Boston, Massachusetts: City of Art, History and Culture

Step into Boston’s vibrant art scene with a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts. First opened in 1876, the museum houses more than 450,000 works of art. It is stunningly grandiose and has one of the most comprehensive collections in the world. From master works from the Americas, Europe, Asia and the Ancient World, to textiles, fashion and jewelry, the museum is sure to impress. More than a million people visit its famous galleries every year. Whatever you choose to see will be sublime. On recent display were masterpieces by Renoir, Monet, Cezanne, Degas and Van Gogh.

Founded in the early 20th century, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in the Fenway-Kenmore neighborhood takes its name from a wealthy arts enthusiast who traveled the world in search of the works you can see there today. Its three floors of galleries exhibit a fantastic collection of more than 2,500 paintings, sculptures, furniture, rare books and other items. The building that houses the museum was designed as an architectural masterpiece, mimicking the Venetian style of the 15th century. The outside façade of the building features a Luisa Rabbia work of art called "Waterfall." Don’t miss the beautiful courtyard, where you can have a break and relax in between admiring the art.

Stroll along Boston Harbor to see the Institute of Contemporary Art, famous for its impressive architecture. With the shape of a half-opened book, the building is a giant work of art in itself. The museum exhibitions display all kinds of art at different times, and the institute also offers spectacular harbor views, multimedia visual effects, a reading room and theater.

One of the most famous events in the city’s history is the Boston Tea Party. Appropriately, an excellent place to learn about the political protest is the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum. Board the boat, where historical actors wait to re-enact the scene of throwing tea into Boston Harbor. This gives visitors an immersive understanding of Dec. 16, 1773, the night of the actual event. The famous Boston Tea Party was a key factor in the American Revolution and changed the course of American history. Every year for the re-enactment, the East India Brewing Company donates fresh tea to the museum.

Want to learn how American independence started in Boston? Walk along the four-kilometer Freedom Trail and visit 16 historical landmarks along the way. This guided walking route along a brick path connects sites and monuments, including those related to the fight for independence and others concerning modern-day Boston.

Boston teams have a legion of passionate fans. Even if you do not usually watch baseball, you will be amazed by the rapturous fans at Fenway Park, home field for the Boston Red Sox. You’ll especially enjoy the festive mood that takes over Lansdowne Street before and after each game.

Boston is indeed a city of wisdom, and you will spot a number of museums throughout town. Make sure you include the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum on your tour of the city. Here, you can get a comprehensive view of the life and legacy of the 35th U.S. president. He was born just outside of Boston – visit his birthplace in the Brookline neighborhood near Coolidge Corner – and attended Harvard University. 

When in Boston, you can visit Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Harvard University was founded in 1636 across the Charles River in Cambridge. Walk around the campus to take in historic halls and impressive architecture. Harvard also features an impressive collection of museums, including the Harvard Museum of Natural History, the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, and Harvard Art Museums. At the Harvard Museum of Natural History, don’t miss the world-famous glass flowers by Leopold Blaschka and Rudolf Blaschka.