10 of the Best Museums in Boston and How To Visit

One of the largest, most prestigious art museums in the US, the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) houses more than 500,000 works—making it a must if you only have time for one art stop. Explore everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts and Asian scrolls to European masterpieces and American icons, all under one roof. Located in the Fenway neighborhood, the MFA is easy to reach by public transit or rideshare. Plan to stay for a few hours, and skip the line with a prebooked museum ticket.

Don’t miss: Stop by Dance at Bougival and Postman Joseph Roulin in the Impressionist and post-Impressionist galleries.

Set on the Boston Harbor in the Seaport District, the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) pairs contemporary art with stunning waterfront views. Inside the sleek glass building, find rotating exhibitions showcasing works from emerging artists across photography, sculpture, film, and more. In summer, take the free seasonal water shuttle across the harbor to the ICA Watershed in East Boston for site-specific installations in a converted shipyard.

Don’t miss: The cantilevered deck overlooking the harbor—and the museum’s ever-changing exhibitions that reflect today’s cultural and political conversations.

Set along the Charles River, the Museum of Science is one of Boston’s most interactive attractions, making it a favorite for families and curious minds of all ages. Explore hands-on exhibits covering everything from physics and biology to space exploration and robotics. The museum also features an IMAX theater and planetarium. Located near the Museum of Science MBTA station, it’s an easy stop on any city sightseeing tour—especially if you’re looking to entertain kids or escape a rainy day.

Don’t miss: The live Lightning Show in the Theater of Electricity, featuring the world’s largest indoor Van de Graaff generator.

Part Venetian palace, part intimate art collection, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is one of Boston’s most enchanting spaces. The museum reflects its founder’s eclectic taste, with European, Asian, and American masterpieces displayed around a lush courtyard. Located in the Fenway area, it’s a short walk from the MFA—though its moody, personal vibe couldn’t feel more different from that stately museum.

Don’t miss: The famed Titian Room and the story of the infamous 1990 art heist, one of the world’s most famous unsolved thefts.

Founded in 1913, the Boston Children’s Museum is one of the oldest and most respected children’s museums in the world. Designed to engage young learners, the exhibits here encourage hands-on play and exploration. Highlights include the three-story climbing structure, a kid-sized city, and a traditional Japanese house.

Set along the Fort Point Channel, the museum is easy to combine with a sightseeing sail around Boston Harbor or a visit to the nearby Tea Party Ships and Museum.

Don’t miss: The New Balance Foundation Climb, a multi-story climbing sculpture that delights kids and allows them to burn off plenty of energy.

This isn’t your typical museum—it’s a fully immersive, hands-on experience that puts you right in the heart of Boston’s revolutionary past. Step aboard replica ships, meet costumed guides, and toss tea into the harbor just like the patriots of 1773. Book tickets ahead of your visit, especially in summer. The museum’s waterfront location makes it easy to pair with the Boston Children’s Museum or a walk along the Boston Harborwalk.

Don’t miss: The multi-sensory film Let It Begin Here and the Robinson Tea Chest—the only known surviving tea chest from the original event, offering a tangible link to Boston's revolutionary history.

Located in the Charlestown Navy Yard, the USS Constitution ship and museum bring the story of “Old Ironsides” to life. Step aboard the world’s oldest commissioned naval vessel still afloat, then explore interactive exhibits that reveal sailors’ lives during the War of 1812. While the Freedom Trail officially ends at the Bunker Hill Monument, some full-length Freedom Trail tours also include stops at the USS Constitution and museum—check before booking.

Don’t miss: The All Hands on Deck exhibit, where you can try your hand at sailing skills and learn what it took to keep a warship afloat.

Tucked inside Harvard University, the Museum of Natural History is a favorite among curious travelers and science fans alike. Exhibits range from towering dinosaur skeletons to sparkling gemstones, but the star attraction is the Glass Flowers collection—a delicate, mind-bending display of botanical models crafted entirely from glass. Your ticket also includes entry to the adjacent Peabody Museum of Archaeology. The museum is located in nearby Cambridge which is easily reached by subway or rideshare.

Don’t miss: The Glass Flowers exhibit, a one-of-a-kind collection that must be seen to be believed.

Located on Boston’s Central Wharf, the New England Aquarium is a family favorite—and a must-visit for marine life lovers. Explore the massive central tank teeming with sea turtles, sharks, and tropical fish; get hands-on at the touch tanks; or even learn about a lobster’s life cycle at the Lobster Lab. The aquarium offers whale-watching cruises departing seasonally from the same pier. Book advance tickets or grab a Boston City Pass to avoid long ticket lines, especially if you're visiting on a weekend or a school holidays.

Don’t miss: The Giant Ocean Tank, a 4-story coral reef ecosystem that’s the heart of the aquarium.

Set on a waterfront campus south of downtown, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum celebrates the life, legacy, and leadership of the 35th president. Multimedia exhibits trace JFK’s early years, campaign trail, presidency, and enduring influence.

The building itself is also worth exploring: It was designed by I.M. Pei and offers panoramic views of Boston Harbor. It’s a little out of the city center, but it's well worth the trip—and easy to reach by car or via the Red Line.

Don’t miss: The recreated 1960s campaign trail experience and artifacts from the Kennedy family.