Museums Locations and Information in Boston, MA

The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, stands as a beacon of artistic excellence, inviting visitors to embark on a captivating journey through global art history. Its neoclassical and modern wings proudly house an expansive collection, ranging from intricate ancient Egyptian artifacts and classical Greek sculptures to vibrant contemporary American masterpieces. This venerable institution offers an unparalleled cultural experience, whether you’re a seasoned art connoisseur or a curious first-timer. Wander through galleries filled with breathtaking paintings, exquisite sculptures, and diverse decorative arts, each piece telling a unique story of human creativity. The museum’s welcoming atmosphere ensures a memorable visit for all ages, solidifying its reputation as a must-see destination in Boston for art enthusiasts.

General

• ✔ Type: Museum
• ✔ Good for Children
• ✔ Has Restroom
• ✔ Has Wifi

Parking options

• ✔ Paid parking lot
• ✔ Paid street parking
• ✔ Paid garage parking

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom

The Museum of Science in Boston is a dynamic and engaging institution that sparks curiosity and fosters a love for discovery in visitors of all ages. Boasting over 700 interactive exhibits, this venerable museum transforms complex scientific principles into accessible and exciting experiences. From its iconic dome-shaped IMAX/3-D film theater and immersive planetarium shows to fascinating live animal displays, every corner offers an opportunity for hands-on learning. It’s a place where you can explore the wonders of the natural world, delve into technological innovations, and witness scientific phenomena firsthand. Perfect for families, the Museum of Science promises an educational adventure that is both entertaining and inspiring, making science come alive.

General

• ✔ Type: Museum
• ✔ Good for Children
• ✔ Has Restroom
• ✔ Has Wifi

Parking options

• ❌ Free parking lot
• ❌ Free street parking
• ❌ Free garage parking
• ✔ Paid garage parking

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom

Step into a world of timeless beauty and intrigue at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, a unique Boston gem. Designed to evoke a 15th-century Venetian palace, the museum is built around a stunning, lush courtyard that provides a serene oasis for contemplation. This architectural marvel houses a world-class art collection, meticulously arranged by Isabella Stewart Gardner herself, creating an intimate and deeply personal viewing experience. Visitors can admire European, Asian, and American art, including paintings, sculpture, tapestries, and decorative arts. The museum’s unique presentation, with artworks displayed without labels or barriers, invites personal discovery and reflection, making each visit a deeply immersive and unforgettable journey through art and history.

General

• ✔ Type: Museum
• ✔ Price Level: Moderate
• ✔ Good for Children
• ✔ Has Restroom

Parking options

• ✔ Paid parking lot
• ✔ Paid street parking
• ✔ Paid garage parking

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom

Discover the wonders of the natural world at The Harvard Museum of Natural History, an institution celebrated for its extensive and diverse collections. Located in Cambridge, this museum offers an incredible journey through Earth’s biodiversity, from towering dinosaur skeletons and glittering mineral displays to the world-renowned Glass Flowers collection, a breathtaking array of botanical models so delicate they appear real. The museum provides an immersive experience for all ages, fostering a deeper understanding of our planet’s history and its incredible inhabitants. Its thoughtfully curated exhibits make complex natural science accessible and captivating, making it an ideal destination for curious minds, students, and families seeking an educational and inspiring outing.

General

• ✔ Type: Museum
• ✔ Good for Children
• ✔ Has Restroom

Parking options

• ✔ Paid street parking

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom

Payment options

• ✔ NFC

Prepare to have your perceptions challenged and your mind playfully tricked at the Museum of Illusions Boston. Located conveniently across from Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, this unique museum offers an exhilarating dive into the fascinating world of optical illusions and sensory deception. Featuring a wide array of interactive exhibits, visitors can walk through a dizzying vortex tunnel, marvel at distorted rooms, and pose for mind-bending photos that defy reality. It’s an experience designed for all ages, encouraging playful exploration and critical thinking about how our brains interpret what we see. Perfect for a fun family outing or an unconventional date, the Museum of Illusions guarantees laughter, amazement, and countless photo opportunities that will leave you questioning everything.

General

• ✔ Type: Museum
• ✔ Good for Children
• ✔ Has Restroom
• ✔ Has Wifi

Parking options

• ✔ Paid street parking
• ✔ Paid garage parking

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom

Delve into America’s maritime history at the USS Constitution Museum, nestled in the historic Charlestown Navy Yard. This engaging museum offers an interactive journey into the life and times of the legendary 1797 wooden frigate, famously known as “Old Ironsides.” Through hands-on exhibits, personal stories, and captivating displays, visitors of all ages can explore the ship’s storied past, its role in the War of 1812, and the lives of those who served aboard her. The museum complements a visit to the actual USS Constitution, providing deeper context and a truly immersive historical experience. It’s a patriotic and educational adventure that brings American naval heritage to life, making it a must-visit for history buffs and families alike.

General

• ✔ Type: Museum
• ✔ Price Level: Free
• ✔ Good for Children
• ✔ Has Restroom

Parking options

• ✔ Paid parking lot

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom

Payment options

• ✔ NFC

Perched elegantly on the Boston waterfront, the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) is a striking architectural marvel dedicated to showcasing the cutting edge of contemporary art and performance. Its glass-filled walls offer breathtaking views of Boston Harbor, creating a dynamic backdrop for its innovative exhibitions. The ICA features a diverse range of artistic expressions, from thought-provoking installations and paintings to sculpture, photography, and multimedia works by both established and emerging artists. Beyond its visual arts displays, the museum is a vibrant hub for live performances, film screenings, and educational programs. It’s a place where art challenges perceptions, sparks conversation, and invites visitors to engage with the present moment in a truly unique and inspiring way.

General

• ✔ Type: Museum
• ✔ Price Level: Moderate
• ✔ Good for Children
• ✔ Has Restroom
• ✔ Has Wifi

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible seating

Relive a pivotal moment in American history at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, an immersive and interactive experience located on Boston Harbor. This unique floating history museum transports visitors back to December 16, 1773, with full-scale replica 18th-century sailing vessels and compelling live reenactments by talented actors. Participate in the legendary protest by “dumping” tea into the harbor, then explore multimedia exhibits that bring the revolutionary era to life. The experience culminates with a visit to Abigail’s Tea Room. It’s an educational and entertaining journey that provides a deep understanding of the colonists’ fight for independence, making history tangible and exciting for all ages.

General

• ✔ Type: Museum
• ✔ Good for Children
• ✔ Has Restroom

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom

Ignite your child’s imagination and foster a love for learning at the Boston Children’s Museum, a vibrant hub of play-based education. Situated on the beautiful Fort Point Channel, this vast museum offers three floors packed with fun, hands-on educational exhibits specifically designed for children aged 11 and under, including a dedicated play space for toddlers and infants. From exploring a Japanese house to building structures in the Construction Zone, every exhibit encourages discovery, creativity, and critical thinking. It’s a dynamic environment where kids can learn through doing, fostering social skills and problem-solving in an exciting and supportive setting. The Boston Children’s Museum is an absolute must-visit for families seeking engaging and enriching experiences.

General

• ✔ Type: Museum
• ✔ Good for Children
• ✔ Has Restroom

Parking options

• ✔ Paid garage parking

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom

Payment options

• ✔ NFC

Step into a world where art and technology collide at the WNDR Museum in Boston. This family-friendly museum redefines the traditional art experience with its captivating immersive and interactive installations. Unlike conventional galleries, WNDR encourages visitors to become part of the art, engaging all senses through light, sound, and digital displays. Wander through rooms that invite touch, exploration, and photographic creativity, making every corner an opportunity for a unique and personal interaction. It’s a playground for the curious, offering a fresh and modern approach to artistic expression that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. WNDR Museum is an ideal destination for those seeking an unforgettable, multi-sensory journey through contemporary art.

General

• ✔ Type: Tourist attraction
• ✔ Good for Children
• ✔ Has Restroom

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom

Payment options

• ✔ Credit Card
• ✔ Debit Card
• ❌ Cash Only
• ✔ NFC

The Harvard Art Museums, a collection of three distinct museums—the Fogg Museum, the Busch-Reisinger Museum, and the Arthur M. Sackler Museum—united under one roof, offer an extraordinary journey through art history. Located in Cambridge, this venerable institution houses an impressive collection spanning European, American, Asian, and African art from ancient times to the present day. Its bright, airy building provides an inviting atmosphere to explore masterpieces by renowned artists. Beyond the permanent collections, the museums are a hub for academic research and public engagement, featuring diverse temporary exhibitions and educational programs. It’s a testament to artistic scholarship and aesthetic appreciation, providing an enriching cultural experience for every visitor.

General

• ✔ Type: Museum
• ✔ Good for Children
• ✔ Has Restroom
• ✔ Has Wifi

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom

Step back in time to colonial Boston at The Paul Revere House, the oldest surviving house in downtown Boston and the former home of American patriot Paul Revere. Located in the vibrant North End, this historic 17th-century wooden house offers a tangible link to the American Revolution. Visitors can explore the preserved rooms, adorned with period furnishings and artifacts, providing a glimpse into the daily life of Revere and his family. It’s from this very house that Revere embarked on his legendary “midnight ride.” The museum offers a deeply personal and authentic historical experience, making the struggles and triumphs of the colonial era vividly real for all who walk through its doors.

General

• ✔ Type: Museum
• ✔ Good for Children
• ✔ Has Restroom

Accessibility

• ❌ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom

Stand on the very ground where American history was forged at the Old State House, Boston’s oldest surviving public building. This iconic 1713 structure served as the original seat of colonial government and later as the state capitol, witnessing pivotal events such as the Boston Massacre. Today, it operates as a compelling museum, housing historical exhibits—some interactive—that recount the dramatic events leading up to the American Revolution. Visitors can explore the council chamber and legislative hall, experiencing the atmosphere where crucial decisions were made. It’s a powerful symbol of liberty and a vital educational resource, offering a profound connection to the nation’s foundational narrative in the heart of downtown Boston.

General

• ✔ Type: Museum
• ✔ Good for Children
• ✔ Has Restroom
• ✔ Has Wifi

Parking options

• ❌ Free parking lot
• ❌ Paid parking lot
• ❌ Free street parking
• ❌ Paid street parking
• ❌ Free garage parking
• ❌ Paid garage parking

Accessibility

• ❌ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ❌ Wheelchair accessible entrance
• ❌ Wheelchair accessible restroom
• ❌ Wheelchair accessible seating

Experience history firsthand aboard the USS Constitution, the world’s oldest commissioned warship afloat, affectionately known as “Old Ironsides.” Docked in the historic Charlestown Navy Yard, this legendary wooden-hulled frigate, launched in 1797, offers an incredible opportunity to step aboard a piece of American naval heritage. Guided tours led by active-duty U.S. Navy sailors provide engaging insights into the ship’s construction, its heroic battles in the War of 1812, and the daily life of its crew. It’s a powerful and tangible connection to the past, allowing visitors to walk the decks where history was made. A visit to the USS Constitution is an inspiring and educational experience for all who appreciate military history and the enduring spirit of America.

General

• ✔ Type: Museum
• ✔ Good for Children
• ❌ Has Restroom

Parking options

• ❌ Free parking lot
• ❌ Paid parking lot
• ❌ Free street parking
• ❌ Paid street parking
• ❌ Free garage parking
• ❌ Paid garage parking

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
• ❌ Wheelchair accessible restroom
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible seating

Immerse yourself in the cutting-edge world of science, technology, and art at the MIT Museum, a dynamic institution showcasing the innovative spirit of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Located in Cambridge, the museum highlights groundbreaking research and creations from MIT, featuring captivating exhibits on kinetic sculptures, advanced robotics, holography, and artificial intelligence. It’s a place where complex scientific concepts are made accessible and exciting through interactive displays and engaging demonstrations. Ideal for aspiring scientists, tech enthusiasts, and curious minds of all ages, the MIT Museum provides a fascinating glimpse into the future, inspiring visitors with the endless possibilities of human ingenuity and discovery.

General

• ✔ Type: Museum
• ✔ Good for Children
• ✔ Has Restroom
• ✔ Has Wifi

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom

Payment options

• ✔ NFC