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Photo: Biruitorul, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Not your typical museum experience. Modeled after a 15th-century Venetian palazzo, the museum displays Mrs. Gardner's evocative home as it was when she lived here. She collected many masterworks, unappreciated at the time, and displayed them in a most unconventional manner. The juxtaposition of artworks from different cultures and time periods still delights visitors today. While the museum contains works by famous artists like Rembrandt and Velazquez, the main attraction is not in any particular work, but in how each room is laid out: not only the paintings and tapestries, but also the furniture and architecture in every corner of the building are valuable works of art. Gardner's will stipulates the works of art must remain in her original arrangement. This is the reason one wall remains blank, after an unbelievable art heist in early 1990. Thirteen pieces were stolen, valued at over $500 million dollars; the works of art remain missing to this day.
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is an art museum in Boston, Massachusetts, which houses significant examples of European, Asian, and American art. Its collection includes paintings, sculpture, tapestries, and decorative arts. It was founded by Isabella Stewart Gardner, whose will called for her art collection to be permanently exhibited "for the education and enjoyment of the public forever."
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MFA
As the fourth largest museum in the US, the Museum of Fine Art is known for its impressive assortment of French Impressionist paintings as well as its extraordinary collection of ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman art. The MFA also has one of the largest collections of Japanese art outside of Japan. A new modernist Art of the Americas Wing was completed in 2010, architected by Norman Foster. A visitor could simply rush through the highlights in a few hours, or linger all day and take it all in properly. The museum also has a great collection of early American art, including the portrait of George Washington used on the dollar bills you might find in your wallet right now.
Countway Library of Medicine
This small exhibition is tucked away on the 5th floor of Harvard Medical School's Countway Library of Medicine. It was designed by Mr. Warren in the mid 1800s to teach his medical students about anatomy. The real highlight here—among the charts, specimens and 19th century medical instruments—is the skull of Phineas Gage. Phineas improbably survived 12 years after a large iron bar was driven through his brain.
Shattuck Visitor Center
Offering walking and cycling tours throughout The Fens, the Muddy River, and other points of interest along this section of the Emerald necklace. See the calendar of events for specifics.
Your basic giant urban multiplex theater, gets all those first run films. Pretty clean, concessions, popcorn, games, the works. Some parking in the attached garage, discounted with a valid movie ticket from that day.
Jordan Hall
Catch a performance at the oldest independent school of music in the United States. The New England Conservatory of Music is renowned for its instruction in string, woodwind, and brass instruments. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1994, Jordan Hall—along with Symphony Hall—are considered two of America's most acoustically perfect performance spaces. Often used as a concert hall for NEC students and faculty, the BSO will perform in this space as well.