Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (Boston) - Visitor Information & Reviews

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and its collection

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The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, located in Boston, Massachusetts, is a unique institution dedicated to the preservation and display of European and American art. The museum was founded in 1903 by Isabella Stewart Gardner, a prominent art collector and philanthropist. The museum's collection, which spans various periods and styles, is a testament to Gardner's passion for art and her commitment to sharing it with the public.

The Collection at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum houses a diverse collection of over 2,500 objects. These include paintings, sculptures, furniture, fabrics, architectural elements, drawings, silverware, ceramics, illuminated manuscripts, rare books, photographs, and letters. The collection spans various periods and regions, from ancient Rome, medieval Europe, the Italian Renaissance, Asia, the Islamic world, to the 19th century in France and America. This wide range of artifacts reflects the broad interests of its founder, Isabella Stewart Gardner.

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Visitor information Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Opening hours

Monday	11:00 – 17:00
Tuesday	Closed
Wednesday	11:00 – 17:00
Thursday	11:00 – 21:00
Friday	11:00 – 17:00
Saturday	10:00 – 17:00
Sunday	10:00 – 17:00

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Admission

0 – 17	Free
65+	$20.00
Adults	$22.00
Members	Free
Students	$15.00

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Facilities

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Location & Map

Evans Way 25, Boston

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Exhibitions

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Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Reviews

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum has 2 ratings.

Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston is a highly regarded cultural institution that offers visitors a unique blend of art, architecture, and history. Located in the Fenway-Kenmore neighborhood, this museum houses an impressive collection of European, Asian, and American art spanning various periods.

Many visitors appreciate the museum's intimate and personal atmosphere, as it was once the private residence of its namesake, Isabella Stewart Gardner. The building itself, modeled after a 15th-century Venetian palazzo, is considered a work of art. The central courtyard, filled with vibrant plants and flowers, is often described as a peaceful oasis within the city.

The museum's collection includes paintings by renowned artists such as Rembrandt, Botticelli, and John Singer Sargent. Visitors frequently comment on the eclectic mix of artworks and decorative objects, which are displayed in a manner that reflects Gardner's personal vision rather than traditional museum curation.

One aspect that adds intrigue to the museum's history is the infamous art heist of 1990, where 13 valuable pieces were stolen and remain unrecovered. The empty frames left in place serve as a poignant reminder of this unsolved mystery.

While many visitors find the museum captivating, some note that the dimly lit rooms, intended to preserve the artworks, can make viewing certain pieces challenging. Additionally, the lack of informational placards next to artworks can be frustrating for those who prefer more context, although audio guides are available to provide background information.

The museum also receives praise for its contemporary wing, which hosts rotating exhibitions and provides a contrast to the historical main building. Many visitors appreciate the juxtaposition of old and new.

Overall, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum offers a rich and immersive art experience that goes beyond a typical gallery visit. Its unique presentation and historical significance make it a noteworthy destination for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

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barry isaac • Aug 25, 2024

On my last cultural holiday in Boston,I spent a delightful day at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Art Museum.What I like the most about the Isabella Stewart Gardner is its splendid Italian Palazzo Interior and its awesome Italian Medieval Period Paintings produced in the 14th Century..Giulano Da Rimini's"Virgin and Child Enthroned With Saints was a fine start to my study of Italian Medieval Paintings that day.Other late Medieval Painters with impressive paintings on display at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Art Museum included Giotto("Presentation of Christ in Temple"),Simone Martini("Virgin and Christ Child"),Andrea Vanni,Bartolomeo Bulgarini,Ambrogio Lorenzetti,Bernardo Daddi,Lorenzo Veneziano,and Niccolo de Pietro Gerini("Saint Anthony Abbot").I also saw awesome Italian Renaissance Period Paintings by Fra Angelico,Giovanni Dei Paolo, Sandro Botticelli,Raphael,Piero Dela Francesca("Hercules"),Francesco Pesellino,Gentile Bellini,Bacchiacca and ,Andrea Montegna worthy of attention. Since there isn't any labelling of the works of Art produced by these Medieval and Italian Renaissance Period Masters at this art museum,I suggest researching these painters ahead of your visit.

Visited on Jun 16, 2024
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Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and its collection

The Collection at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Images of Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Visitor information Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

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Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Reviews

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