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I had my first visit in February 2021, and I have to say it was the single most depressing museum I have ever been in. The highlight of the place is the garden and cloister, but you aren’t allowed to walk through them. In the rooms the walls are lined with dark tapestries, And it is so poorly lit it is impossible to see any detail of the art. Further there are no labels explaining artists, depictions of the many random works, or even origin. I gather that they attempt to preserve the “vision” of the namesake - but I have no idea how being a rich hoarder makes you an expert on artwork. I left feeling completeky ubderwhelmed. Further from a covid perspective, they are anal about arrows in the ticket area but the whole rest of the museum is a free for all, kind of senseless. Literally any other museum is a better use of your time. I was looking for two things this day, a green oasis in New England winter and a hint of the old world. There is a garden but honestly the tropical area at the Franklin park zoo or even the greenhouse at weston nurseries is better. I did get a hint of old europe - but not in the vacationy sense with lots of beautiful architecture... more in the dark ages sense with everything seeming dingey from smoke and way too much plundered church artifacts including what seemed to be a severed Jesus head.…
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Date of experience: February 2021
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+1
Read about Isabella Stewart Gardner's history before visiting this place, and you will appreciate it a lot more. Such a well kept place, and amazing history.
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Date of experience: March 2020
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+1
I read this book called the Art Forger a couple years ago. My Aunt turned 80 and I wanted to visit with her - but Covid- we thought a museum would be a great way to stay distanced but spend time together. She mentioned this & my brain immediately said YES! It is spectacularly quirky, and interesting and packed full. You must go with time. •Time to sit and stare. •Time to seek out the weird and small items. •Time to wander aimlessly and wonder if you are lost. •Time to look at the doors you’re passing through. It is really weird and wonderful. It’s a shame about the stolen paintings. Yet there is so much to see, you hardly miss them. Her story is worth looking into. …
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Date of experience: February 2021
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I love it here! I would definitely read the history of the museum before you visit. Some reviewers comment on the design of the museum, but one of the most interesting facts about the museum is that the staff is not allowed to change any of the displays due to stipulations in Isabella Stewart Gardner's will. Also make sure to read about the heist! There are so many interesting facts about this museum and the works displayed here, it just takes a little research to find all the information!…
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Date of experience: October 2020
1 Helpful vote
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This was just okay. It’s very dark. Much darker than any other museum I have been to. This made it very hard to see the items properly. By design, there is no information on any of the items. This is unfortunate as it takes away from being able to learn anything while you are there. Why can’t they give a better floor plan to compensate for this.…
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Date of experience: December 2020
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