Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

The basics

Explore independently, hire an audio guide, or join a free in-house tour for a deeper understanding of the museum’s story. Highlights include Titian’s Europa; works by John Singer Sargent, Botticelli, and Rembrandt; and the palazzo’s courtyard, a lush oasis framed by Venetian-style archways.

Save money on your museum entry with a Go Boston Pass, which grants you discounted access to a long list of Boston attractions. Bike tours of Boston typically pass by the museum. Museum members also have access to special teacher-led Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum tours of exhibitions.

Things to know before you go

• Allow 2-3 hours to explore inside and don't miss the wing made entirely of glass.

• The museum is stroller-friendly, and largely wheelchair accessible.

• On-site amenities include restrooms, a gift shop, and a café.

• Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum tickets may not be available at the door, particularly during popular days of the week and times of day; buying timed entry tickets in advance is recommended.

How to get there

The museum is situated in Boston’s Fenway area and is easily reached via the city’s T public transport network. Catch Green Line E trains to the Museum of Fine Arts stop—the closest station—or an Orange Line train to the Ruggles stop, also a short walk away. Otherwise, buses 8, 19, 39, 47, CT2, and CT3 all stop nearby. Local metered street parking is available though spaces are limited.

When to get there

The museum is open year-round—apart from public holidays—from 9am-5pm on Wednesdays through Mondays; it closes at 9pm on Thursdays. The museum gets busy during summer and on rainy days, so if you want to explore in the quietest-possible environment, plan to arrive early.

Visit the nearby Museum of Fine Arts (MFA)

If you’re keen to discover more of Boston’s art scene, visit the Museum of Fine Art (MFA), just a 10-minute walk away from Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Boston’s flagship gallery has a stunning roster of international works of art, including the world’s biggest collection by John Singer Sargent and the cherished Liberty Bowl—a 1768 bowl crafted by silversmith Paul Revere to mark a milestone in America’s fight for independence.

How much time do you need at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum?

Some visitors walk through the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in just one hour—but it takes 2–3 hours to truly explore the collections, courtyard, and gardens. The museum contains thousands of decorative art objects and artifacts from ancient Rome, medieval Europe, and the Islamic world.

Does the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum have a dress code?

There’s no dress code at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Some of the museum’s free First Thursday events encourage special attire, from dress-up nights in all black to evenings featuring Red Sox apparel. Large backpacks and bulky coats must be left at the coat check or visitor lockers.

Can you take photos at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum?

Yes, you can take videos and photos at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum for personal use. However, the museum asks visitors to avoid flash photography and lighting to avoid damaging sensitive artwork. Also banned at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum are tripods, selfie sticks, and photo shoots or portrait sessions.

Does the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum have a bag check?

Yes, there’s a place to leave bags at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Free visitor lockers are available at the museum, and a coat check is on the first floor. Bulky bags are not allowed in the galleries and should be checked along with umbrellas, large purses, and outerwear.

Is the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum accessible?

Yes, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is accessible. An elevator and lift ensure wheelchair users can reach all areas of the museum; the front desk has limited wheelchairs, rollators, and canes for visitor use. Maps and museum guides are available in both Braille and large format.

What do you see at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum?

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is renowned for its paintings, tapestries, decorative arts, and sculpture collections. Highlights of the permanent collection include works by John Singer Sargent, Titian, and Sandro Botticelli. The historic palazzo that houses them is fascinating and features themed rooms with elegant antiques.