Best Museums & Art Galleries in Boston, United States

1. Museum of Fine Arts

A large art museum with a vast collection that spans nearly 5000 years, from ancient artifacts to contemporary works.

Cultural Diversity: Features an extensive collection of art and artifacts from around the world.
Interactive Exhibits: Offers engaging, interactive exhibits to enhance visitor experience.
Outdoor Spaces: Has beautiful outdoor spaces for a relaxing break during your visit.

A museum housed in a Venetian-style palace showcasing art from the Renaissance to the present.

Immersive Experience: Features rooms designed to resemble the artist's original studio settings.
Unusual Collection: Boasts an unusual collection of art and artifacts, including works by Titian, Rembrandt, and Whistler.
Secret Rooms: Includes secret rooms and hidden passages that add to the mystique of the museum.

An art museum dedicated to contemporary art and artists, with a focus on emerging talent.

Emerging Talent: Showcases the works of up-and-coming contemporary artists.
Waterfront Location: Located on the Boston Harbor waterfront, offering stunning views of the city skyline.
Community Engagement: Engages with the local community through educational programs and collaborations.

An interactive museum dedicated to the Boston Tea Party and the history of the American Revolution.

Hands-On Exhibits: Features hands-on exhibits that allow visitors to reenact historical events.
Authentic Ships: Includes three restored ships, one of which was used during the Boston Tea Party.
Multisensory Experience: Offers a multisensory experience, with costumes, special effects, and live actors.

A museum dedicated to the history of the American Revolution, located at the start of the famous Freedom Trail.

Starting Point: Serves as the starting point for the Freedom Trail tours.
Revolutionary War History: Provides an in-depth look at the events leading up to and during the American Revolution.
Visitor Information: Offers comprehensive visitor information for exploring Boston's historical sites.

Three connected museums showcasing art from the ancient world to the present.

Harvard's Collection: Houses Harvard University's extensive collection of art and archaeological artifacts.
Art Study Center: Features a study center where visitors can learn about the museum's collections in depth.
Renovated Spaces: Recently renovated spaces offer a modern, accessible experience for visitors.

A museum featuring American art and culture, as well as Asian, Oceanic, and African art.

Diverse Collections: Offers a diverse collection of art from around the world.
Historic Buildings: Housed in historic buildings, providing an immersive experience for visitors.
Yin Yu Tang House: Features a restored 18th-century Chinese house, transporting visitors to another time and place.

A science museum featuring interactive exhibits on a variety of scientific topics.

Interactive Exhibits: Offers hands-on, interactive exhibits that make learning fun and engaging.
Omnimax Theater: Features an Omnimax theater for immersive, large-format films.
Planetarium Shows: Provides planetarium shows that offer a unique perspective on the night sky.

A museum designed for children with interactive exhibits focusing on science, culture, and art.

Children-Focused: Designed specifically for children to engage and learn in a fun, hands-on environment.
Exhibits Changing Regularly: Exhibits regularly change, ensuring a fresh and exciting experience for repeat visitors.
Art Studio: Features an art studio where children can create their own artwork.

A neighborhood with a rich history and a collection of historic buildings, churches, and cultural sites.

Historic Buildings: Includes several historic buildings, such as the Paul Revere House and the Old North Church.
Cultural Sites: Features cultural sites like the Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists.
Foodie Destination: Known for its delicious Italian cuisine, making it a must-visit destination for foodies.

A museum dedicated to the history and function of the U.S. Senate, named after Senator Edward M. Kennedy.

Immersive Experience: Offers an immersive experience, simulating a day in the life of a senator.
Interactive Exhibits: Features interactive exhibits that teach visitors about the U.S. Senate and its role in government.
Memorial to Senator Kennedy: Serves as a memorial to the life and career of Senator Edward M. Kennedy.

A private membership library featuring rare books, manuscripts, and works of art.

Rare Books & Manuscripts: Houses a vast collection of rare books, manuscripts, and historical documents.
Art Collection: Features a collection of artwork by notable artists, including John Singer Sargent and Winslow Homer.
Research Opportunities: Provides opportunities for research and study in various disciplines.

A museum featuring a collection of natural history specimens, including minerals, fossils, and dinosaur bones.

Natural History Specimens: Features a vast collection of natural history specimens.
Glass Flowers Exhibit: Includes the Glass Flowers exhibit, a series of beautifully crafted glass models of flowers and plants.
Mineralogical & Geological Museum: Houses the Mineralogical & Geological Museum, featuring a variety of minerals and gemstones.

A public arboretum housing over 15,000 tree species from around the world.

Tree Diversity: Features a diverse collection of trees from around the world.
Research & Education: Involved in research and education, focusing on tree biology, conservation, and horticulture.
Seasonal Beauty: Offers beautiful seasonal displays, making it a popular destination throughout the year.

A library and museum dedicated to the life and teachings of Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of Christian Science.

Mary Baker Eddy's Work: Houses an extensive collection of materials related to Mary Baker Eddy and her work.
Interactive Exhibits: Offers interactive exhibits that explore the history, philosophy, and practice of Christian Science.
Mapparium: Features the Mapparium, a three-story glass globe model of the world.