Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

An art patron's personal collection displayed in a museum of her own design

Word to the wise: All named 'Isabella' are admitted free... forever.
Talk of the town: Haunting empty frames hang on the wall where 13 paintings, worth USD 300 million, were stolen in 1990 by thieves disguised as police officers. Despite the USD 5 million reward, no works have been recovered.

Although the residence and the art within has not been moved since her death, the museum is more a living temple to art than a mausoleum of an old lady’s things. Isabella Stewart Gardner amassed an impressive personal collection in her lifetime, with the plan to leave her 15th century style palazzo and all the riches it contained as a gift to the public. Her will stipulated that the works remain as she arranged them, creating an experience that is personal and idiosyncratic for the visitor.
The collection of over 2,500 objects includes works from ancient Rome, Medieval Europe, and Renaissance Italy, but also art from Asia and the Islamic world. Everything is lovingly displayed in extravagant yet intimate rooms, each evoking a unique character and atmosphere.

On the ground floor is a courtyard, lush and blooming. This bit of paradise can be viewed from each floor through the balconies and balustrades that wrap around.