Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Opened to the public in 1903, this museum was founded by the American art collector Isabella Stewart Gardner in a jewel-box mansion inspired by a 15th-century Venetian palazzo. The galleries brim with European, American and Asian art and objects spanning 30 centuries. Of special interest are masterpieces by Sandro Botticelli, Titian, Raphael, Rembrandt, Edgar Degas and John Singer Sargent. Gardner’s will stipulated that the museum remain exactly as she left it, including each room’s paintings, sculptures, textiles and furniture. Supplementing the permanent collection are historical and contemporary special exhibitions, an artist-in-residence program, concerts and public events. A new wing designed by Renzo Piano opened in 2012.