Free Museums in Massachusetts

"There’s a lot more at the Boston Museum of Science than the full-size Tyrannosaurus rex model that greets visitors, but it’s a good place to start. From the biggest dinosaurs to the most delicate butterflies, the Museum of Science is home to all kinds of critters, experiments, and even spaceships. And if you have the time, be sure to check out a movie at the Imax Mugar Omni Theater."

"Anytime is a great time to get out and discover all of the wonderful Museums that Boston has to offer. The Boston Museum of Science is a great destination for families with kids, and it's full of mind-expanding exhibits and activities for you to explore. Parents and children alike will marvel at the exhibits at the Boston Museum of Science."

"The magnificent Venetian-style palazzo that houses this museum was home to ‘Mrs Jack’ Gardner herself until her death in 1924. A monument to one woman’s taste for acquiring exquisite art, the Gardner is filled with some 2500 priceless objects, primarily European, including outstanding tapestries and Italian Renaissance and 17th-century Dutch paintings. The four-story greenhouse courtyard is a tranquil oasis that alone is worth the price of admission."

"In our opinion, one of Boston's best kept secrets is the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Beyond the famed robbery which stripped this museum of 9 priceless works of art, that have still not been found, it is one of the most splendid and unique museums you will ever visit. Here's a great list of other hidden gems in the city of Boston."

"A Renaissance palace imported from Italy, stuffed with precious art by its eccentric owner, and recently greatly expanded."

"The name says it all, but if the kids aren’t satisfied with dumping tea over the side of a boat, they’ll definitely have a good time at the Boston Children’s Museum just across the Congress Street bridge in Fort Point. For over 100 years, this museum has been entertaining kids of all ages with exhibits geared toward science, culture, environmental awareness, health and fitness, and the arts. Many of the exhibits have been around for decades, adding to the nostalgia that comes with taking your own children there."

"The Boston Children’s Museum is dedicated to education, the second oldest children’s museum in the US – but if you think that sounds dull, think again. For starters, there’s a 40ft milk bottle out front. The exhibits here are fantastically hands-on, encouraging kids to be as creative as possible, with games, mazes, workshops, crafts, even obstacle challenges to inspire children to learn through play and experience/"

"The nation’s oldest commissioned naval ship is still operated by the U.S. Navy and is open to visitors daily; it’s also a stop on the Boston Freedom Trail. Don’t miss the museum located across the pier for more history and information about the legendary vessel, which has served the country since 1797."

"Winner of all 40 sea battles in which she fought, “Old Ironsides” is one of the six original frigates that made up the United States Navy."

"As the most visited attraction at Harvard University, the Harvard Museum of Natural History sees more than 250,000 people each year. The name speaks for itself, as it’s filled with exhibits to help attendees understand and appreciate the natural world, including everything from planets and climate change to evolution and animals found all over the world."

"Explore the natural world in the detailed exhibits that live at this Harvard University treasure. Examine animals, dinosaurs, fossils, stones, flowers and biology. Also enjoy insight into cultures, by region."

"The Massachusetts Historical Society is a major historical archive. The museum specializes in early American, Massachusetts, and New England history. Today their large collection includes Adams Family Papers (1639-1889), Jefferson's handwritten copy of the Declaration of Independence, approximately 12,000 biographies as well as newspapers, fine art works, and much more."

"1154 Boylston St, Boston, MA | Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10 am – 4 pm. Massachusetts Historical Society’s extraordinary collections tell the story of America through millions of rare and unique documents, artifacts, and irreplaceable national treasures. Admission to the Massachusetts Historical Society is always free and open to the public."

"The Massachusetts Historical Society collects, preserves and makes available to the public manuscripts and artifacts related to the state. The society has a large collection of papers and letters from historical figures and politicians from Massachusetts. They also publish books and loan their materials to other museums and libraries."

"Dedicated to the tragically brief life of John F. Kennedy, this museum and library depicts the famous man’s leadership and legacy, while at the same time illustrating the nature of a President’s office. The beautiful building was constructed to overlook the President’s beloved Boston, offering a wonderful view of the city skyline as well as an outdoor walkway along the Dorchester Bay. The museum is full of fascinating artifacts, photos and videos which also include interesting items such as a number of his spouse Jackie’s dresses."

"The John F Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is dedicated "to all those who through the art of politics seek a new and better world." Highlighting the presidential endeavors of John F Kennedy, a Boston area native who had aspirations for the White House and succeeded in creating a family legacy of greatness that followed his children through their lives. The looming white structure, designed by I.M. Pei, overlooks Dorchester Bay and is set on 10 acres."

"Situated in Boston’s Dorchester neighbourhood, the JFK Public Library was built on a landfill and is a concrete triangular tower which is 125 feet tall. Rising along with the main structure, is a cube of glass and steel. It is a simple geometric structure with a grey-glass pavilion that connects it to a circular section housing two theatres."

"The Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA), located on the waterfront in Boston, is undoubtedly a gem along the Harborwalk – an inviting public walkway around the Boston Harbor with its parks, public art, seating areas, restaurants and more. Perfect for contemporary art lovers, the ICA is organized in sections: one large rotating exhibition that changes every few months, a few smaller rotating displays and its permanent collection. Each exhibit aims is distinctive and is usually themed around the work of one artist or a particular topic."

"Next is a must-visit art museum in Boston, the Institute of Contemporary Art!. When it was first founded, it was called the Boston Museum of Modern Art but has since changed its name. The mission has always stayed the same, though: educating and showcasing contemporary art to the masses."

"The Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston Diller Scofidio + Renfro Architects. Photo: Wikimedia Commons (. Our Boston architecture tour starts in the up-and-coming Seaport District of Boston, home to one of the city’s most famous art museums: The Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA)."

"The Leventhal Map Center located in the Boston Public Library's McKim Building in Copley Square is a place to explore history, geography and world events through their collection of maps dating from the 15th century to the present. Visit their gallery and learning center FREE to view exhibitions, and Kids Map Club with puzzles, books, globes, memory games and map related activities. Visit their website at https://www.leventhalmap.org/."

"Since 1876, the Museum of Fine Arts has been Boston's premier venue for showcasing art by local, national and international artists. Nowadays the museum's holdings encompass all eras, from the ancient world to contemporary times, and all areas of the globe, making it truly encyclopedic in scope. Gorgeous modern wings dedicated to the Art of the Americas and to contemporary art have contributed to Boston's emergence as an art center in the 21st century."

"A grab-and-go health food concept, Cocobeet provides fresh cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and nourishing raw food to the Boston masses. They also know their stuff when it comes to nutrition. Using raw, organic, and gluten-free ingredients, their offerings include a selection of invigorating smoothie bowls, grain bowls, salads, sandwiches, and raw snacks."

"We’re not sure if coconut and beet actually go well together, and interestingly there’s no smoothie or juice with those ingredients together at this Downtown cafe. But there are plenty of other things that sound good, like the quinoa breakfast bowl with cashew milk and homemade berry jam. Visit their website to place an order."

"If a key lime pie is vegan, we think it counts as breakfast and not dessert. But that’s not why we’re at Cocobeet so often. Obviously, we’re here in the mornings for our cold-pressed orange, ginger, and jalapeño juice, and to pick up a salad and grain bowl for lunch."

"With flavors like sweet lavender, avocado, and maple bourbon, FoMu provides a unique experience with every spoonful. You won’t even know this ice cream is veganbecause it’s so rich and creamy, thanks to the allergen-friendly coconut milk they use. #SpoonTip: You can get two different scoop flavors on a mini, which is great if you’re not that hungry but still want to try more than one flavor."

"Every time you go to the vegetarian restaurant Clover Food Lab, expect your meal to taste uniquely different. The menu is defined by fresh ingredients, and constantly changes with customer feedback. Clover started as a food truck and now is wildly successful with 13 locations in the Boston area."

"Clover is definitely unlike any place you’ve ever eaten, and that’s the point. They’re putting a new spin on fresh food in this all-vegetarian food lab. Their farm-to-table philosophy means that they have no freezers in any location, and the food is prepared daily and to order."

"Pickup is entirely contact-less at Broadway’s on, uh, Broadway. Get your coffee and ricotta square before they close at 2pm."

"While best-known for its cannoli, Mike's is also well-known for the bitter debate that wages among Boston residents over whether they are "Mike's people" or "Modern people." The two bakeries sit on opposite sides of Hanover street, and Mike's churns out piles and piles of cannoli, lobster tails, cream puffs, biscotti, gelato, marzipan, and more. Mike's expanded to Cambridge's Harvard Square in 2014 and will expand to Somerville's Assembly Row in 2017."

"Mike's Pastry is often crowded; lines form at the register and extend onto the street, and for good reason- Mike's makes amazing Italian pastries. King of the cannoli, Mike's makes them in many flavors: ricotta cheese, chocolate cream, chocolate chip, and hazelnut are just a few. If flaky, creamy homemade cannolis don't sound tempting enough, browse the cookie selection, try the sugary-sweet cinnamon twists or order a lobster tail."

"Although there’s an endless debate between whether Mike’s or Modern is better, the truth is that both are delicious. If you’re looking for the true Boston experience, though, we recommend that you go to Mike’s. #SpoonTip: Although there is a location in Cambridge, take the time to head to the Mike’s in the North End."