Which Boston Art Museum?

MFA Boston, ICA Boston, ISGM, Harvard Museums

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There are a variety of fantastic Boston art museum options. Just below, you’ll see that I’ve created individual pages of information and tips for each of the three most well-known art museums in Boston, as well as for the Harvard Museums.


I’ve also noted each of their free times at the bottom of this page.

In addition, I’ve listed several other excellent art museums options in the Boston area.

 

If you landed on this page but are looking for a non-art museum, you’ll want to go to our Boston Museums page.

 

Whichever you choose, enjoy!

 

1. Boston Museum of Fine Arts

 

The Museum of Fine Arts Boston has one of the most highly respected collections of fine arts in the world. Plus you can see artist demos and even try out being an artist yourself!

 

465 Huntington Avenue, Boston

T Stops:
   Green Line E-train to Museum of Fine Arts Station*, or
   Orange Line to Ruggles Station.

 

Admission: $22, $20 Seniors & Students 18+, $10 Youths 7-17 (free on weekdays after 3pm, weekends, and public school holidays), FREE under 7.

 

For more tips & info on the Museum of Fine Arts Boston click here.
*Also click for a useful T tip if you’re taking the Green Line to the MFA.

2. Institute of Contemporary Art Boston

 

Looking for modern/contemporary art in Boston? The Institute of Contemporary Art Boston is where it’s at. Even the museum’s new building located on the waterfront is a piece of art created for your enjoyment.

 

100 Northern Avenue on Boston’s waterfront
(adjacent to Anthony’s Pier 4 restaurant)
T Stop:
   Red Line to South Station and transfer to the Silver Line Waterfront. The ICA is short walk from either World Trade Center Station or Courthouse Station. For directions from the stations click here.

Admission: $15, $13 seniors, $10 students, FREE youth 17 and under

 

For more tips & info on the Institute of Contemporary Art click here.

 

3. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Boston

 

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is Isabella’s legacy living on and evidence of her greatest passion; to give people a true love of art. Stunning art collection, amazing garden courtyard, and fun live events all make this Boston Art Museum a special and unique Boston attraction.

 

280 The Fenway, Boston

T Stop:
   Green Line E-train to Museum Station. Cross Huntington Avenue to
   Louis Prang Street. Walk down Louis Prang Street for two blocks.
   Museum is on your left.

 

Admission: $12, $10 Seniors, $5 College Students, FREE under 18 (with a parent or guardian) and anyone named Isabella!
Note: The Gardner Museum is closed on Mondays.

 

For more tips & info on the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum click here.

4. Harvard Museums

 

485 Broadway, Cambridge
T Stop: Red Line to Harvard Square Station

 

With one of the greatest art collections in the country, the Harvard Art Museum impresses people from all over the world. This Boston art museum is technically three museums in one (Fogg, Busch-Reisinger & Sackler Museums) and has a collection of over 250,000 objects.

 

I’ve done a whole page dedicated solely to various Harvard Museums. For more info on the Harvard Art Museum as well as the other fantastic Harvard Museums click here.

 

Off the Beaten Track

 

If you’re looking for a Boston art museum that’s a little less mainstream, here are a few more to check out (most of them are accessible by the T):

Boston Art Museum
Free Days and Special Deals

 

Museum of Fine Arts
Community Programs: Check out the excellent community programs the MFA offers. Amongst these you’ll find free general admission on special occasions.

 

Institute of Contemporary Arts
1. FREE for all from 5 to 9 pm every Thursday for Target Free Thursday Nights.
2. FREE for families (up to 2 adults accompanied by children 12 and under) on the last Saturday of each month with the exception of December.

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