Boston is home to world-class universities and some of the best museums in the country. These collections range from fine arts to historical artifacts. So if you have a day to spend at a museum, check out this list below.
MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS BOSTON
This is one of Boston’s most popular attractions and sees over one million visitors a year. The Museum of Fine Arts Boston was established in 1970 and has over 450,000 pieces of art. Its collection includes everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary pieces. The museum hosts a special event every first Friday of the month with cocktails, tapas, and art (tickets for this event are sold separately).
OLD STATE HOUSE
The Old State House is located in the Financial District. Built in 1713, it stands as one of the oldest public buildings in the United States. As a mix of old and new, the basement of the house is a commuter stop for the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority, while the upper level is home to the museum. Its collection includes many historical documents and artifacts from the Boston Society. Outside of the Old State House, you can see the spot commemorating where the Boston Massacre took place in 1770.
MUSEUM OF SCIENCE BOSTON
The Museum of Science Boston is not only a museum but an indoor zoo that has over 100 animals, most who have been rescued. Located on the Charles River, it has over 700 interactive exhibits. The museum offers live presentations throughout the day. The site also features a planetarium and an IMAX theater.
BOSTON’S CHILDREN MUSEUM
The Boston Children’s Museum was founded in 1913 by a group of teachers. Today, it’s the largest children’s museum in the world. Its goal is to teach children about the environment, science, culture, health, and the arts. Their most popular exhibits include the Bubble Room, Raceway, and the Japanese House.
MUSEUM OF BAD ART
Not all art can be museum-quality pieces. That’s where the Museum of Bad Art comes to the rescue. It’s home to over 700 pieces of art that is “too bad to be ignored.” The highlight of the collection is Lucy in the Field with Flowers. The piece was actually pulled from the trash in Boston. If you’re looking for something quirky and unconventional, then this is the place for you.
Whether you’re looking to see traditional or eclectic pieces, Boston’s museums offer something for everyone. Make sure you have a museum stop (or two) on your itinerary when you’re visiting.
