The 21 Best Museums in Boston, Massachusetts [2024]

Boston might be best known for its role in early U.S. history, Ivy League colleges, and famous local accents, but many other things make this city unique. In particular, it’s home to some of the country’s best museums.

Boston’s collections have something for everyone, from artifacts that tell the story of the Revolutionary War to interactive exhibits to help kids learn. So, there’s bound to be a museum that deserves a place on your itinerary.

The 21 Best Museums in Boston

1. Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company

As the oldest military organization in the country and one of the oldest in the world, the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company showcases artifacts and documents from throughout U.S. military history. The museum also houses international artifacts, particularly those of the British Army, though other nations are also represented.

The museum’s location can be traced back to the 17th century, and though it’s been restored, many of its original elements remain as well, giving the space extra charm. In addition to the military memorabilia housed in the facility, a selection of paintings depicting battles and the army are also displayed.

The museum is self-guided, and generally, it takes about 30 to 60 minutes to see everything on display. The library also allows visitors to see historical documents about the company, which offers one-of-a-kind research opportunities for those interested.

Admission is free, but some events might require an additional ticket. The museum is open Wednesday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The nearest bus stop is City Road/Leonard Street

• Address: 4 Faneuil Hall Square, Boston, MA 02109

2. Boston Children’s Museum

Families with small kids rave about the Boston Children’s Museum. First established in 1913, it’s the second-oldest museum in the country dedicated to child education.

Spread across 3 floors, the museum has over 20 different exhibits aimed to enrich young minds and interest them in a range of topics from the educational to the imaginative. Most of the exhibits in the facility are aimed at kids between the ages of 3 and 9, but younger and older children and adults can also enjoy their time exploring the museum.

It uses familiar PBS characters, like Arthur, and interactive exhibits to let kids climb, create, and learn. So, it’s one of the best places in the city for children to have fun without getting overstimulated. The museum also regularly hosts special events and temporary exhibits throughout the year, and it even runs a podcast that you can listen to before and after your visit.

Admission is free for members and babies under a year. Admission for all other visitors is $22. The museum is open Wednesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The nearest transit stop is South Station Boston.

• Address: 308 Congress St., Boston, MA 02210

3. Boston Fire Museum

The Boston Fire Museum is housed within the historic Congress Street Fire Station, a city landmark. Through artifacts like old uniforms, equipment, and photographs, the facility aims to teach visitors about the history of Boston’s fire department and how fire safety has changed.

One of the most significant portions of the museum’s collection includes texts and artifacts dating back to the Great Boston Fire, still considered one of the most devastating city fires in U.S. history. Past firefighting companies are also honored through photos, as well as by gear.

The museum is self-guided, but tours can be arranged in advance for groups. There are also knowledgeable volunteers on-site to answer questions. In addition, the museum’s website can also provide further insight into the pieces included in the museum’s collection. In addition to recounting the department’s history, the museum educates visitors about modern-day fire safety.

The museum is free for all visitors. However, donations are welcome since it’s a nonprofit and volunteer-run facility. The museum is only open on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museum is available for events and group tours at other times. The nearest bus stop is Courthouse.

• Address: 344 Congress St., Boston, MA 02210

4. Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

The Boston Tea Party was one of the inciting events that led to the American Revolution. In 1773, it was a massive protest against the high tax on tea, which involved dumping imported teas and products into the water of Boston’s harbor.

The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum aims to help bring this significant historical moment to life. The museum includes an accurate replica of the 18th-century boats from the Boston Tea Party. These vessels have been furnished with authentic and reproduction pieces to provide further accuracy.

What sets the museum apart from other historical exhibits is its interactive feature. The museum hires actors to play the roles of the men and women who participated in the Boston Tea Party. The museum uses these hands-on exhibits alongside educational texts and artifacts, making this an enriching experience for people of all ages.

Admission is free for children under 3. Tickets for children 3 to 12 are $25 and $36 for adults. Tickets for specialty tours, attraction packages, and events cost more. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The nearest stop is South Station Boston.

• Address: 306 Congress St., Boston, MA 02210

5. Commonwealth Museum

The Massachusetts Archives operates Boston’s Commonwealth Museum to preserve the state’s history and educate visitors. The museum’s primary exhibits focus on the evolution of the state from its first colonial settlements through the 1920s and the suffragette movement.

In particular, the wing called “The Massachusetts Experiment in Democracy: 1620–Today” looks at democracy. It does this by diving into Boston’s important role in shaping the country’s political system. Over the years, the museum has opened other permanent galleries as well. These look at the state’s founding families and the cultures that created modern-day Massachusetts.

The museum also houses temporary exhibits, which give greater insight into specific historical periods and topics. The Commonwealth Museum also features multiple art and document galleries. The entire museum takes about an hour to see, though there are no time constraints for those who prefer to stay longer.

General admission is free for all visitors. The museum is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Mount Vernon Street.

• Address: 220 Morrissey Blvd., Boston, MA 02125

6. Gibson House Museum

The Gibson House Museum aims to look at Boston’s history through the eyes of the Gibson family, who lived in the home for 3 generations. For that reason, it was even named a National Historic Monument in 2001.

Since it was occupied consistently for so long, it’s one of Boston’s most well-preserved examples of 19th-century housing. It even has much of its original wallpaper and the furnishings, textiles, and personal items that the Gibsons acquired during their residency.

The museum can be visited via guided tour, but specialty and even virtual tours are available for a unique or more in-depth experience. It’s possible to book a private walk-through for a group if arrangements are made 2 weeks in advance. The facility also frequently hosts lectures and seminars about early American history.

Tickets are $5 for children 6 to 12, $10 for students and seniors, and $12 for adults. Admission is free for members, active military personnel and family, and children under 6. The museum is open Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday to Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The nearest subway stop is Charles/MGH.

• Address: 137 Beacon St., Boston, MA 02116

“The Gibson House is truly a hidden gem in Boston’s historic Back Bay neighborhood. The museum transports you back to the Victorian era, serving as a time capsule of domestic life during the mid-19th to early-20th centuries. Tours of the museum cover family history, the domestic servant perspective, and the LGBTQ+ history at the center of the museum’s founding.”

Sarah Hagglund, Museum Program & Curatorial Assistant, Gibson House Museum

7. Institute of Contemporary Art

First established in 1936, Boston’s Institute of Contemporary Art aims to make the art world more accessible by showcasing current artists and their creative processes. When it first opened, the museum focused particularly on modern art. However, over the years, the museum board has expanded its criteria to include art from all different styles and mediums.

The museum’s collection is ever-changing as it continues to acquire new pieces, with hundreds already on display and in its archives. Some of the most popular works in the museum belong to its “Art by Women” exhibit, which features artists such as Marlene Dumas, Louise Bourgeois, and Cindy Sherman.

The facility routinely hosts temporary galleries and lectures to offer a more in-depth look at particular artists and styles. One of the most recent note-worthy works purchased by the museum is “Love Is Calling,” an interactive infinity room installation. Keep in mind that a reservation is required to experience this piece.

Admission is free for visitors 18 and under, $15 for students, $17 for seniors 60+, and $20 for everyone else. Specialty tours and galleries usually require a separate ticket. The museum is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Atlantic Avenue.

• Address: 25 Harbor Shore Drive, Boston, MA 02210

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8. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is one of Boston’s premier spots to admire decorative art from around the world. It houses ceramics, tapestries, sculptures, and more from Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

The museum was first established in 1903, beginning with the personal collection of the facility’s namesake. As a patron of the arts, she acquired exemplary pieces showcasing global art styles. Today, the museum’s collection consists of over 7,500 works of art, 2,700 texts, and 8,000 artifacts ranging from fabrics to metalwork. Notably, a large portion of the collection has been here since the beginning.

The museum also hosts a series of temporary exhibits that delve into Isabella Gardner’s life and art history. Some of the most important pieces housed in the collection are Botticelli’s “The Story of Lucretia” and original manuscripts written by Dante Alighieri.

Admission is free for members, military personnel and families, and children under 18, $13 for students, $18 for seniors 65+, and $20 for adults. People legally named Isabella can also enter for free. The museum is open Saturday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Louis Prang Street.

• Address: 25 Evans Way, Boston, MA 02115

9. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

For lovers of American History, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is a must-see spot when visiting Boston.

The entire facility is dedicated to the life and career of the 35th president of the U.S., John F. Kennedy, housing his presidential library and several personal effects. The museum houses over 20,000 objects, including artwork, gifts JFK received, and even a selection of notable outfits worn by First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy.

Currently, 7 permanent galleries in the facility take visitors through Kennedy’s political life and career, starting with his first campaigns. Several displays are also dedicated to the rest of the historic Kennedy family. In addition to these exhibits, the museum hosts special events as well. There are also several audiovisual and virtual displays to experience.

Admission is free for children under 13, $10 for children 13 to 17, $12 for students and seniors 62+, and $18 for adults. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Mount Vernon Street.

• Address: Columbia Point, Boston, MA 02125

10. The Mary Baker Eddy Library

The Mary Baker Eddy Library is a museum and research center that centers around the lifework of its founder, Mary Baker Eddy. The museum’s library contains an impressive collection of Christian Science texts that date back to the 19th century.

In addition to its reference texts, the facility houses multiple permanent exhibits, the most popular of which is the “Mapparium,” a 3-story-tall globe. Its massive size gives visitors an authentic look at the Earth’s geography as it reduces the distortions small globes and flat maps have.

The museum also allows visitors to explore some of the library’s oldest documents without a research appointment via its interactive exhibits. Part of the collection is kept in the archives to preserve the integrity of some of the facility’s artifacts. However, many of these pieces can be seen via its online catalog.

Admission is free for all visitors. The museum and library are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The nearest subway stop is Symphony.

• Address: 210 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, MA 02115

11. MassArt Art Museum

First opened in 2020, the MassArt Art Museum is one of Boston’s newest facilities. The Massachusetts College of Art and Design owns and operates the museum and aims to showcase groundbreaking artwork and artists.

Since the facility is operated through the college and features a variety of artists, its exhibitions are nearly always rotating. The lack of a permanent gallery also ensures that virtually all repeat visits differ. Education and accessibility are 2 other pillars of the museum. Lectures are routinely hosted at the museum facility, as are workshops and social events for people of all ages to help foster an interest in art.

Some of its past exhibits have featured work from visionaries like May Stevens and Jace Clayton. These galleries also regularly spotlight design and art styles. A past favorite was the “Designing Motherhood” exhibit, which looked at how parenting and child-rearing have changed throughout time and how these changes affect design.

Visiting the museum is free for everyone. The location is open Thursday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The nearest subway stop is Longwood Medical.

• Address: 621 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02115

12. Museum of Bad Art

Since opening in 1994, the Museum of Bad Art, or the MOBA as it’s been dubbed, has become one of Boston’s best facilities off the beaten path. The permanent collection has grown to include over 700 pieces, though only 30 are displayed at any time. Though what constitutes bad art is subjective, the museum showcases works usually considered too garish or quirky for most galleries.

The museum’s point isn’t to make fun of the art or the artists but to make the field more accessible. It also aims to inspire people to create art of any kind, even if they aren’t sure they can make something technically “good.” The museum is divided into 10 different collections. Some of the most beloved pieces featured are “Till I Was Blue In The Face” and “In the Cat’s Mouth.”

Admission is free for all visitors. The museum is open Sunday and Monday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday to Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday to Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. The nearest train stop is JFK/UMass.

• Address: 1250 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, MA 02125

13. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, is one of the largest in the world, housing over 450,000 works of art that are partially spread out across 100 exhibits. Though primarily an art museum, the facility also houses artifacts from ancient civilizations, like Egyptian jewelry and sarcophagi.

Because the collection comprises pieces from all over the world, it’s considered one of the most comprehensive in the country. In particular, the Japanese art collection is the largest outside of Japan and consists of 100,000 items. Other museum highlights include works from masters like Claude Monet and Vincent Van Gogh.

The museum’s archives and galleries have grown considerably due to its acquisition process. Over the years, the museum has come into possession of personal collections from the Rothschild family, the Rockefellers, and Harold Hartley.

General admission is free for members and children 6 and under, $10 for children 7 to 17, and $27 for adults. The museum is open Saturday to Monday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The closest rail station is Museum of Fine Arts.

• Address: 465 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02115

14. Museum of Science

Boston’s Museum of Science (MoS) is an educational facility and indoor zoo meant to teach visitors of all ages about the sciences. The museum hosts 700 permanent exhibits and over 100 rehabilitated and rescued animals.

Many of the galleries are interactive to make learning more enjoyable. The permanent displays cover topics like anatomy, the Arctic, and dinosaurs, utilizing authentic fossils, tech, recreations, and models. Notably, the museum also rotates its temporary galleries seasonally to ensure each visit offers new learning opportunities.

One of the most popular exhibits in the museum is the near-complete triceratops skeleton dubbed “Cliff,” which was discovered in the Dakotas in 2004. The new public health and vaccine-focused exhibit has also increased in popularity among visitors. Workshops and special events are also regularly hosted for people of all ages.

General admission is free for children under 3 and members, $24 for children 3 to 11, $24 for seniors 60+, and $29 for adults. Films and shows require an additional ticket. The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The nearest train stop is Science Park/West End.

• Address: Museum of Science Driveway, Boston, MA 02114

15. Nichols House Museum

The Nichols House Museum was once the home of Rose Standish Nichols, a renowned political activist during the 19th and 20th centuries. After living in the home for 75 years, she wished for the structure to be used as a museum after her death.

The museum mainly aims to preserve history by showcasing how Boston’s wealthiest citizens lived. The collection consists of personal effects belonging to the Nichols family and other furniture and art pieces acquired that can be traced back to the years surrounding the turn of the century.

The artwork is of particular historical value as many pieces, both on display and in the museum’s archived collection, were completed during the Colonial Era. Notably, the facility houses numerous portraits of Massachusetts residents like Cottonus Mathers and Thomas Johnston. The museum often hosts special tours and events as well.

Admission is free for military personnel, staff of other museums, members, and children under 12, $8 for teachers and students, $13 for seniors 65+, and $16 for adults. Discounted group rates are also available. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The nearest subway stop is Charles/MGH.

• Address: 55 Mt. Vernon St., Boston, MA 02108

16. Old State House (Revolutionary Spaces)

The Old State House was once the seat of the state’s court from 1713 to 1798. It is also one of the oldest buildings in the U.S. built for public services. The museum houses a collection of documents, artifacts, and art pieces that depict Massachusetts’ evolution over time.

In 2020, the Old State House and Old South Meeting House combined to become Revolutionary spaces. These 2 sites sit just 2 blocks from each other, and you can visit both on 1 ticket.

The Old State House can be divided into 5 main exhibits that look at different parts of the state’s early history. One of the most popular is the “Colony to Commonwealth” wing, which shows how this part of the East Coast transitioned from a British territory to an independent part of the U.S.

Education is the primary purpose of the exhibit, so events and temporary exhibitions are often held to create an even more enriching visit experience. Group tours and visits are also available for various ages upon request.

Admission for both historic sites is $8 for children 12 and under, $14 for students and seniors 65+, and $15 for general adults. The museum is open daily from Monday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The nearest bus station is Congress Street.

• Address: 206 Washington St., Boston, MA 02109

17. Otis House Museum

Designed by one of the first American architects, Charles Bulfinsh, the Otis House Museum was commissioned by Harrison Gray Otis as a residence. The home is used as the headquarters for the Historic New England organization, but it’s also open to the public.

The museum houses over 125,000 different objects that help tell the story of New England’s history and evolution. These pieces range from books and clothing to furniture and textiles. Though many of these artifacts are kept in the archives, many are displayed throughout the home.

In addition to the pieces held inside the home, the building is worth seeing. It’s considered one of the best examples of the Federal style of architecture. It’s worth noting that, due to the dual nature of the building, visits are conducted with a tour guide who will be able to answer all your questions. 

Admission is $7 for children, $13 for seniors and students, and $15 for adults. Private tours are also available at an extra cost. The museum is open Friday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The nearest subway stop is Charles/MGH.

• Address: 141 Cambridge St., Boston, MA 02114

18. Russell Museum

Open and run in association with the Boston General Hospital, the Russell Museum focuses on medical history and its advancements through the years. The museum is divided into 3 levels.

The main gallery floor houses the most significant portion of the collection. It showcases artifacts, documents, videos, and interactive displays that recount 200 years of medical history. The museum also regularly hosts lectures and temporary exhibits that dive deeper into healthcare and medical topics. Many of these are free of charge as their main aim is to educate guests.

Perhaps the most popular part of the museum is the “Ether Dome,” a public surgery gallery that revolutionized how medicine was taught in the U.S. The dome is occasionally used for meetings, so calling ahead is recommended to see it during your visit. You can also tour it virtually.

Admission is free for all visitors. Specialty events sometimes require a separate ticket. The museum is open Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The nearest subway stop is Charles/MGH.

• Address: 2 N. Grove St., Boston, MA 02114

19. The Sports Museum

Located in the TD Garden arena, The Sports Museum tells the history of the city’s different athletic teams. The museum boasts over 0.5 miles of exhibit space showcasing historical artifacts, ads, photos, and uniforms from Boston’s professional sports teams.

While the main museum is self-guided, assistants are ready to answer any questions you might have to bring the exhibits to life. In addition, the museum also offers specialty tours that allow you to see other levels of the stadium, granting you a behind-the-scenes look at the arena.

The stadium also hosts educational events and outreach programs to help avid and casual sports fans learn and hone their interest in athletics. The museum is appropriate for all ages and uses traditional displays and interactive exhibits. It’s also designed to be enjoyable for everyone, not just fans of Boston’s teams. 

Tickets are $10 for kids 7 to 18, $15 for seniors 65+, and $20 for adults. Kids under 6 and military personnel enter for free. The museum is only open Friday from 12 to 5 p.m. The nearest train stop is North Station.

• Address: TD Garden, 100 Legends Way, Boston, MA 02114

20. The West End Museum

First established in 1989, The West End Museum (WEM) is a cultural neighborhood museum that preserves the history of Boston’s West End area. The museum showcases how the neighborhood has changed throughout its history through photos, documents, and artwork.

While the facility does have a permanent collection, it’s beloved for its temporary exhibitions, which frequently change. These unique galleries highlight the people who called West End home and pivotal moments and businesses from the area.

In addition to its exhibits, the museum has a full event calendar of educational programs, lectures, and other activities. The museum is also a living time capsule. Artifacts are continuously donated to the museum, and research is constant to provide an accurate picture of this part of Boston.

Admission is free for all visitors, but donations are welcome. The museum is reorganizing and renovating and should reopen in the spring of 2024 with updated hours. Programs and events are still being hosted. The nearest rail station is Science Park/West End.

• Address: 150 Staniford St., Suite 7, Boston, MA 02114

21. USS Constitution Museum

Located in one of Boston’s old shipyards, near its namesake, the USS Constitution Museum preserves the history of the Constitution ship, which was used by the U.S. Navy starting in 1797.

Nicknamed “Old Ironsides,” the ship is the oldest still-floating ship in the world. As a result, it’s been part of important moments in the country’s history. The museum houses 4 exhibits that utilize interactive features and authentic artifacts to recount the story of the ship’s creation and usage.

In particular, many exhibits focus on the War of 1812, during which the USS Constitution earned most of its fame. However, the ship’s various crew members from other points in its 200-year history are also honored. The museum has curated a collection of over 12,000 pieces between objects and records, making it the authoritative resource regarding the ship.

Admission is free, but donations are encouraged. The organization suggests offering $5 for children and $10 for adults. The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The nearest bus station is Chelsea Street.

• Address: Building 22, Charlestown Navy Yard, Charlestown, MA 02129

How To Get Free or Reduced Admission to Boston Museums

We’ve indicated with each museum whether or not children, students, or seniors receive free or reduced admission. Several other programs offer similar concessions.

The Museums for All program offers free or reduced admission to museums through the U.S. for those receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits). Participating attractions in the greater Boston area include the Boston Children’s Museum, Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the U.S. Senate, Museum of Science, Nantucket Lightship, Otis House, and Shirley-Eustis House Association.

Bank of America’s Museums on Us program offers cardholders free general admission to the Institute of Contemporary Art and Museum of Fine Arts Boston on the first full weekend of every month.

Capital One cardholders can enroll in a complimentary 6-month membership with The Cultivist (through June 22, 2024) and receive access for themselves and a guest to the Institute of Contemporary Art.

Participation is subject to change; please verify participating museums and entry conditions before your visit.

Final Thoughts

Boston’s history and reputation as a center for intellectualism, art, and culture have made it one of the best places for museum lovers. From fine arts to anatomy, there’s an exhibit for virtually everyone in this Massachusetts city. We hope this list has helped you narrow down your options to see the Boston museums you’ll enjoy most.