It is so embarrassing to admit that in my 11 years living in Boston I had never been to the famed Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum until last week. Invited in by the marketing team, I told myself it was about time to make time to go. And I am so glad I did! I am already planning a more thorough visit back in a coming weekend as I was charmed to the gills by the place. I hope to craft a new “things to do/see/stay/eat in Boston” guide for you soon, and this will be at the top of the list!
(new wing by architect Renzo Piano- photo via Boston Magazine)
The most captivating part of this place is the courtyard. It’s truly incredible and such a hidden jewel in the middle of the city.
In the summer of Thursday nights you should totally go for Gardner After Hours when the museum is open until 9 and you can enjoy cocktails in this incredible space!
We did get to see some cool spaces not open to the public like the former apartment space occupied by Isabella and then the museum directors. Check out the metallic wallpaper made from tea paper and the ceiling paper in a metallic floral pattern.
An awesome French chandelier and a painting of Isabella that was not ever displayed in the museum. They say it’s because either it wasn’t finished or because she didn’t like this. It’s like old school “un-tagging” of an unflattering pic on Facebook I think. :)
I loved the pattern on this chair in the tapestry room as well as the detailed railings outside the apartment windows.
Many of you know about the famous art heist that happened here in 1990 (still unsolved)- the empty frames hang in the museum still.
(photo of missing works via HERE)
As a kid I have to say I was most excited about the shop at the end of every museum visit (are you surprised?) And when I walked into the store- Gift at The Gardner- I was just as excited- and even more so when I learned that the woman who runs the shop and buys for it used to do the same for ABC Home in NYC! No wonder this isn’t your normal museum shop- there are so many amazing things in here from jewelry to home accessories to unique things for kids. I plan on doing some holiday shopping here for sure (or shop now online).
Wow- so cool. I would totally love to have cocktails in the courtyard.
You are so beyond incredibly lucky! I have been obsessed with ISG for years and would DIE to see the private apartment! I can’t even believe there exists another portrait of her that very few know about!! I am officially writhing with jealousy over here, you lucky, lucky lady!!!
the best museum in the world – i actually taught a class for my advanced french students that focused on the gardner museum! it was like art history in french, and we read girl with a pearl earring and did a section on the 90s heist!
I’ve lived in Boston for 8 1/2 years and I’ve never been either. I must change that after seeing these pics! So cool.
Thank you so much for coming Erin! We were so happy to have you. We hope to see you and your readers again soon.
Michael
Amazing details! Very, very beautiful
It IS crazy that you had not been there. But good that you have. Definitely go back for the cocktails–and report back. Fun!
jbhat
Wow, what a beautiful place. The architecture is amazing. I had never heard of it before. Thanks for the introduction! Have a great week! xx
What did you think of the new wing? I haven’t visited since it opened a few months ago but really don’t like the idea of something so modern stuck onto the side of such an old and lovely building. Prejudices aside, did they manage to make the mash-up work? None of your pics are of the new space so is it right to assume that you weren’t impressed by it?
Visiting the Gardner Museum is one of my favorite things to do when in Boston. I spent an entire day in this museum a few years ago…
Lucky you to get to go behind the scenes!
Liz
That card cracked me up=hope you bought one!!
I did get to visit the new wing and I think it’s super cool in its own right (and you have to almost design it to be completely different from the other building b/c HOW could you build new construction that could compare?) BUT they are super super restrictive about taking pictures! There were way more things I wanted to capture when wandering on my own but I got yelled at like 100 times.
Oh wow. That place is so gorgeous — I think the Courtyard would make for an incredible wedding reception venue! Reminds me – on a smaller scale of course – of the courtyard at Ca d’Zan in Sarasota, FL.
Next time eat at the cafe – such a treat! xx
That is one of my favorite museums! I used to live on Boston…now in Dallas….I was just in the area and the other one I recommend in the DeCordova Museum in Lincoln….WAO! its more of a sculpture garden….its worht the short road trip and picnic.
What a beautiful setting! Looks so nice!
Caroline
Oh, my! Another one….my “bucket” runneth over…. franki
Lucky, lucky you to see the private apartment!
Lucky, lucky me that I went with Alice Delana in highschool.
I haven’t been in a while, though, and you’ve inspired me to go back to this gorgeous museum.
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[...] week the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum hosted an evening for bloggers and I was lucky enough to receive and invite! The museum is one of [...]
I have lived in Boston nearly three years and have yet to pay a visit to this museum (I always go to the MFA because it’s free for students). And please make that list of things to do and see in Boston, I’m always looking for new ideas!
-Lisa