A trip to Fenway Court
Do you want sip wine in a Venetian Palace this summer? Wander past Greek ruins? Visit Old Dutch Masters?
You can do all that without leaving Boston.
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is a slice of Europe in Fenway. It’s founder was inspired by her vacation retreat in Venice, but the museum is full of art from all over the world. There’s the Spanish Cloister with colorful tiles, the Tapestry Room that feels like a medieval castle, and the Gothic Room and Long Gallery that feels like a visit to one of Europe’s commanding Cathedrals.
The jewel of the museum is the Courtyard. While the museum is frozen in time (in her will, Isabella stipulated that everything must be left where she approved it) the courtyard comes alive with seasonal displays. Truly one of the most instagrammable spots in Boston.
The Museum is open until 9pm on Thursdays, and is the perfect time to visit and enjoy the palace at dusk - romantic and mysterious with it’s LED candles.
Cafe G is an underrated spot - grab a full meal, just drinks, or tea and dessert before wandering the Museum. The menu is small but mighty, and has something for everyone.
The best part? The Museum offers an Under 30 Membership for only $50! Unlimited access to the Museum, early access to concerts and events, and discounts at the cafe and shop. They recently began Under 30 Member events, the perfect way to make new friends with fellow art lovers.
Membership is well worth it - there is no place in the world like the Isabella Stewart Gardner.
In the words of Isabella herself “My garden is riotous, unholy, deliriously glorious! I wish you were here.”
(Full version of the edited post published in Time Out Magazine Thursday April 20 2023)