Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

I was pleasantly surprised by my visit here. I thought that the MFA would be the art museum to see in Boston, but I enjoyed this one much better. The collection was excellent. The only downfall is that, because of Mrs. Gardner's instructions, the works are not labelled. The free guide map provides the names of highlights of the collection, but to really know what's what you have to buy their guide (which I believe was $6). The courtyard is probably the most beautiful courtyard I've ever seen. The gift shop is small but has a great selection. Be prepared to be watched like a hawk--I've been in many art museums, but I've never seen as much of a presence of security guards as in this one (no surprise, really, after they were robbed--you can see some empty frames still hanging, by the way). The collection is more than paintings--some furniture and other objects as well--probably enough of a variety that even non-art lovers would enjoy a visit. Highly recommended!!

The art residing in Isabella Stewart Gardner's House is nothing less than world class, Here you can see Sargent, Monet, Rembrandt, and a magnificent courtyard It's always quiet and wonderfull in there

The art residing in Isabella Stewart Gardner's House is nothing less than world class, Here you can see Sargent, Monet, Rembrandt, and a magnificent courtyard It's always quiet and wonderfull in there

I loved how intimate the musuem is and how it's actually in a Venetian-style palazzo. The work is a private collection and a much more real, personal experience because of the atmosphere. Great location for lectures and musical performances. My fiancee and I visited and used out Go Boston Card for admission. I'm glad we took a chance on this place because I've seen many musuems but haven't really had a chance to experience them like this.

My daughter (who attends a college in Boston) brought us to this wonderful Museum thinking that it would remind us of our recent trip to Italy. I can't tell you how impressed I was with the atmosphere and the ambience of this special place. The gardens were spectacular and a very tranquil. Very similar to many of the gardens in Florence and Venice. The only thing missing was the gelato!

The Gardner is a small museum where one can interact with the art and the lifestyle of the flamboyant Isabella. Concerts in the atrium bring a look into the past for the visitor . One shares the amusements of a long ago era - nothing in the museum has changed.

This is a beautiful unknown jewel in Boston. Less overwhelming than the large art meseums. Intimate and peaceful. No crowds and an amazing collection of art. the building itself is filled with history and mystery. Even kids love it!