A Venetian palace in the middle of the Fens!

"You haven't been to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum!?!" seemed to be the reaction for my friend and I as we talked to locals and tourists alike. Only a short walk from our apartment, the ISGM is situated in an ugly little building next to an ugly little park. Not exactly top of my list-- but she was an art collector and international traveler with incredible decorating skills.

We walked in and the ground floors immediately opens up to her Venetian courtyard filled with green, lush plants and a beautiful tile centerpiece. Obviously inspired by her trips to Venice, Cambodia, and many more European and Asian countries. It was the perfect tranquil getaway from cold, wildy Boston.

The rest of the three floors contain furniture, pictures, and objects of art from across the world. Its beautiful to see the difference in art from countries spanning from Asia to Northern and Central Europe.

My friend informed me that in her will she specified that nothing could be moved from where she originally displayed it in her home. She did have great taste and it really gave the museum flow and personality. It worked out great until the museum was raided of 13 artworks. Nothing has been put up to replace them but the FBI is still trying to get them back, with a $5 million reward for information. I'll keep my eyes peeled for old museum work hidden in some college student's apartment!


Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
280 Fenway
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 566-1401
*If your name is Isabella, you get in for free