Boston – Museums & Universities

Boston is home to a wide range of art galleries and museums of historical importance to the United States. The city offers several options for visitors to take advantage of discounted visitation to various sites, while many of the locations offer free admission to visitors. The Go Boston Card and Boston CityPASS are recommended for visitors looking to enjoy a variety of the museums offered by the city.

Museum of Fine Arts

This is the 14th largest museum in the world and contains more than 450,000 unique works of art. Established in 1870, it was previously located in Copley Square and has since moved to Fenway in 1909. In addition to the many fine arts on display, the museum notably has the largest collection of Japanese art outside of Japan including more than 100,000 total pieces on display. The on-site library includes more than 320,000 items, with exhibitions organized by the School of the Museum Fine Arts at Tufts happening 2 – 3 times per year.

Address: 465 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, United States
Phone: +1 617-267-9300
Business Hours:
– Monday Closed
– Tuesday Closed
– Wednesday 10am–5pm
– Thursday 10am–5pm
– Friday 10am–5pm
– Saturday 10am–5pm
– Sunday 10am–5pm
Admission cost:
Based on exhibition/event
Website

 

Museum of Science

This museum includes both a science museum and indoor zoo at Science Park. Including 700 interactive exhibits, visitors can enjoy an array of live presentations daily as well as an onsite planetarium and theatre. The museum also includes the only domed IMAX theatre in New England. Over 100 animals are on display at the zoo, including many which have been rescued. One of the newest exhibits entitled “Wicked Smart” showcases information around developing technologies and Boston’s connection such developments.

Address: 1 Science Park Boston, MA 02114, United States
Phone: +1 617-723-2500
Business Hours:
– Exhibit Halls – 9am–5pm. Timed entry every 15 minutes
Admission cost:
– Adult: $29
– Child (3-11): $24
– Child (Under 3): FREE
– Senior (60+): $25
Members: all ages FREE
Website

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

This art museum houses a range of pieces across European, Asian and American art. Established in 1903, it includes various paintings, sculptures, tapestries and more. A garden is available at the interior courtyard offering constantly changing horticultural displays and exhibits. The museum’s founder, Isabella Stewart, was an avid Red Sox fan. As such, visitors wearing any Red Sox items will enjoy discounted admission to the museum.

Address: 25 Evans Way, Boston, MA 02115, United States
Phone: +1 617 566 1401
Business Hours:
– Monday 11am–5pm
– Tuesday Closed
– Wednesday 11am–5pm
– Thursday 11am–5pm
– Friday 11am–5pm
– Saturday 10am–5pm
– Sunday 10am–5pm
Admission cost:
– Adults: $20
– Seniors: $18
– Students: $13
Website

Universities

Harvard University

The oldest higher learning institution in the United States, this Ivy League school was established in 1636 in Cambridge. Comprising of ten academic facilities, the school includes alumni and faculty who have won more Nobel Prizes than any other university in the world. Alumni include eight United States presidents and more billionaires than any other university in the world. The largest academic library, the Widener Library in Harvard Yard, is also located on campus. The university is the founding member of the Association of American Universities.

Address: Cambridge, MA 02138, United States
Phone: +1 617-495-1000
Website

 

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Ranked as one of the most prestigious universities in the world, MIT was established in 1861 and is the leads academic institution for modern technology and science. A member of the Association of American Universities, the school’s alumni is known for its entrepreneurial spirit with many alumni having founded notable companies around the world.  The 166 acre campus in Cambridge offers 44 undergraduate programs across five schools. A total of five libraries are spread across the campus plus the MIT Museum that showcases exhibits and artefacts related to the school from its inauguration to present day. The university has been ranked 8th among the world’s best colleges and schools.

Address: 77 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
Phone: +1 617-253-1000
Website