Museums are the cultural hubs of Massachusetts. Whether you’re looking to learn something new about our city or plotting a way to spend your Saturday afternoon, here are 20+ museums to visit in the Greater Boston area.
Arts
Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave. | $10-$27
The art museum near Northeastern University houses nearly 500,000 works spanning from ancient artistry to modern masterpieces. Take the T ‘s Green Line E train to the Museum of Fine Arts stop for easy access via public transportation.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, 25 Evans Way | $15-$22
This museum, perhaps best known as the location of an infamous art theft, houses examples of European, Asian, and American art collected by Isabella Stewart Gardner during her lifetime.
Institute of Contemporary Art, 25 Harbor Shore Dr. | $10-20
This mecca of modern art (with a wine and coffee bar) built its permanent home on the edge of the Boston Harbor in 2006.
Don’t miss: The museum’s seasonal Watershed location in East Boston, which opens in May 2025.
MassArt Art Museum, 621 Huntington Ave. | Free
The contemporary art museum at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design first opened its doors in February 2020. Visit to see curated exhibitions from emerging and well-known artists.
Harvard Art Museums, 32 Quincy St., Cambridge | Free
Harvard University’s oldest museum features European and American art from the Middle Ages to the present day. As of June 2023, it’s completely free to attend.
Don’t miss: Harvard Art Museums at Night, held on the last Thursday of each month.
History
USS Constitution Museum, Building 22, Charlestown Navy Yard | $5-$15
Head to Charlestown to learn the history of “Old Ironsides.” The ship is free to visit on a first come, first served basis, while the museum has suggested donation amounts based on visitor ages.
Paul Revere House, 19 N. Sq. | $1-$6
Bostonians can easily visit the colonial home of Paul Revere during the American Revolution. The museum, which is open daily in the North End (except Mondays from January-March), recounts the story of the famous Midnight Ride and hosts special events like reenactments.
Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, 306 Congress St. | $35
Reservations are required to hop aboard 18th century replica vessels and view the only known surviving tea chest from the Boston Tea Party.
The 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party is coming up in December 2023.
Photo by @jphotowrld
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Columbia Point | $10-$18
Spend a day in Dorchester learning about our nation’s 35th president near the waterfront. Then, take a peek at these other local JFK landmarks.
Museum of African American History, 46 Joy St. | $8-$15
New England’s largest museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing the contributions of African Americans also has a location on Nantucket. Visit the Beacon Hill museum as part of the Black Heritage Trail.
Special Interest
Museum of Illusions Boston, 200 State St., Ste. 2 | $33-$36
This highly-anticipated museum opened its Boston location in December 2024 with its signature science-meets-illusion exhibits designed to make guests question perception vs. reality. The Marketplace Center museum also features special exhibits with a local twist.
Money Museum, 41 Bromfield St. | $250 (for a private group tour)
See green on a private tour of Boston’s money museum with up to 20 guests. The downtown museum features coinage produced by the first mint of the British Colonies located in North America.
Boston Fire Museum, 344 Congress St. | Free, donations encouraged
Since 1983, this museum has occupied the old firehouse in the Seaport District. It preserves the memory of the Boston Fire Department, one of the oldest in the nation, and educates the public about events like the Great Boston Fire of 1872.
See three original coal-powered, steam-driven water pumps at the Metropolitan Waterworks Museum.
Photo by @jasonbakerphotography
Metropolitan Waterworks Museum, 2450 Beacon St. | Free
This Chestnut Hill location was originally a pumping station of the Boston Metropolitan Waterworks. Visit the museum for free or pay $18 for a special access tour to explore its collection of steam engines.
How Do You See the World? Experience, 210 Massachusetts Ave. | $6
Home of the Mapparium globe (which requires tickets), the various Christian Science Monitor exhibits explore progress and possibilities throughout the world as you consider your own place in it.
Sports
The Sports Museum, 100 Legends Way | $15-$30
Founded in 1977, The Sports Museum is located inside TD Garden. Head to the information desk to catch a tour and enjoy half a mile of Boston sports memorabilia.
Pro tip: Check the schedule before you head over, as the museum is closed during games and concerts.
The Patriots Hall of Fame, 2 Patriot Pl., Foxborough | $5-$10
Built and opened by the Kraft family in 2008, the Hall of Fame is an interactive multi-media tribute to Boston’s favorite football team. Go Pats.
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, 1000 Hall of Fame Ave., Springfield | $20-$30
Take a trip to the town where basketball was first invented to explore three levels on the history of America’s favorite pastime.
Kids
Boston Children’s Museum, 308 Congress St. | $22
The second oldest children’s museum in the US, this attraction is located along the Fort Point Channel and offers plenty of STEAM activities to keep kids engaged.
Discovery Museum, 177 Main St., Acton | $18-$19
Take a ~30-mile trip outside the city for a family day of science, nature, and play.
Pro tip: Visit for free the first Friday night of each month from October through June.
Explore the Art Lab, Fenway Farms, and PlaySpace at this museum for children.
Photo by @djdamienpaul
EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester | $14-$19
This museum west of Boston, previously known as the New England Science Center, is home to the Alden Planetarium and plenty of outdoor explorations.
Don’t miss: The Explorer Express train pulled by a scale model of an 1860s steam engine.
Science
Museum of Science, 1 Science Park | $26-$31
Check out the revolving temporary exhibits, IMAX films, and Planetarium shows at New England’s most attended cultural institution. The on-site parking garage is opening daily from 5 a.m. until midnight.
Don’t miss: The Mission:Mars exhibition, which immerses visitors in the Red Planet.
MIT Museum, 314 Main St., Cambridge | $10-$18
Unleash your curiosity with collections exploring holography, technology-related artworks, and the history of MIT.
What to bring
Whether you’re heading to check out the latest art showcase or ready to marvel through historic architecture, have these essentials on hand while you venture through your local museums:
- Stay hydrated while you peruse ancient artifacts with this 64 oz leak proof glass jug with versatile lids for easy use.
- Pack light and breeze through security screenings using this clear, waterproof cross sling bag to comfortably carry your valuables.
- Don’t forget to pack snacks for the tours –– like these low calorie, low sugar KIND Bar minis that give your taste buds the perfect salty/sweet combo.
- Your feet will be ready to conquer the world when you wear this pair of New Balance women’s sneakers that give all day support and cushion.
- These quick drying cargo shorts by Wrangler give a relaxed and comfortable fit and feature extra pockets for easy storage of car keys, cell phones, and a museum guide.
- Use the thick lined pages of this compact style, vegan leather journal to capture your thoughts as you spectate whimsical paintings and statues.
What did we miss? If you know a museum that’s not on the list, let us know.
