, and Gilbert Stuart. It also has a collection of over 1,000 photographs, including works by Ansel Adams and Edward Weston and a map collection that includes over 200,000 maps and atlases, including a map of Boston from 1722.

The Athenaeum offers a range of programs, including book clubs, gallery talks, concerts, and panel discussions. Visitors can also explore the Athenaeum’s art and architecture, including countless sculptures, paintings, and art pieces.

9. The Sports Museum

The Sports Museum is located in the TD Garden. It features a variety of exhibits that highlight the achievements, iconic moments, and stories of Boston’s sports teams and athletes. These exhibits cover a wide range of sports, including baseball, football, basketball, hockey, and more. Visitors can explore memorabilia, photographs, interactive exhibits and displays, and multimedia presentations that bring the history of sports to life.

The Sports Museum organizes special events, programs, and presentations that engage sports enthusiasts and fans. These events often feature guest speakers, panel discussions, athlete appearances, providing opportunities for interaction and deeper insights into sports history.

10. Boston Tea Party Ships And Museum

CC Image courtesy of Jules Verne Times Two, Wiki Commons

This museum is dedicated to the history of the Boston Tea Party, a key event in the American Revolution. It features interactive exhibits and a replica of one of the ships involved in the Tea Party.

The Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum is a popular attraction in Boston that offers visitors a multi-sensory experience that includes live actors, interactive exhibits, and full-scale replica 18th-century sailing vessels. Visitors can take part in an interactive museum tour and re-live the battle and events with live actors, 3D holograms, and replica ships.

11. Museum Of Science

The Museum of Science is a popular science museum located on the waterfront in Boston. It features exhibits on a wide range of scientific topics, including space exploration, engineering, and biology. The museum also has a planetarium and an IMAX theater.

The museum has a variety of permanent exhibits that showcase science and technology, including the Hall of Human Life, the Engineering Design Workshop, and Arctic Adventure: Exploring with Technology. The museum also features a revolving schedule of temporary exhibits that cover a wide range of topics, from the science of Pixar Animation Studios to the history of vaccines. Visitors can also experience the wonders of the universe in the Charles Hayden Planetarium, which offers a variety of shows that explore the stars, planets, and galaxies.

The museum’s Mugar Omni Theater features IMAX films that transport viewers to new worlds and offer a unique cinematic experience. Whilst the virtual exhibits allow visitors to explore the displays from an entirely new angle, including the virtual engineering exhibit and the Blue Wing exhibit.

12. USS Constitution Museum

The USS Constitution Museum is located in the Charlestown Navy Yard and is dedicated to the history of the USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world. The USS Constitution, often referred to as Old Ironsides, was a wooden-hulled, three-masted frigate of the United States Navy.

It features a collection of artifacts, artworks and exhibits that tell the story of the ship and its crew.

13. The New England Aquarium

The New England Aquarium is a public aquarium located on the waterfront in Boston. It features a wide range of marine life, including fish, sharks, sea turtles, and penguins, and offers educational programs and exhibits for visitors of all ages.

The highlight of the aquarium is the four-story Giant Ocean Tank, which is a re-creation of a Caribbean coral reef that holds more than 700 animals in its myriad caves and crevices. Visitors can see thousands of tropical creatures great and small, including turtles, stingrays, eels, and colorful fish.

The aquarium features a variety of interactive exhibits that allow visitors to learn about marine life and conservation efforts. Some of the exhibits include the Edge of the Sea touch tank, the Shark and Ray Touch Tank, and the Science of Sharks exhibit. Whilst, the aquarium’s IMAX theater offers a variety of films that explore the wonders of the ocean and marine life.

Visitors can also participate in animal encounters, where they can get up close and personal with animals like penguins, sea lions, and harbor seals.

14. Boston Children’s Museum

The Boston Children’s Museum is located in the Seaport Area of Boston and is a fun and educational attraction that offers a variety of exhibits and programs for children and families.

The museum has three floors of exhibits that are designed to encourage hands-on play and discovery. The exhibits are created for every age and interest, and they invite children and families to play, explore, and create. Some of the exhibits include the Construction Zone, where children can build and create with a variety of materials, and the KidPower exhibit, which teaches children about healthy living.

The museum offers a variety of programs that expose children to science, art, performing arts, cultures, and movement.

15. The Mary Baker Eddy Library

The Mary Baker Eddy Library is dedicated to the life and work of Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of Christian Science. It features exhibits on her life and teachings, as well as a research library, rare books and archives.

The Mapparium is a three-story stained-glass globe that allows visitors to stand inside a globe depicting the world of 1934. It is one of the main attractions of the library.

The library holds the archive of the letters and manuscripts of Mary Baker Eddy, but it contains other exhibits as well. The collections include letters, manuscripts, and other materials that document the life of Mary Baker Eddy, the church that she founded, and more.

The Research Room is open Monday-Thursday, 11am - 3pm and no appointment is necessary during normal research hours. Visitors can learn more about the collections, read accounts of Mary Baker Eddy from those who knew her, and view a variety of materials.

Boston’s Historic Houses

Boston is home to many historic houses and landmarks that offer visitors a glimpse into the city’s rich history. Many of these buildings and landmarks are located in Beacon Hill, an historic neighborhood in Boston that is easy to reach.

These house can be considered a form art in themselves, with their unique architectural features and styles that reflect the time period in which they were built.

Visitors can explore the architectural features, artifacts, and stories associated with each house, gaining a deeper understanding of Boston’s cultural heritage and the individuals who shaped its past.

Here are some of the most popular historic houses in Boston:

Otis House Museum

The Otis House Museum is a historic house museum that showcases the life and times of Harrison Gray Otis, a prominent lawyer and politician in the early 19th century. Visitors can explore the beautifully restored rooms and learn about the architectural and social history of the period.

Paul Revere House

The Paul Revere House is the oldest house in downtown Boston and was the home of Paul Revere, a famous silversmith and patriot. Visitors can take guided tours of the house to learn about Revere’s life, his role in the American Revolution, and experience the atmosphere of a colonial-era home.

The Old State House

The Old State House is a historic building that played a significant role in American history. It was the site of the Boston Massacre and served as the seat of the Massachusetts government in the 18th century. Today, it houses a museum where visitors can explore exhibits about Boston’s colonial past and the events leading up to the American Revolution.

Old South Meeting House

The Old South Meeting House is a historic building that played a pivotal role in the events leading to the Boston Tea Party. It was a gathering place for colonists to discuss and protest British policies. Visitors can explore the meeting hall, learn about the Tea Party and other historic meetings, and engage with interactive exhibits.

The Gibson House Museum

The Gibson House Museum is a well-preserved Victorian townhouse that offers visitors a glimpse into Boston’s upper-middle-class life during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Guided tours provide insights into the family history, architecture, and the cultural and social aspects of the period.

Nichols House Museum

The Nichols House Museum is a historic townhouse that reflects the elegance and style of Boston’s Beacon Hill neighborhood during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Guided tours allow visitors to explore the family’s extensive collection of art, furniture, cultural artifacts, and learn about the lives of the Nichols family and their contributions to the arts and society.

Longfellow House Washington’s Headquarters

The Longfellow House was the home of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and also served as George Washington’s headquarters during the Revolutionary War. This National Historic Site offers guided tours where visitors can explore the beautifully preserved rooms, admire the gardens, and learn about the significant historical figures who resided there.

African Meeting House

The African Meeting House is the oldest surviving black church building in the United States. It served as a gathering place for Boston’s African American community during the 19th century. The African Meeting House houses the Museum of African American History, which is dedicated to preserving, conserving, and accurately interpreting the contributions of African Americans in New England from the colonial period to the 19th century.

Visitors can explore exhibits that highlight the history, culture, and contributions of African Americans in Boston, as well as attend educational programs and events.

William Hickling Prescott House

The William Hickling Prescott House is a historic house museum that is currently not open to the public. However, visitors can still appreciate the exterior architecture and learn about the significance of the house from the outside. It was the former residence of William Hickling Prescott, a renowned American historian.

Best Art Galleries in Boston

Boston has several art galleries. These galleries offer a diverse range of art and cultural experiences, and are great places to visit for both locals and tourists. Here are some of the best art galleries in Boston, each of them has free admission:

Krakow Witkin Gallery

The Krakow Witkin Gallery is a contemporary art gallery located in Boston’s South End neighborhood. The gallery features works by emerging and established artists, with a focus on painting, sculpture, and photography.

Anderson Yezerski Gallery

The Howard Yezerski Gallery is a contemporary art gallery located in Boston’s SoWa district. The gallery features works by local and international artists, with a focus on painting, sculpture, and photography.

Vose Galleries of Boston

The Vose Galleries of Boston is a fine art gallery located in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood. The gallery features works by American artists from the 18th century to the present day, with a focus on painting and sculpture.

Gallery NAGA

Gallery NAGA is a contemporary art gallery located in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood. The gallery features works by emerging and established artists, with a focus on painting, sculpture, and photography.

Samsøn

Samsøn is a contemporary art gallery located in Boston’s South End neighborhood. The gallery features works by emerging and established artists, with a focus on contemporary art in all media, including painting, sculpture, video, and performance

Massachusetts Art Museums Outside Boston

For art museums a little further away, here are some art museums in Massachusetts, but outside of Boston:

  • Peabody Essex Museum - Salem, MA: It is one of the oldest continuously operating museums in the United States and holds one of the major collections of Asian art in the United States. The museum contains world-renowned collections of art and architecture, immersive experiences, and a 200-seat auditorium.

  • Clark Art Institute - Williamstown, MA: The Clark Art Institute is an art museum and research institution located in Williamstown, Massachusetts. Its collection consists of European and American paintings, sculpture, prints, drawings, photographs, and decorative arts from the fourteenth to the early twentieth century. The Clark, along with the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) and the Williams College Museum of Art (WCMA), forms a trio of art museums in the Berkshires. The institute also serves as a center for research and higher learning.

  • Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) - North Adams, MA: MASS MoCA is a contemporary art museum located in North Adams, Massachusetts. It is one of the largest centers for contemporary visual and performing arts in the country. The museum features a variety of exhibitions, performances, and events throughout the year.

  • Worcester Art Museum - Worcester, MA: The Worcester Art Museum is located in Worcester, Massachusetts. Its collection includes over 38,000 objects, ranging from ancient to contemporary art. The museum features a variety of exhibitions, educational programs, and events throughout the year.

  • The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art - Amherst, MA: The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is a museum dedicated to the art of picture books located in Amherst, Massachusetts. The museum features a variety of exhibitions, educational programs, and events throughout the year. Eric Carle was the creator of the well known children’s book “The Very Hungry Caterpillar”.

  • Norman Rockwell Museum - Stockbridge, MA: The Norman Rockwell Museum is dedicated to the art of Norman Rockwell located in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. The museum features a variety of exhibitions, educational programs, and events throughout the year.

  • Smith College Museum of Art - Northampton, MA: The Smith College Museum of Art is located in Northampton, Massachusetts. Its collection includes over 25,000 objects, ranging from ancient to contemporary art. The museum features a variety of exhibitions, educational programs, and events throughout the year.

There are also several art museums and galleries in Cape Cod to explore.

These museums offer a diverse range of art and cultural experiences, and are great places to visit for both locals and tourists alike.

Art Festivals in Boston

Art festivals in Boston take place in various settings, such as outdoor parks, galleries, museums, or dedicated festival grounds. They attract artists, art enthusiasts, and the general public who come together to appreciate and participate in artistic activities.

There are several of the best art festivals in Boston, which include:

The Boston Arts Festival

The Boston Arts Festival is an annual event, held at Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park, that showcases Boston’s visual and performing arts community and promotes Boston’s Open Studios program. Here is some information about the festival:

The original Boston Arts Festival was held at Boston’s Public Garden between 1952 and 1964 and is credited with democratizing access to the fine arts in Boston. It was revived in 2003 as a one-day event, intended to launch Boston Open Studios and the 2003 performing arts.

The Boston Arts Festival is now a weekend-long festival that features a wide variety of arts and high-end crafts, including painting, photography, ceramics, jewelry, sculpture, and live music.

The 2023 Boston Arts Festival takes place on September 9th and 10th at Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park. Admission to the festival is free.

The Boston College Arts Festival

The Boston College Arts Festival is an annual event that celebrates the arts and brings the Boston College community together. The Boston College Arts Festival has been held annually for 25 years.

The festival features a variety of events, including live music, dance performances, theater productions, and art exhibitions. Visitors can also enjoy craft sales, arts and crafts on the quad, and other family-friendly activities

The festival takes place in April on the Boston College campus in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.

Misson Hill Arts Festival

The Misson Hill Arts Festival is a series of exciting summer events that bring people together to enjoy various art forms and engage in conversations with artists, festival collaborators, and the audience. The festival showcases both established and emerging artists, offering a wide variety of styles and creating a vibrant atmosphere.

The festival takes place at The Yard, located at 1481 Tremont St. in Boston on various dates in June, July, and August.

Boston International Fine Art Show

The Boston International Fine Art Show is an annual event that showcases traditional and contemporary fine art from over 40 galleries across the United States.

The Boston International Fine Art Show has been held annually (except in 2020-21) since 1996 at The Cyclorama, Boston Center for the Arts, located at 539 Tremont Street in the South End of Boston. The 25th anniversary of the Boston International Fine Art Show will take place in October 2023.

Mayfair in Harvard Square

The Annual Mayfair in Harvard Square is a popular springtime festival that takes place in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

The Mayfair in Harvard Square has been held annually since 1985 and is a celebration of spring. The festival features live music, street performers, family-friendly activities, and sidewalk sales.

Admission to the festival is free.

South Boston Street Festival

The South Boston Street Festival is an annual event that takes place in South Boston, Massachusetts.

The South Boston Street Festival has been held annually for over 20 years and takes place on East Broadway between I and L Streets. The 2023 event is taking place in September.

The festival features two stages with live musical acts, over 100 neighborhood merchants, restaurants, artists, and non-profit organizations. Visitors can enjoy food, drinks, and shopping while listening to live music and exploring the local community.

Notable Art Styles Associated with Boston Artists

Boston has been home to many artists who have contributed to various art movements. Here are some notable works or styles of art associated with Boston artists:

  • John Singleton Copley: Copley was a portrait painter who was active in Boston in the 18th century. He is known for his realistic and detailed portraits of prominent figures of his time, such as Paul Revere and Samuel Adams.

  • The Boston School: The Boston School was a group of painters who were active in Boston in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They were known for their realistic and tonal paintings of everyday life, often featuring working-class people and urban scenes. Some of the most notable artists associated with the Boston School include Edmund Tarbell, Frank Benson, and William Paxton.

  • Abstract Expressionism: Abstract Expressionism was a movement in American art that emerged in the 1940s and 1950s. Several Boston artists, such as Jack Tworkov and Joan Snyder, were associated with this movement and created works that were characterized by their gestural brushstrokes and emphasis on the process of painting.

These artists and movements have made significant contributions to the art world and have helped to shape the cultural landscape of Boston and beyond.

I hope you have found my list of the best art museums and galleries in the Boston useful. If you have visited any of these places, I would love to hear your thoughts or if you feel one of your favourites is missing from the list, please email me and let me know at sarahransomeart@gmail.com.

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