Top 10 Boston Museums
View Boston through the lens of history: learn about its connection to the American Revolution, the War of 1812, and the gaining of American independence. Interact with state-of-the-art science exhibits, and tour 18th century mansions. Touring these Boston museums will help you reconnect with our turbulent and triumphant American history.
- JFK Presidential Library and Museum
- Boston Children’s Museum
- Museum of Fine Arts
- Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
- Gibson House Museum
- MIT Museum
- Sports Museum of New England
- Harvard Museum of Natural History
- U.S.S. Constitution Museum
- Old South Meeting House
One cannot think of Boston without thinking of the Kennedys. This legendary family is Boston born and bred. Our beloved ex-president John F. Kennedy is commemorated in this extensive library and museum bearing his name. Housing official state records, gifts of state, and even a White House Diary, the JFK Presidential Library and Museum will give you insight into that most fascinating of Boston families: the Kennedys, and in particular, the one that took our country’s center stage and won the heart of millions. For more about one of the most important museums in Boston go to: http://www.jfklibrary.org/.
Children and adults alike find the Boston Children’s Museum entertaining and engaging. Check out their interactive exhibits and learn through experience! Children will like Johnny’s Workbench and the Recycle Shop. Adults may find the bright colors and fun, enticing learning stations refreshing. For more about the most fun of Boston museums go to: http://www.bostonchildrensmuseum.org/index.html.
The MFA houses one of the largest art collections in the country. In particular, the Museum of Fine Arts has the most extensive Japanese art collection in the world – excluding Japan. View the Egyptian art, Chinese art, and 18th –19th century American art, highlights of the collection. For more about the MFA go to: http://www.mfa.org/.
This fine art museum possesses a beautiful, elegant courtyard and garden. Resembling a 15th century Venetian palace, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum houses over 2,500 art pieces including sculpture, furniture, rare books, photographs, ceramics, and illuminated manuscripts. Don’t miss this important Boston museum! For more information please visit: http://www.gardnermuseum.org/index.asp.
The Gibson House Museum is a historic rowhouse built between 1859 and 1860. It serves as a time capsule of life in Boston in the mid-19th century. View authentic period furnishings, china, décor, and intact mechanical systems – like the coal-fired furnace and ventilator shaft. For more about this Boston treasure go to: http://www.thegibsonhouse.org/index.asp.
At the MIT Museum, technology is made accessible through various interesting exhibits and demonstrations. Sponsored by one of the leading science institutes in the country, the MIT Museum showcases cutting edge research and innovation. Watch a hologram being formed, or participate in an interactive robot-design demonstration. For more about one of the most technological Boston museums go to: http://web.mit.edu/museum/index.html.
Boston is a hot seat of athletic tradition and history. Birthing teams like the Celtics, Red Sox, Bruins, and the Patriots, Boston has a strong foothold in American sports. Tour the Sports Museum of New England to learn about Boston’s connection to these teams. In addition, the Sports Museum of New England honors the sports heritage of New England through its many unique exhibits. For example, Nancy Kerrigan – the legendary ice skater from Stoneham, Massachusetts – is commemorated here. For more about this entertaining and important museum go to: http://www.tdbanknorthgarden.com/sportsmuseum/.
Check out the “Glass Flowers” exhibit at the Harvard Museum of Natural History: lifelike representations of 847 plant species originally designed to teach botany. View 3 whale skeletons and the first triceratops ever discovered. The Harvard Museum of Natural History also possesses a significant collection of gems, minerals, and meteorites. For more about one of the top Boston museums go to: http://www.hmnh.harvard.edu/.
Visit the U.S.S. Constitution Museum and see – with your own eyes – “Old Ironsides!” Learn about her history in defending America during the War of 1812 against the British. Set foot on the authentic ship and participate in a tour of history. For more information about this most significant of Boston museums go to: http://www.ussconstitutionmuseum.org/index.htm.
Tour the house where the Boston Tea Party plan was hatched! One of the most historical museums in Boston, the Old South Meeting House takes you back in time with period reenactment and authentic detail. For more about this blast from the past go to: http://www.oldsouthmeetinghouse.org/default.aspx.