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    MIT Museum

    3.9 (177 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

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    MIT Museum

    It was an amazing experience and I enjoy it very much. They also have class in session and a gift shop. My family not traveling with me at yge time would also enjoy it.

    Brooke C.

    I enjoyed this museum. It has a similar vibe to the museum of science but unfortunately more expensive (I don't think the library offers discounts here). I enjoyed the exhibits- particulars the robotics and AI ones. Worth a visit if you're already in the area

    Description
    Cilicia L.

    Interesting blend of science and art. I learned a lot and enjoyed the space, but it only took about an hour to get through it all. The DNA exhibits were the most interesting to me.

    Kate C.

    Cool museum on the MIT campus that looks at several modern technology advancements. You also get a good overview of the projects that students and teachers are working on. The exhibit on merpeople was very interesting.

    Auditorium
    Aditi D.

    The MIT Museum, founded in 1971, is located at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It is right by the Kendall/MIT T stop on the red line. A self guided tour usually takes about 1.5 hours. They have three floors and the 2nd floor was my favorite! It includes the exhibits for gene cultures, understanding the genome, resurrecting the sublime, sensing, pink chicken project, gene chip scanner, genes traits, genome analyzer, mermaid de-extinction project, using viruses, encoded DNA sample, gene altering, microbial manufacturing, etc

    Great cafe!

    I didn't know what to expect, but the museum was really interesting - interactive without feeling like a kindergarten classroom - a nice mix of new/innovations and historical elements - coat racks - lockers - and a great cafe! :) I would totally go again.

    Dave K.

    I'm not sure which I found more revolting: 1) the hubris associated with the Pink Chicken Project exhibit which proposes genetically modifying a chicken with pink bones and feathers to fully propagate to the entire species within 12-19 generations or 2) the waist-high monitor depicting a graphic video of a female artist, slathering her strap-on dildo with paint, before flipping her erect dildo toward the canvas to create her "art". Given the positioning of the video monitor, children of all ages are apparently encouraged to take in this educational experience. Photos of both displays are shown below

    What?
    Maria G.

    I went on a free day, and would only come back on another free day. It is very science-y, which makes perfect sense. This is the MIT Museum, not the Harvard Museum. I personally found the gift shop to be more entertaining than most of the exhibits. I am just not your typical Asian science genius, I suppose. I spent maybe like one hour here, and mostly walked around with "why" and "huh" in my mind. If you are a local, come on the free days (e.g. last Sunday of the month) and skip the $10 admissions!! Well, at least not my cup of tea.

    Jennifer R.

    My sister and I visited the MIT museum per he request. We drove all the was from Western mass to visit. My sister and I had a great time at the museum. Our favorite piece was the robotic arm which is right up front. It was $10 to enter, or $5 if you have student ID. There were 3 floors of things to see, which also included a Polaroid exhibit. I really thought the pieces by Arthur Ganson were great which included the Wishbone. There is plenty of staff on each floor to watch over the exhibits. Its definitely a safe museum. I think I spent more time in the gift shop the the whole museum as they had some great merch in there!

    Robotic legend
    Yuri Y.

    This is an extraordinary little museum dedicated to the notion of explaining how stuff works in the real world. Applied math and physics are on display front and center -- taking many forms -- from robotics to internet technology -- space exploration to holographic imagery. Plenty of significant history on display here -- including prototypes of NASA space suits and ground breaking robotic innovation. In some cases the innovators demonstrate through kinetic sculpture how technology can be an art form all its own -- through stunning creations and gizmos that are Rube Goldberg-like in their uselessness but that prove perfectly the rules of physics that govern us all. I always knew that MIT was a genius think tank -- but until I toured these halls I never fully appreciated how deep that genius runs. It is well worth taking some time to read the displays and view the videos -- this is an opportunity to savor innovation and creativity -- otherwise you can easily miss the point of this place. One of our highlights was participating in a "hands-on" workshop that allowed my 10 year old to build a working electrical circuit (see https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/mit-museum-cambridge?select=9XgePtoNrrsFp2-ufKod4A&userid=e05KY1rRbzt-OakI3I86RQ) that we modified on our own into a morse code terminal for the deaf -- that uses a blinking LED instead of audio. Easy and fun and educational -- it is this sort of exercise that demonstrates for children how innovation actually happens when you allow yourself to see the possibilities. Top Tip: The gift shop is way cool too. Plenty of smart amusements for that nerd in all of us.

    Gary G.

    My wife discovered this museum to my surprise and my family (HS, college boys) loved it. There's a small fee but military was free for five personnel...awesome. There is a large section of robotics on display which seemed to be the focus, although none are functioning which detracted from the wow factor. There is a section of semi-interactive functioning projects which were the highlight for my family. Projects like a walking chicken wishbone, a homemade fly, etc. Small and meaningless to some degree but pretty cool to think about someone creating. There's also a section of art which reminded me of drawings from my biology class, although much better quality of course. We found parking on the street in front of the museum without issue for a small fee. There's a small MIT store within the museum where they sell t-shirts, cups, and other gifts. I think the museum is a must see at least once.

    Jay M.

    We were looking for a rainy day science activity. The visit to the museum was better than anticipated. If truly interested in latest science initiatives at MIT; good visit. Nice details at each exhibit that explain all aspects of the issue and how science addressed it. I recommend a visit and a visit to the MIT bookstore as excellent selection of books not found elsewhere. Nice Shy bird orDig restaurants around corner for lunch before or after. Parking difficult unless park in garage... we even fed parking meter and still 30 buck ticket... relentless...appeared 5 minutes late Nice gift shop too with some interesting nerd or geek items of interest. Should offer a parking garage validation stamp for parking discounts... Or need a doctorate degree to figure MBTA connections to get there ? Or Uber as clearly Cambridge does not treat out of town autos fairly....signage outside should be improved... difficult to find entrance if there for first time.

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    2 years ago

    great way to spend a day so much information and cool locale love the outdoor space across street on the roof top

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    Great museum for those who love bio and technology. First floor was for biology and second was for AI technology

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    I guess I am a big old geek, and I certainly love the Arthur Ganson kinetic sculptures a whole hell of a lot.

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    Museum of Fine Arts - Miniature display, AKA: doll house for eccentric rich women "too old" for dolls --  aka: 19th century version of me minus "rich" -- haha!

    Museum of Fine Arts

    4.4(1k reviews)
    1.6 mi

    A museum filled with an endless amount of national and international treasures, each with its own…read morestory. Let me just start by saying this museum is HUGE so expect to spend the entire day here to see every single exhibit and piece available. The jewels has to be my favorite part of the museum, alongside the beautiful sculptures from Greek history. Tour guides, multiple shops, restaurants and very friendly customer service to give you recommendations on where to begin once entering the great hall! If you're in Boston, you MUST give this place a visit and you'll leave perplexed with the level of importance many pieces carry! I see something new everytime I come in here! The gift that truly keeps on giving.

    Great collection. They have a few Van Gogh landscapes (including a rendition of the wheat field)…read moreand their Monet collection is medium-sized and varied. John Singer Sargent's work can be found all around Boston, and the MFA holds the largest collection of John Singer Sargent in the world. Considering that he painted the ceiling murals that you see when you walk in, I think that's very fitting. I was able to catch the Winslow Homer exhibition-- walked in and bought my general admission ticket to the museum. The Homer exhibition was at no additional cost, but did require an additional timed ticket. They had spots open for the next slot, so all four of my friends and I were able to go see it together. One of us accidentally forgot to get the additional ticket at the general admission desk, but an employee in front of the exhibit was nice enough to do the computer work to issue us a ticket there. $30 for general adult admission is a higher price compared to similar art museums around the world, and it would have been nice if there were more ways to get a discount (such as expanding the list of universities they offer student admission for or being part of more city tourism passes). I spent an efficient four hours in there and saw almost every corner of the museum. The price tag means I'll skip it next time I'm nearby, but I still think it's a must visit for first timers.

    Photos
    Museum of Fine Arts - 2 Rembrandts are better than one!

    2 Rembrandts are better than one!

    Museum of Fine Arts - June 2024

    June 2024

    Museum of Fine Arts - Gardens exhibit

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    Gardens exhibit

    Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum - Madame August Manet by Edouard Manet. Below is stolen artwork where the empty frame is.

    Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

    4.3(793 reviews)
    1.8 mi

    This was a great day spent viewing the collection of Isabella Stewart Gardner. So many great pieces…read moreall over the museum, floor to ceiling, and the most beautiful courtyard that I couldn't stop taking pictures of. There were 13 pieces of art that were stolen back in 1990 and still haven't been recovered. As you're walking around, you'll notice that some places have empty frames where the works are art were displayed before they were stolen. The museum is housed over 3 floors of the "palace", the newest wing on the ground level has the gift shop, a cafe, a coat check, and the living room with comfy seats if your dogs are barking. Well worth the visit if you're in Boston!

    I liked the museum, but I wish there had been a clearer overall explanation of what was going on. I…read morealso would have appreciated more info about each art piece, even though it did feel more authentic having everything displayed across the walls. The space itself is a beautiful building to walk through, but I did feel a bit lost at times even with a map, since I wasn't totally sure what I was looking at or the full context behind it. They also offer a temporary exhibit but it was completely different than the rest and was a photography exhibit that was not appealing to me. They also have a small gift shop that is very expensive. Still a really interesting and unique visit overall.

    Photos
    Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum - At Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

    At Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

    Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum - Entry to Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

    Entry to Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

    Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum - At Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

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    At Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

    Institute of Contemporary Art / Boston

    Institute of Contemporary Art / Boston

    3.6(441 reviews)
    2.3 miWaterfront, South Boston

    I rounded up to three stars, but if you are a non-MA tourist paying full price you would be hard…read morepressed to feel like you got any value for your museum money. This is a very small museum and everything in the museum gift shoppe is massively overpriced, considerably more than the typical museum store mark up around the world. When you walk up through Seaport, it is a really cool building from the exterior and it has great views of the water. It is also very close to the Levain, less than 5 minute walk. So far so good, but you have not even gotten indoors yet. Super cool installation in the lobby to welcome you in. So far so good, you haven't paid yet. How much is admission again? Take the elevator up to the 4th floor, there is no art on any of the other floors for you. It takes less than an hour to go through everything in the museum and that is if you go slow, take your time looking out the windows at the view of the water, hit the restroom, check your phone, and look at everything on the 4th floor again. It is a small museum. One review said she could do the entire 4th floor in 15 minutes, which is a real speed run, I at least read the placards and I was out in well under an hour. It is an interesting collection and art is subjective etc etc. If money is no object to you then great, pay the admission fee and the $85+ to get an unsigned, mass produced paper poster (no frame) as a souvenir in the gift shoppe on the way out. But anyone remotely cost conscious is going to feel like they did not get good value here for the full non-MA admission price.

    I don't think contemporary art is really for me, but we'd never been here and I was able to score…read morefree tickets for a Thursday which is my day off. Honestly, the building and location right by the water is beautiful. The portraits exhibit was lovely and interesting, but the rest of the exhibits kind of went over my head (how high the moon and doors). I also was not aware that we needed water shuttle tickets to go to the watershed exhibit which seemed more interesting, and the they had sold out for the day. The gift shop was worth a browse. We also were able to participate in their free event in which we made our own little displays with modeling clay of a place we want to protect. I thought this was really cute and it was mostly children and parents, but we spent a good chunk of time making our pieces and staff were friendly and helpful. I'm not sure I'd return, especially at full price, but I am interested in eventually coming back with water shuttle tickets next time.

    Photos
    Institute of Contemporary Art / Boston - View from dock.  Designed by architects Diller Scofidio + Renfro.

    View from dock. Designed by architects Diller Scofidio + Renfro.

    Institute of Contemporary Art / Boston
    Institute of Contemporary Art / Boston

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    Museum of Bad Art - "Blue Eyed Fox" ( I think)

    Museum of Bad Art

    4.2(59 reviews)
    3.0 miDorchester

    This is a cute concept, and since this is the reason I dropped by, I'll review this highlight…read moreinstead of the Dorchester Brewery. It is more like a collection of art around the brewery, but the signs are funny and it's interesting to note paintings that were donated vs. found in a thrift store vs. found in the garbage. It ranges from funny proportions to some truly bizarre. It's a great activity to giggle at with friends or make up fun commentary on a date. It's a fun little concept, free, and open late, so it's a funs stop in. The brewery features a full bar, arcade and board games and BBQ food as well. The owner even showed us an old cigarette dispensing machine now filled with chocolate packs. There's a lot going on and it is apparent a lot of thought and creativity went into the space. It's certainly not like a traditional "museum" but sometimes you need to see some bad art to really appreciate some good art elsewhere. You'll end up laughing at something.

    Okay, so museum may not be the exact right word. This is kind of like a gallery in a brewery. I had…read moreseen an ad for this place on Instagram, and filed it away in my brain. I pulled it out of the file and went to see bad art. We walked in and the guy at the bar was very nice and pointed out the "route" of the paintings. The art was so fun--some worse than others. I really did understand what some of what the artists were thinking, and in other cases I just laughed and scratched my head It's small and we weren't there more than 20 minutes, but it was fun. Btw--it's free!!!

    Photos
    Museum of Bad Art - "George and Jackie" Yes, this is a painting of George Washington and Jackie Kennedy lol

    "George and Jackie" Yes, this is a painting of George Washington and Jackie Kennedy lol

    Museum of Bad Art
    Museum of Bad Art - "Hot, Hot, Hot (Victoria's Real Secret)"

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    "Hot, Hot, Hot (Victoria's Real Secret)"

    Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

    Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

    4.5(670 reviews)
    1.9 miWaterfront, South Boston
    Takes reservations
    Private events

    We were so lucky to be in Boston for the 252nd anniversary of the Boston Tea Party. They were…read moreallowing people to experience it for free so we did. I'm so glad we did because it was a fun and interesting experience. The actors are in character and passionate about their roles which makes it fun. They also ask people from the audience to have a speaking part which makes it interactive. It was neat going on one of the ships and kids threw tea over the side. It was interesting to hear the story of the day, what happened to some of the people who participated and how they kept the story alive for so long. Loved seeing one of the crates that was thrown over and how families kept it and some tea safe. Everyone in our group had fun and enjoyed the experience. It's definitely worth it. Abby's Tea Room at the end is nice too.

    This was unexpectedly fun. We happened to be walking passed the museum on our way to another event…read moreand found out they were offering free entry for the 252nd anniversary. Who could say no to that? It starts out in a meeting room where everyone is given a profile card of a real person from the period. My wife even got a speaking role. Then thy take you out to one of the two ships where you get to tour the ship as well as throw tea boxes and loose leaf tea overboard. You then move inside again for some video presentations as well as a chance to see actual artifacts from the tea party like an actual tea crate. Had no idea that even still existed. And you finish off with a gift ship and cafe with some darn good cookies. Overall a fun and educational experience.

    Photos
    Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum - Interior

    Interior

    Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum - On the boat

    On the boat

    Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum - Abigail herself

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    Abigail herself

    Museum of Illusions - Boston - Counter where we checked in

    Museum of Illusions - Boston

    3.5(50 reviews)
    1.7 mi

    WOW, what FUN!!! Son wanted to celebrate his bday in Bean town. Let me chose some things to do and…read morewe landed here. I've seen pictures and a video marketing promo and it looked like a good time. Purchased tickets on line for three adults took a screen shot of my receipt and Boston bound we went. Arrived earlier than anticipated so walked Fanuiel Hall and the area. Too early so many things were not open at 9a on a Saturday. The doors opened at 10a. While waiting I attempted to open the app needed to get your tickets and lo and behold the app crashes before we even get through the door. Thank God I took a screen shot of the receipt. Doors open and three families ahead of us go I and get checked in. Then it was our turn we were an hour early, no problem. The app crashed and I can't get my tickets, no problem reservations under our name! Done! Got our hands stamped and off we went. First exhibit was the moving eyes, then the crooked room then the hotel plunge. That closed when it was our turn, they needed to wash the floor. No problem we've got so much more ahead of us. The exhibits are for all ages although I think younger minds might not fully what is going on. A woman with her three children had a three year old who hated it. Then liked the more hands on wooden puzzles. There are optical illusions you simply spin or slide. Illusions where staff help you create an illusion to bring home. There was one exhibit that had both my guys, grown adults, saying let's do it again, let's do it again!! I cannot recommend this venue enough. Not local? Plan a trip here, located in Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market. Come early because the longer it is open the more people come through. Every hour on the hour.

    Total rip off for what you get. Waaaay over priced. Took us 30 min with kids. More of a tourist…read moretrap than anything. Just thought for a minute and adjusted down to one star -$40 are you crazy? I want my money back.

    Photos
    Museum of Illusions - Boston - Sons feet my upper body

    Sons feet my upper body

    Museum of Illusions - Boston - BOOM! Slam dunkin!

    BOOM! Slam dunkin!

    Museum of Illusions - Boston - Right in Quincy Squate!

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    Right in Quincy Squate!

    Harvard Art Museums - These Pencils AND Erasers Were Awesome

    Harvard Art Museums

    4.2(88 reviews)
    1.6 miHarvard Square

    This was my first time to the Harvard Art Museum and I loved it...it's so big and varied. You can…read moreenjoy paintings from masters as well as interesting culture from the ancient times. There are many docents and security people around in case you have questions. The main benefit is that it is FREE. The collections include approximately 250,000 objects in all media, ranging in date from antiquity to the present and originating in Europe, North America, North Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, East Asia, and Southeast Asia. The museum has a large collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works that contains many famous masterpieces, including paintings and sculptures by Paul Cézanne, Edgar Degas, Édouard Manet, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, and Vincent van Gogh. The main building contains 204,000 square feet of space for public exhibitions, classrooms, conservation and research labs, and other related functions. Just a great way to spend a few hours if you are in the area.

    My wife and I stumbled into Harvard Art Museums without even planning it, and it ended up being one…read moreof the best surprises of our trip. The fact that entry was free made it even better, but what really stood out was the incredible collection inside. Seeing so many famous paintings that I recognized from textbooks growing up was honestly amazing--it felt surreal experiencing them in person. The entire museum has a calm, welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy to take your time and really appreciate everything. Definitely a hidden gem and an experience we won't forget.

    Photos
    Harvard Art Museums - Only those who attempt the absurd will achieve the impossible.
    -M. C. Escher

    Only those who attempt the absurd will achieve the impossible. -M. C. Escher

    Harvard Art Museums - Why look for conspiracy when stupidity can explain so much
  ― Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

    Why look for conspiracy when stupidity can explain so much ― Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

    Harvard Art Museums - Hear those triangles sing

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    Hear those triangles sing

    MIT Museum - artmuseums - Updated May 2026

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