Boston’s must-see museums
from dinosaurs to Da Vinci
We’re taking you on a whirlwind tour of Boston's best museums. Into history, art, or science? There's a spot in Boston that's ready to wow you. How about checking out dinosaur bones at the Harvard Museum of Natural History? Or fancy tossing some tea into the harbour at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum? Lace up those trainers and let’s dive into the electrifying Museum of Science, the grand Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the treasure-filled Museum of Fine Arts, and the innovative MassArt Art Museum. Ready for an adventure? Let’s go explore!
Boston Museum of Science
The Museum of Science in Boston is a must-visit for curious minds of all ages. Along the Charles River, this massive museum connects East Cambridge to Boston’s West End with over 700 interactive exhibits covering everything from the human body to outer space. Don’t miss the "Lightning!" show, where 5,000,000 volts of electricity create natural lightning right before your eyes. Whether you’re digging into dinosaur skeletons, getting hands-on with engineering challenges, or walking through a greenhouse, the Museum of Science promises adventure. Ideal for a half-day visit or more, this place is pure wonder and discovery. It's also only a 15 min walk from citizenM Boston North Station!
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
One of our favourite museums in Boston! The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is a mix of intimacy and grandeur. Set in a Venetian-style palazzo around a beautiful courtyard, it showcases masterpieces by Botticelli, Raphael, Titian, and John Singer Sargent. Gardner’s collection includes over 17,000 objects like paintings, sculptures, furniture, and more. The museum also features a café and gift shop in its Renzo Piano-designed wing. It’s a perfect blend of art, history, and luxury.
Museum of Fine Arts
The Museum of Fine Arts is a gem. It has one of the best collections of Korean and Japanese art in the country, the only permanent exhibition of ancient coins in the U.S., and a vast array of ancient Egyptian treasures. Don’t miss the Claude Monet gallery in the European Wing or the Arts of Islamic Cultures Gallery. With so much to see, you could spend weeks here. It’s a must-visit for any art lover.
MassArt Art Museum
Boston’s only free contemporary art museum, the MassArt Art Museum (MAAM), is the place to see visionary works at the forefront of contemporary art. Dive into the world of cutting-edge creativity! Best part? It's a 5 min drive from citizenM Boston Back Bay!
The Sports Museum
Sports fans, this one’s for you! Located at TD Garden, the Boston Sports Museum is right next to citizenM Boston North Station. Dive into interactive exhibits and historic memorabilia from the Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins, and Patriots. Check out Larry Bird's locker and Shaq’s shoes. It’s a celebration of Boston’s sports passion and history, perfect for all ages. You might even catch some teams practicing!
Harvard Museum of Natural History
Harvard’s most visited museum is a must-see! From the famous Glass Flowers to dinosaur skeletons, meteorites, and minerals, this museum is a treasure trove. With over 11,000 specimens on display, including the only mounted skeleton of the 42 ft.-long Kronosaurus, it’s a hit for all ages. Explore Earth’s history and marvel at rare minerals and gemstones. Just a short walk from Harvard Square, it’s a fun and educational visit.
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
Step back in time at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. This immersive experience features actors in period costumes, historic reenactments, and interactive exhibits. Start at a meeting where Samuel Adams protests the tea tax, then board a reproduction eighteenth-century ship to dump tea into the harbour. Learn about the American Revolution through holographs, animated portraits, and dramatic films. It’s like Disney World meets Revolutionary War history.
Paul Revere House
Visit the Paul Revere House on the Freedom Trail. This small, two-story seventeenth-century home has been restored to reflect its past when it was owned by merchant Robert Howard and later, silversmith Paul Revere. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the life and times of Revolutionary War-era Boston.
MIT Museum
Geek out at the MIT Museum, dedicated to science, technology, engineering, art, and math. This newly relocated museum in Kendall Square offers 56,000 square feet of hands-on, interactive exhibits. From AI to kinetic sculptures and solar-powered cars to genetic engineering, there’s something to intrigue everyone. Don’t miss the kid-friendly maker space and the monthly “After Dark” events for the 21+ crowd.
where to stay in Boston?
After a day of exploring Boston’s best museums, rest and recharge at citizenM Boston North Station or citizenM Boston Back Bay. Enjoy stylish rooms, superfast Wi-Fi, and comfy beds right in the heart of the city. Book your stay now and make your Boston trip unforgettable! See you soon!