During our quick visit to Boston, we headed to the Isabella Gardner Museum, which was actually my husband’s idea (something he likes to remind me of). He found out about the museum after doing some research about museums in Boston, pre-purchased the tickets and we headed there shortly after enjoying our Tatte Bakery breakfast.
It’s honestly one of the prettiest museums I’ve ever visited and definitely one we could see ourselves visiting again in the future. In addition to the artwork collected and curated throughout each room in the museum, each room has intricate details and themes within them that is art itself.
While I could go on and on about the experience we had there, we wanted to share some things you should know before you plan your visit to the museum.
YOU HAVE TO PURCHASE TICKETS AHEAD OF TIME:
When we went, you had to purchase a ticket because entry is timed. While some places have that but don’t really check or care about when you enter, The Isabella Gardner Museum does. When we arrived, we arrived before the museum opened, but you had to show proof of your previously purchased ticket for that time slot. Those who did not purchase a ticket were encouraged to try to purchase one for a time that was available. Those that purchased for a different time, were encouraged to come back during their time slot. In short, they were not letting anyone in who did not purchase them ahead of time.
WEAR A MASK:
During our visit, you have to wear a mask if you are not vaccinated and they encourage guests to social distance while browsing the museum. Honestly, whether you’re vaccinated or not, I’d recommend wearing a mask as it can get pretty crowded in some areas if you’re going closer to the afternoon. We’re not sure if those recommendations have changed since the emergence of the new variant, however. My husband and I went during the summer, so things were a little different then.
IT’S ACCESSIBLE:
There are elevators to go to the higher floors in the main building if you are someone that is in a wheelchair or unable to take the stairs. I vaguely remember there being an elevator towards the back of the second building as well, but I would encourage you to reach out to ask to make sure they’re up and running before you go just in case.
THERE IS PARKING, BUT OFF-SITE
We could be wrong, but when we went there wasn’t a parking garage directly attached to the museum. If you wanted to travel to the museum by car, you had to park at one of the parking garages surrounding the area. That being said, there were a few parking options (including street parking) available that we noticed around the museum, so it appears that finding a spot wouldn’t be an issue during your time there.
The Isabella Gardner Museum was probably one of our favorite museums that we visited during this trip. Everything in that museum. was so beautifully placed that in some areas you felt like you were walking through a mansion and not a museum. The collections here are gorgeous and the garden is one you truly have to see in person to grasp its true grandeur. If you have never been to this museum, we’d highly recommend it.
Have you ever visited the Isabella Gardner Museum?
