As vital as air and water, the arts speak to a great need that lies within. Rare book collector, world traveler, and art collector, Isabella Stewart Gardner dreamed of an art museum devoted to satisfying this need for all who entered.
Construction of Isabella’s museum began in 1899, when ground was broken in the Fens of Boston, Massachusetts. Completed in late 1901, Isabella moved into the private fourth-floor living quarters and devoted herself to personally arranging works of art in the historic galleries on the first three floors. In 1901 and 1902, Isabella installed her collection of paintings, sculptures, tapestries, furniture, manuscripts, rare books, and decorative arts. She continued to acquire works and change the installations for the rest of her life.
Isabella Stewart Gardner died in 1924. Her final wish, that the museum endure “for the education and enjoyment of the public forever.” She provided an endowment to operate the museum, stipulating in her will that nothing in the galleries should be changed, and no items be acquired or sold from the collection.
Today, the doors remain open to this rare garden, home to one of the finest private art collections in America.
For the remainder of the 2024 Season, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum invites you to its curated collection of unique exhibitions:
October 10 - January 20, 2025
Hostetter Gallery:
Manet: A Model Family
Fenway Gallery:
Mary Ellen Mark: A Seattle Family, 1983-2014
Anne H. Fitzpatrick Façade:
Hakeem Adewumi: Possession of A Recalcitrant Dream, 2024
(June 4 - October 1, 2024
Mickalene Thomas: Sandra, She's a Beauty, 2009
October 1, 2024 - February 17, 2025
