12 Best Museums in Boston, Massachusetts
Travelers always have so much fun learning about new cultures and ways of life. Museums are a great way to learn about the history and get kids involved in learning.
There are so many activities and exhibits to see and take part in, making Boston the perfect destination for families that want to enjoy a weekend full of fun and education.
I’ve put together a list of the 12 Best Museums in Boston that will help you connect with the world around you and learn something new and to help make your search easier.
1. Museum of Science
Website: Museum of Science
Contact: 617-723-2500
Location: 1 Science Park Boston, MA 02114
This museum is one of the world’s largest science centers and one of theBest museums in Boston located near the Charles river. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon with your family or a group of friends of all ages, young or old! It combines the fun and excitement of a children’s museum with the educational aspects of a science museum. With over 100 hands-on exhibits, including a Planetarium and IMAX Theater, it’s the perfect place for families to make memories! The exhibits will transport you right into Mylar worlds where robots come alive and make things real. The technology floor will show you why objects in everyday use like cell phones, laptops, and digital cameras are so amazing – it’s not magic but engineering!
This Science Park was also voted as one of the best museums in the world by TripAdvisor users.
2. Museum of Fine Arts
Website: Museum of Fine Arts
Contact: 617-267-9300
Location: 465 Huntington Avenue Boston, MA 02115
The Museum of Fine Arts is known as Best World-Class Art Museum and one of the most comprehensive art museums in boston. It’s home to over 40,000 works of art from all over the world including European paintings and Asian ceramics. It’s located in Boston, Massachusetts, and it’s one of America’s top tourist attractions. The collection at this museum has been consistently growing since it was established in 1870s.
While you’re at the Museum of Fine Arts, there are some other things you can do to get the most out of your visit there: Some are more obvious than others (a nice sculpture garden, beautiful architecture, some great art) and you might be surprised which ones are most memorable to visitors. Perhaps most importantly, the collection and programs at the museum of fine arts have something for everyone — novice and expert alike – whether you are traveling with an art lover or a total noob.
3. Institute of Contemporary Art (Former name: Boston Museum of Modern Art)
Website: Institute of Contemporary Art
Contact: 617-478-3100
Location: 25 Harbor Shore Drive Boston, MA 02210
The Institute of Contemporary Art, surrounded by the beautiful South Boston Waterfront, has a unique collection of provocative contemporary art. The museum’s mission is to “present the work of today’s most compelling artists,” who are often underrepresented in museums and galleries.
ICA has a strong focus on the art of today—the work of contemporary artists, who are making new and exciting work. From video installations to sculptures, paintings, and more, there’s something for everyone at this museum.
The ICA also offers FREE Admission for all every Thursday from 5 to 9 PM during ICA Free Thursday Nights, so everyone can enjoy this dynamic and thought-provoking museum.
So DON’T MISS OUT!
4. The New England Aquarium
Website: The New England Aquarium
Contact: 617-973-5200
Location: 1 Central Wharf Boston, MA 02110
The New England Aquarium is the Best Live Exhibit Museum in Boston. It’s one of the most iconic museums in Boston, and it’s easy to see why. The aquarium is located near the Boston Commons, where visitors can walk around and take in the sights, sounds, and smells of Boston. It’s also convenient to get to by public transportation, making it a great option for families with children who are looking for something more educational than just going on a roller coaster ride.
It’s the oldest aquarium in America and has been around since 1870! It has four floors—two floors dedicated to exhibits that feature aquatic life from around the world (both freshwater and saltwater), one floor dedicated to exhibits that feature freshwater fishes from around the country, and one floor dedicated to exhibits that feature saltwater fishes from around the world. You’ll be able to see sharks, sea horses, penguins… even stingrays! The Aquarium was created to be a place where people could see many different kinds of animals from around the world.
5. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Website: Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Contact: 617 566 1401
Location: 25 Evans Way Boston, MA 02115
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is one of the most famous museums in Boston, and it’s known for its collection of 19th-century art. The museum is housed in a former private residence that was built in 1859 and was donated to the city in 1896 by Isabella Stewart Gardner, who was an American socialite and art patron.
One of the most unique things about the museum is that it is filled with works by many of the world’s most famous artists such as Picasso and Monet. This is one of Boston museums that also contains a number of other pieces from different eras including paintings by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Cézanne, Degas
In addition to its impressive collection of decorative arts, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, has many other reasons to visit: There’s no entrance fee for visitors 17 yrs and below or If your name is “ISABELLA” (how cool is that!?), You can take as long as you need to explore all the different rooms at your own pace (or stop by for lunch or dinner on your way out).
The museum also has a gift shop where you can purchase some great souvenirs from around the world as well as some books about art history and history in general (including copies of the Declaration of Independence!).
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is definitely worth checking out!
6. Boston Children’s Museum
Website: Boston Children’s Museum
Contact: 617-426-6500
Location: 308 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210
If you’re looking for a fun place to visit with your kids, look no further than Boston Children’s Museum. Not only is it right in the heart of Boston (just a short walk away from Harvard Square), but there are so many things to do here that you and your whole family will have a blast!
The first thing that makes this museum unique is its interactive exhibits. There are so many things for kids to do here—and not just toys, but real-life replicas of dinosaurs and other extinct animals. The museum also has an outdoor garden area with lots of activities for children to enjoy during their visit.
Another thing that makes the Boston Children’s museum unique is its location: It’s on Fort Point Channel, which means it has access to some amazing views of Boston Harbor! You can sit down at one of their benches and take in the view while your kids play in their indoor playgrounds or explore some of the exhibits inside the museum itself.
7. Plimoth Patuxet Museum
Website:Plimoth Patuxet Museum
Contact: 508-746-1622
Location: 137 Warren Ave, Plymouth, MA 02360
This Boston Museum is a museum dedicated to the history of the Mayflower and Plymouth Colony. The museum was founded in 1919 by Margaret Langdon, who was also the founder of Plimoth Plantation. The museum is housed in an 18th-century house that has been preserved in its original state and contains many exhibits that tell the story of how these people lived over 500 years ago.
The best part about visiting this museum is that children get special programming throughout the day that allows them to interact with staff members dressed up as historical figures or objects from the era! This gives them an opportunity to learn more about their heritage while having fun at the same time.
It has many interactive exhibits that allow you to touch and feel different things from their time period including fur pelts and baskets made from animal bones. Another thing that makes it unique is that the building itself was built by Native Americans using only materials they could find on their land which gives visitors a better understanding of what life was like back then.
8. The Sports Museum
Website: The Sports Museum
Contact: 617-212-6814
Location: TD Garden, 100 Legends Way, Boston, MA 02114
The Sports Museum, Boston is a must-see for any sports fan! Here you can learn about the history of the game and see displays dedicated to some of the greatest athletes in history. The museum has an impressive collection of sports memorabilia, including artifacts and trophies from Babe Ruth, Bill Russell, and other legends of the game.
This Boston Museum also houses a variety of interactive exhibits that allow kids and adults alike to get up close with these amazing athletes. There are several different rooms dedicated to each sport, so you can find whichever one interests you most!
9. Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
Website: Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
Contact: (866) 955-0667
Location: 306 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210-1027
Visiting the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum is an experience you won’t soon forget. The museum’s mission is to “celebrate the history of the Boston Tea Party and its impact on our country.”
This Boston museum is home to three ships that were used in the Boston Tea Party: The Dartmouth, The Eleanor and The Beaver. Each ship has a corresponding exhibit that highlights the history of the event.
The museum provides an interactive experience for visitors who want to learn more about the Boston Tea Party, or even take part in its reenactment. Visitors can also get a hands-on museum experience by getting involved in activities such as dressing up like a colonial personage telling stories of the Boston Massacre or helping with an act of resistance during the event.
Visitors will be able to learn about how this historical event impacted colonial life, as well as gain an appreciation for what it means to be American today.
10. Museum of African American History
Website: Museum of African American History
Contact: 617-725-0022
Location: 46 Joy St, Boston, MA 02114
The Museum of African American History, located in Boston, MA, is a place where visitors can learn about the history of African Americans in the United States. The museum provides a place for visitors to learn about the past and present struggles of African Americans.
The museum’s main attraction is the African Meeting House, which was built by slaves and free blacks in 1825. The building was later converted into a church and then into an office building before becoming part of the museum in 2006. Visitors can see this historic building up close as they explore the museum’s galleries or take part in special programs like “African Voices: Voices from Our Past.”
One of the reasons to visit this Boston museum is to learn more about the history of slavery, which was very important in determining how African Americans were treated in this country. There are also many exhibits on various aspects of African American life such as music, art, and film.
The museum also has a section dedicated to the Abiel Smith School, which was established in 1847 as the first school for African American children. The school closed its doors in 1872, but it was reopened in 2000 as part of an effort to preserve and share our history.
11. Harvard Museum of Natural History
Website: Harvard Art Museum
Contact: (617) 495-9400
Location: 32 Quincy Street Cambridge, MA 02138
The Harvard Museum of Natural History is an incredible place to visit. The museum houses a wide variety of artifacts and specimens, including the largest fossil collection in the world, which includes over 150,000 fossils and minerals. Students can also take a trip to the museum to see the famous whale skeleton on display!
The museum has three different wings: the Busch Reisinger Museum, the Sackler Museum (Indian art), and the Fogg Museum. Each wing focuses on different aspects of natural history and science–and each one is unique.
The museum’s mission is to educate visitors about the natural world by providing them with a direct experience with nature. The museum’s staff are experts in their fields, so they can help you learn about everything from anatomy to ecology through multimedia exhibits. This is one of Boston museums that also has a great kids’ program that includes fun activities for all ages!
This museum is one of the most popular attractions in all of Boston museums; it’s located just steps away from Harvard Square and Harvard Yard, so it makes for an easy day trip if you’re visiting Boston!
PLAN YOUR VISIT HERE – FREE ADMISSION TO ALL EVERY SUNDAYS!!!
12. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
Website: John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
Contact: (617) 514-1600
Location: Columbia Point Boston MA 02125
The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is a must-see destination for anyone looking to learn more about the life and legacy of one of America’s greatest leaders.
It’s dedicated to the life and times of JFK, who was both a president and a man of the people. The museum has interactive displays that allow you to experience what it was like to be in JFK’s shoes, from his childhood in Brookline to his presidency. You can also learn about his assassination, which is one of the most famous moments in American history.
The JFK library features a collection of artifacts in this dedicated to JFK’s time on earth–including his desk chair, which he used while he was president! And if you’re looking for something more interactive than just reading about him or watching videos with him talking about politics or life lessons (or maybe both), there are plenty of opportunities at this site for kids as well as adults!
BONUS MUSEUM: Trapology Boston
Website: Trapology Boston
Contact: (857) 285-2085
Location: 177 Tremont St. 2nd floor. Boston, MA 02111
We’re personally obsessed with Trapology Boston.
This famous escape room is interactive, immersive, and it’s perfect for problem-solving. It’s also great for rainy or cold days because you can stay inside and enjoy the show. You can spend 60-90 minutes with kids and teens in one place, doing something fun together. We love it because it’s so interactive and all outdoor escape adventures are family-friendly.
Boston is a city known for its rich history and culture, and these 12 Boston Museums Art provide a glimpse into that past. These museums are wonderful examples of the “wow factor,” providing a unique opportunity for visitors to explore many different worlds and cultures.
Visitors to Boston can gain access to a variety of ages, professions and cultures with just one visit. Museums enhance the city’s allure through art and expression, making Boston a vibrant place to visit. If you do go, then, make sure you add one or two museums to your list–you won’t regret it!