Both New Yorkers and those from other parts of the country often think of Boston as America's intellectual epicenter. Even more than in Harvard's classrooms, the "Athens of America" heritage is palpable at the best museums. It may be discovered by tourists in the galleries of Boston's awe-inspiring institutions.
Whether visitors choose to see exhibitions that are large or tiny, specialized or general, artistic or scientific, modern or ancient, ugly or beautiful, they will leave each one with a piece of this city's unending brilliance embedded in their bones. These are the most impressive museums to visit when tourists plan a trip to Boston.
10 Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
There are many things to see at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Both the inside and outside of the Gardner Museum are stunning to behold for visitors.
The structure itself is a magnificent piece of Venetian architecture from the 15th century, and it seems like it was built only yesterday.
There are approximately 7500 works of art on display within, including paintings and sculptures created by renowned painters like Botticelli and Titian.
The Gardner is a particularly remarkable destination to see since it has so many points of interest and so much history.
9 Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
The events leading up to the American Revolution are brought to life at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum via the use of costumed performers, interactive displays, and other high-tech and multimedia effects.
Guests of the museum are transported back in time to the night of December 16, 1773, when the Sons of Liberty had a tea party in Boston Harbor, sparking the American Revolution, throughout the course of their hour-long tour of the museum and ships.
8 Museum Of Science
This museum goes above and beyond to provide a fun and instructive environment for kids, with plenty of opportunities to get their hands dirty, explore the scientific world around them, and learn a new culture when traveling.
The Charles Hayden Planetarium features IMAX films and multimedia events, and the Mugar Omni Theater, which is five stories tall, is also worth seeing.
Huge windows at the museum's rear provide breathtaking views of the Charles River, and visitors may also enjoy a wide selection of refreshments (including pizzas from Wolfgang Puck) and souvenirs.
7 Paul Revere House
Visit the home of the famous Patriot's Midnight Ride. The Paul Revere House, found on a winding, small lane in Boston's North End, is the city's oldest surviving building, having been constructed in 1680.
The modest Tudor-style house with two stories made of wood is one of the most interesting stops on the Freedom Trail, a self-guided walking tour of sites in Boston related to the American Revolutionary War.
Paul Revere House was renovated to look like it did when silversmith Paul Revere and his family resided there in the late 18th century.
6 Institute Of Contemporary Art
In addition to being located in a magnificent structure that makes the most of its harborside setting, the Institute of Contemporary Art is home to an extraordinary collection of great contemporary art shows that change on a regular basis.
The psychedelic sculptures of Raul de Nieves and the must-see collection of iconic photos by Deana Lawson, some of which have been notoriously memorialized on modern album covers, are currently on show at an exhibition that is currently open. It is imperative that guests make reservations for their tickets in advance!
5 John F. Kennedy Presidential Library And Museum
The Kennedy family is inextricably linked to the history of Boston, and the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library encourages guests to develop a more in-depth understanding of John F. Kennedy, one of the city's most well-known native sons.
After her husband's assassination, Jackie Kennedy established a sizable museum dedicated to John F. Kennedy to honor her late husband's legacy as one of the cities of Boston's most illustrious inhabitants.
This edifice, which features a spectacular architectural style, is home to antiques and mementos that span John F. Kennedy's childhood all the way through his tenure in the White House.
4 USS Constitution Museum
The USS Constitution, sometimes known as "Old Ironsides," is the oldest active commissioned battleship and is docked at the Charlestown Navy Yard.
Its museum is located at the end of the Freedom Trail and has hands-on exhibits and excursions about Boston's maritime past that are appropriate for visitors of all ages.
Guests should look up at the tall masts to get a feel for the size of this well-traveled ship, and then descend three decks via narrow stairs to see the captain's quarters.
3 Museum Of African American History
For the most comprehensive collection of Black history in all of New England, visit the Museum of African American History.
The MAAH has a unique emphasis on the contributions of Black men and women to Boston's history throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, while other museums in the city tend to concentrate on the city's early history.
The modest but powerful museum chronicles the contributions of the African-American population that flourished on the north slope of Beacon Hill throughout the nineteenth century, a time when they were instrumental in the advancement of the abolitionist and civil rights movements.
2 Old State House
At three hundred years old, the Old State House is both the oldest and most historically significant colonial edifice in the United States.
The museum should have hundreds of fascinating objects and a vast variety of historical papers from The Boston Society to ensure that visitors are captivated by their experience there.
It provides events and tours that are entertaining and engaging, as well as stunning period chambers that allow visitors to relive the drama and excitement of the American Revolution.
1 Museum Of Bad Arts
It is worth it to visit the Museum Of Bad Art. This is the only museum in the world whose mission is to acquire, show, and preserve works of poor art.
The Museum of Bad Arts, or (MOBA) as it is more often known, is a non-profit institution and one of the few free museums in Boston. MOBA is a cultural center for New England that opened in the basement of a private home.
They take audiences from all around the world through the precious collection of terrible works of art.