The Best Museums To Visit On A Trip To Boston

Art lovers looking for contemporary masterpieces should definitely check out ICA Boston. Located on the waterfront, ICA is an attention-grabbing art house that is spectacular inside and out. Originally named the Boston Museum of Modern Art, ICA has been a creative staple in this city since the late 1930s. Known for its grand display of radical art, thought-provoking cultural exhibitions, and lively events, ICA is part of the reason why Boston has such a revered art scene.

In general, ICA aims to foster artistic learning opportunities and connect people of all ages and walks of life with artwork highlighting the here and now. So, while visiting this great art institution, make sure to marvel at the latest and greatest works of art, peruse the many ongoing exhibits, see a film or two, and possibly check out an artist's talk. Stopping by this city gem is also a great afternoon activity that starts with a 10-minute ferry ride to the museum, accentuating Beantown's gorgeous waterfront, and allowing museumgoers the chance to truly examine modern or contemporary art.

Speaking of reenactors, Beantown visitors should also make it a point to stop by the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. Here, you can delight in guided tours, interactive exhibitions, and stunning full-scale ship replicas from the 18th century. But that's not all — museumgoers can also grab a front-row seat to watch the reenactment of yet another pivotal moment in American history. When America was nothing more than a mere 13 colonies, the Tea Party movement took a stand in direct opposition to Great Britain's taxation and tyranny.

Things came to a head in a sheer act of defiance, and 342 imported chests of tea were thrown into Griffin's Wharf in Boston on December 16, 1773. Today, Boston visitors can witness this very act and see with their own eyes just how frustrated the colonies were. Not only is this reenactment fun for all ages, but it is also an exciting way to bring history to life. And regardless of whether you are a maritime lover or a history buff, you definitely don't want to miss this rebellious display, so do yourself a favor and head on over to the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum when you are in town.

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is definitely a favorite for most visitors in Boston. This stunning Venetian palace is located in the center of it all and is a great addition to any visitor's itinerary. This house of art makes the list of the best museums in Boston thanks to its exquisite collection of American, European, and Asian works of art, including paintings, tapestries, sculptures, and so much more. Upon entering the main skylight courtyard here, visitors can take a lovely stroll through this lush garden-like space and enjoy all the foliage.

Inside the actual museum, which is actually a gorgeous 15th-century Venetian palazzo, visitors should take their time examining all of the unique works of art, especially "The Concert" by the Dutch painter Vermeer. "The Concert" is one of the most pricey pieces in this entire private collection, and it is definitely a sight to behold. Besides this world-renowned painting, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum has more than a few must-see eclectic masterpieces you should check out, including two iconic Rembrandt works — "The Storm on the Sea of Galilee" and "A Lady and Gentleman in Black."

Science fans should have the Harvard Museum of Natural History at the top of their must-see list when it comes to Boston museums. Attracting over five million inquisitive travelers a year, this incredible museum and world-leading scientific research center, has hundreds of galleries featuring rare gemstones, meteorites, and other unbelievable finds that span billions of years. In fact, just one look at the 42-foot-long Kronosaurus skeleton and you will be more than interested in further exploring this grand museum.

Located in Cambridge, only a hop, skip, and a jump away from Boston, Harvard visitors can easily make the less than 10-minute walk over to this spectacular attraction. Once there, you will likely need to dedicate at least a few hours to exploring this place fully to truly appreciate all that this great spot offers. After spending several hours in awe, you can head over to the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography. Admission to the Harvard Museum of Natural History also covers the entrance fee for the Peabody Museum, so visitors will be able to enjoy two wonderful museums for the price of one.

The Museum of African American History (MAAH) in Boston is just one more cultural institution that deserves a visit while in town. This great space is full of Black history (writings, arts, and artifacts), 19th-century exhibitions, educational events, and empowering programs that are important to Boston's past and American culture as a whole. MAAH also plays a key role in the continued efforts to preserve and highlight the contributions of African Americans in this country.

But that's not all — MAAH is so much more than just a building (or former schoolhouse) that houses the history of Black Bostonians from long ago. With several historical sites around the city, such as the African Meeting House and the Black Heritage Trail, MAAH offers everyone the chance to embark on a thought-provoking journey. By making it a point to check out the museum, walk along the trail, and tour many of the other significant sites, visitors can delve deeper into the "missing pages of history." So, Beantown explorers looking for the full picture of what it means to be a part of this nation should absolutely add this one to the itinerary.

Back in the heart of Boston, museum-goers can appreciate the same building where the Declaration of Independence was first read to the masses on July 18, 1776 — also known as the Old State House Museum. But, this is not this abode's only claim to fame, as the Old State House is the oldest surviving public building in the city. Suffice it to say that American history buffs are in for a real treat when visiting this Boston museum.

At the very center of civic life, before the American Revolution, the Old State House Museum was a simple regal-looking townhouse located on what would later be known as the Freedom Trail. Nevertheless, during the time of the American Revolution, several key historical moments also occurred just outside the Old State House Museum's door, like the Boston Massacre of 1770. Today, Beantown visitors can get a glimpse into Boston's turbulent past, view artifacts from this period, enjoy multi-sensory displays, and peer into rooms from long ago. That said, the best way to experience this museum is definitely via tour, so book early and get ready to be enthralled with all the stories of old.

Last but not least, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is a great addition to anyone's list of best museums to visit while in Boston. This spectacular library and museum is situated on Columbia Point (in the city's Dorchester neighborhood) and it is here museum-goers will find a truly expansive building that covers a 10-acre park and offers stunning one-of-a-kind views of Boston, Dorchester Bay, and some of the bluest ocean waters on the east coast.

Inside this famous building, there are several permanent exhibits dedicated to the late president that provide visitors with a real sense of who this great man was from a young age, during the 1960 Presidential election and inauguration, as well as throughout his life. With over 20,000 artifacts, photos, film footage, a gift shop, an onsite restaurant, an extensive library, and more, this museum is definitely worth a thorough visit when you are out and about appreciating the cultural, historical, and artistic side of the city.