Best 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."

"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."

"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 Museum of African American History showcases the history of African Americans in the New England area from the 17th to 19th century. The museum is dedicated to preserving and conserving African American culture and contributions through exhibits and yearly celebrations. Exhibits currently include African American Literature, Picturing Frederick Douglass, and the Freedom Rising Civil War exhibit."

"The Museum of African American History is New England’s largest museum dedicated to African American history. The museum is housed in the old African meeting house on Beacon Hill. The meeting house is the oldest Black church in America and was the center of the African American community in the 19th century."

"History and Cultural Heritage: The Brighton-Allston Heritage Museum was founded in 2007. They collect and exhibits art, artifacts, archives, objects, and photographs related to the history, heritage, culture, and art of Brighton and Allston, MA."

"Address: 43 Monument Square, Charlestown, MassachusettsWebsite: www.nps.gov/bost/learn/historyculture/bhmuseum.htm. The Bunker Hill Museum is dedicated to the American Revolution and the founding of Charlestown, Massachusetts. The museum features exhibits that tell the story of the Battle of Bunker Hill and discuss how it was later commemorated."

"Located along the Freedom Trail just across the street from the monument. It has some great exhibits on the battle, the monument, and the history of Charleston. The museum is always free and is open daily 10 am to 6 pm."

"Vilna Shul, built as a synagogue in 1919 by Jewish immigrants from Lithuania and now Boston's Center for Jewish Culture and a Jewish heritage museum, commemorates the history of this part of Beacon Hill (once part of the West End), and the Eastern European Jewish community in Boston. Restored murals, layers of history, and interesting informational displays. 18 Phillips St, Beacon Hill, Boston; www.vilnashul.org"

"The Vilna Shul, originally an Orthodox synagogue, was built in 1919 by immigrants primarily from Vilna, Lithuania. Today it is a historic landmark building located in historic Beacon Hill and home to a cultural center, community center, and living museum."

"The King’s Chapel is my favorite church in Boston to go inside–not because it is ornate, but because it is so unique among US churches. Built originally as an Anglican Church in the 18th century, the church has enclosed “boxes” instead of rows of pews. Originally, prominent families who were members of the church would have a box of their own that they would sit in each Sunday."

"Designed in 1796 by famous Boston architect Charles Bulfinch, Federal-style Otis House has been through an extensive restoration based on meticulous historical and scientific research, so you will see the bright colors, fancy furnishings, and mirrored doors enjoyed by Boston's upper class in the late 1700s - early 1800s. Don't miss the fascinating architectural museum in the basement. 141 Cambridge Street, West End; Nearest T station: Red Line-Charles/MGH; 617-994-5920; www.historicnewengland.org/property/otis-house"

"A National Historic Landmark, the Harrison Gray Otis House is one of the first of the Federal style of architecture that became popular in the 18th century. Built in 1795-1796, it was designed by Charles Bulfinch for Harrison Gray Otis, a Massachusetts politician. The three-story brick house served as a family home and then later as a clinic and a boarding house."

"Otis House is a historic house museum and National Historic Landmark. It is also the last surviving mansion in Bowdoin Square in Boston’s West End neighborhood. The house museum is one of the historic sites that display items from Historic New England’s collection which includes more than 123,000 objects and 1.5 million archival materials."

"With locations in Boston, Cambridge, and at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut, the casual Summer Shack serves its “tower of power.” Price and ingredients vary slightly by location, but the Boston location is currently charging $65 and including oysters, littlenecks, shrimp, and oyster and tuna sashimi."

"With its giant bucket of crayons on the hostess stand and army of highchairs standing at the ready, this seafood [...] read more». 2008 Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant, Brunch"

"Charlestown’s Pier 6 boasts a rooftop deck right on the water, where guests can tuck into shrimp cocktail and lobster rolls while watching boats taxi across the harbor. Local craft beers are on tap, along with wine, frozen cocktails, and concoctions like the Pier 6 Sunset, made with bourbon, vermouth, lemon juice, simple syrup, and ginger beer."

"Restaurants Seafood Charlestown. If you’re chasing water views, you’ll certainly find them at Pier 6. Located near Charlestown’s Navy Yard, this marina rooftop provides arguably the most incredible panorama of the Boston skyline."

"The name should give you a sense of what to expect, as Pier 6 gives you an unparalleled look at Boston harbor that will astound locals and tourists alike. Chic and trendy from top to bottom, they have a specialized Mai Tai you shouldn’t miss and a menu you can’t ignore."

"The Mandarin Oriental, Boston is located in the desirable Back Bay neighborhood. Within a short walk, you have access to everything that the Back Bay has to offer, like the Boston Public Library, Newbury Street, and access to boutiques, fine dining, and more!. Holding both the AAA Five Diamond and the Forbes Five-Star awards, the Mandarin Oriental, Boston offers the perfect blend of modern luxury and style in its 148 comfortable guest rooms."

"This massive 16,000 square foot day spa in Back Bay is one of Boston’s best. The treatments here offer a holistic approach combining modern techniques with Eastern traditional therapies. As soon as you step into the spa, you know you are in for something special."

"Christine’s Electrology & Day Spa strives to be the most unique spa on the South Shore in a caring, nurturing, casually elegant atmosphere. Special attention is given to each client by our highly specialized licensed staff. We pride ourselves on making each and every visit as relaxing, renewing and restorative as possible."