This museum was very frustrating. The art is difficult to see and nearly impossible to identify. It's mission seems to be to maintain a monument to Ms. Gardner and her collecting and display philosophies. Ms. Gardner's establishment of the collection and the museum were great public gifts, but the slavish dedication to the time capsule effect of the museum obscures... more

I was aware that this wasn’t going to be your “typical museum experience”. This is a unique museum experience. It was the first private collection museum I have had a chance to view (and really enjoyed it). My favorites were the Whistler(s), Dewing and Sargent(s). The outside is quite unassuming compared to the neighbouring MFA but the interior takes your... more

The ESG Museum is a short walk from the much larger Museum of Fine Arts. The story of the museum is amazing and the "missing" art work is funny. Be sure to ask someone why certain pieces are not on the walls. Also, be sure to read the letters that are featured in glass cases on the second floor. You... more

An advance warning -- you won't find famous paintings here. What you will find is a nice, ecclectic collection of art in its original setting. This was the private home of Isabella Stewart Gardner who decreed in her will that the house be open to the public and preserved exactly as is -- nothing can be moved! It's less impressive... more

I've wrestled as to what rating to give this museum. The vast array of art, artifacts, furniture and miscellania assembled by Isabella Stewart Gardner is mind-boggling; the villa in which the collection is housed is stunning; and the manner of display -- as per Ms. Gardner's directives -- is intriguing. But, the strict hyper-vigilance of the museum's policies and its... more

My husband had looked up museums online for us and had found high recommendations for the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, so my daughter and I went. What a huge disappointment. My greatest criticism is that between the poor arrangements and the terrible lighting in the dark rooms I could not see many ot the pieces very well. To be fair,... more

The museum itself and the artworks are lovely, but the staff and policies are not. I visited the museum in order to write a paper on some of the work in the medieval room, and spent the entire time trying to get away from the employee monitoring the room. It is understandable that the museum staff is protective of the... more

i love this museum. I cannot even say how many times I have been here. Isabella's collection is outstanding and it's display is unique. A must for museum goers. Close by to larger fine arts museum fo a back to back. restaurant in this museum is quite good. more

My only complaint is... no photos allowed. Jaw droppingly beautiful inside, you'd never know from the exterior what waits for you inside. A wonderful experience. Tip: At the information table, ask to borrow a copy of the "The Guide to the Collection" (a small, blue book). This was an invaluable addition to the experience of viewing the variety of pieces... more