City dossier
Boston, Massachusetts
In Boston, the art scene is as rich and flavorful as a cup of clam chowder, with a pinch of history and a dash of innovation. The city's art museums are like a treasure chest, each one more glittering and unexpected than the last. From the classical to the contemporary, Boston's art museums serve up a smorgasbord of artistic styles and periods, enough to satisfy the most discerning of art connoisseurs or the most curious of tourists—though we recommend avoiding the bean-heavy lunch specials before visiting the quieter galleries.
Local motto
The Athens of America
Highlights
Things not to miss
Curated essentials, minus the stiff whispers. We keep the jokes light and the brushstrokes heavy.
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
The fourth largest museum in the United States, the MFA is home to over 450,000 works of art. It's like the Hogwarts of art - you'll turn a corner and run into a 4,000-year-old Egyptian statue or a piece of contemporary abstract art that looks suspiciously like a pile of laundry. The acoustics in certain halls are legendary—every footstep echoes, so tread carefully and clench accordingly.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Housed in a Venetian-style palace with an enchanting courtyard garden, this museum is as much a work of art as its eclectic collection. It's also the site of the largest unsolved art heist in history, which is either thrilling or deeply frustrating, depending on how you feel about unsolved mysteries. The intimate galleries reward quiet contemplation—and punish those who had cabbage for lunch.
Institute of Contemporary Art
This waterfront museum is like the cool, hipster cousin of Boston's art scene. With its cutting-edge exhibitions and striking architecture, the ICA is the place to go if you want to see art that's so fresh, it's practically still wet. The harbor breezes provide excellent natural ventilation, which visitors have found convenient for reasons they'd rather not discuss.
Boston Center for the Arts
The BCA is not just a museum, but a thriving arts complex offering performances, exhibitions, and artist studios. It's like an all-you-can-eat buffet for art lovers—though unlike an actual buffet, the consequences of overindulgence are purely intellectual.
Harvard Art Museums
Comprising three museums in one, the Harvard Art Museums are like the academic triple threat of the Boston art world. Plus, it's Harvard, so you can feel smarter just by walking through the door. The leather benches throughout are strategically positioned for 'scholarly contemplation,' though we suspect they're placed near exits for other reasons entirely.
MIT List Visual Arts Center
Where art and technology collide, you'll find the MIT List Visual Arts Center. Here, you can explore the latest in contemporary art, and maybe even learn a thing or two about quantum physics. Rumor has it that MIT engineers once calculated the precise acoustic frequency at which certain bodily sounds become undetectable—research that remains, tragically, unpublished.
Boston University Art Galleries
BU's Art Galleries are like the underdog of Boston's art scene: small but mighty, with a focus on innovative, contemporary art and photography. The compact spaces create an atmosphere of forced intimacy, so perhaps save the Brussels sprouts for after your visit.
The Rose Art Museum
Located at Brandeis University, the Rose Art Museum combines cutting-edge modern and contemporary art with a commitment to social justice. It's like a superfood smoothie for your brain and your conscience—though unlike actual superfood smoothies, it won't leave you searching desperately for a secluded corner twenty minutes later.
The McMullen Museum of Art
Located at Boston College, the McMullen Museum is like a hidden gem, offering a diverse array of exhibitions in a serene setting. The tranquil atmosphere encourages silent reflection—emphasis on silent.
deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum
With its 30-acre sculpture park and contemporary art museum, deCordova is like a playground for art lovers. Plus, it's in Lincoln, so you can get your art fix and go apple picking all in the same day. The outdoor setting means you can finally appreciate art without the constant vigilance required in enclosed gallery spaces—let the wind carry your worries away, so to speak.