Robin's Great Adventure: Off the Wall: Gardner and Her Masterpieces

Rembrandt van Rijn, Self-portrait 1629

Every once and awhile I like to play tourist and see something in this great town I live in that I haven't seen before. After living in Boston off and on for 10 years, I thought it was about time to see the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.

Unlike many U.S. museums, The ISGM is quite European in its structure and works of art. Filled with Rembrandt's, Raphael's, Michelangelo's and Matisse, one feels transported to Rome, Vienna or France. Gardner, a woman ahead of her time and with considerable means, spent three decades traveling and acquiring art throughout the world. And not just in Europe, the museam has many articfacts from Asia and Egypt.

There is a special Chinese room where she would spent time in reflection. As you travel room to room, not only will you see paintings, but letters and gifts she received from heads of state.

Due to renovations, Rembrandt's self-portrait is so close you can almost touch it (but don't).

Isabella Stewart Gardner

Born in New York in 1840, Isabella was raised in privilege and knew early on in her life, she wanted to create a museum filled with beautiful things and treasures. As a young girl she traveled extensively and found Italy to be one of her favorites and obtained many of her best loved treasures from there.

View from third floor over looking the courtyard

After her husband's death she began to build the museum modeled on the Renaissance palaces of Venice. Never more apparent as you see the center courtyard.

Plan to visit the museum near lunchtime and have a lovely meal outside. Although a bit pricey the food and service is worth it. If you're looking for a different type of museum than the usual fare, The Isabella Stewart Gardner museum is it!