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    MIT Museum

    3.9 (179 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

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    Mercedes C.

    MIT Museum in Cambridge, MA was a vibe. No science in my DNA, yet here I am- pulled in, probably because my daughter's the actual scientist. Coming here was way more impressive than I expected. I walked in thinking I'd be here for a few minutes and go right back out- but nope. MIT grabbed my brain and shook it around. Almost every exhibit actually does something instead of just sitting there behind glass. You can roam both floors to your heart's content and nobody bothers you. We came across a demonstration on sleep patterns and my daughter and I were absolutely fascinated- both by the topic and by the young gentleman leading it. He may have been a student? In any case, the museum is clean, with every corner feeling fresh.. The areas are spotless, the floors shine like nobody's business and even the smallest details like the signs and display cases, look maintained- as they should. Hell, even the bathroom is presentable and bright white. If you're into learning, cool tech (or not) and experiments, MIT is absolutely worth it. $20 Adults, $10 Students. Oh...Discount for Teachers.....only in MA.

    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.

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    7 years ago

    Skip this museum and tour Harvard instead, very disappointed. Not worth the money or time.

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    8 years ago

    Great little museum. Tons to experiment and study. Nicely done. Looks like they are expanding, so will come back soon to check it out.

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    Gives me the creeps (and I was an electrical engineer). The holography is very cool though.

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    Nice exhibits..interesting works. A lot of it was very fascinating, and I admit to not being a big museum person.

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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

    Museum of Fine Arts

    4.4
    (1k reviews)
    1.6 mi

    During a recent weekend trip to Boston, I reserved an entire day for the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA)…read moreand it was the best decision I could have made. If I lived in Boston, I would become a member so that I could visit at will, even if only for few hours at a time. I am particularly interested in the impressionists, and John Singer Sargent, so I kept mostly to the 2nd floor. The museum is well organized, and there are staff floating around to answer any questions (one staffer even offered some tips to reduce the glare when taking a photo of a certain painting). I had checked out of my hotel so I had baggage with me (don't we all)...MFA has a convenient bag check. I also purchased a sizeable book from the bookshop and the staff put it in a box for me to keep it from being damaged during travel. I saw one temporary exhibit that was a nicely curated mix of multimedia art, and I also enjoyed seeing some of the rooms presented in a gallery style so that I could truly appreciate modern display methods. Six hours here went by in a flash, and I will definitely be back to see more of the MFA's vast collection. p.s. The equestrian sport of polo came from Persia?? Loved this fact! I also really enjoyed the time put into the object labels and the stories they told. "The most outrageous series of ferocious daubs that any slanderer of Venice could possibly imagine," a quote from a critic describing Renoir's Grand Canal, Venice, made me snort laugh out loud!

    The Boston Museum of Fine Arts features an impressive selection of art from around the world and…read moreacross different periods. We explored the Egyptian, Greek, European, Flemish and Dutch, Asian, Impressionist, and a small Jewish section. The exhibits are wonderful, and the museum is too large to explore in a single day. The gift shop has a nice selection of books, cards, and other typical museum knickknacks. Their Impressionist-themed puzzles were especially interesting. This is a progressive museum that strongly supports respective causes. If that bothers you, you may not enjoy your visit.

    Photos
    Miniature display, AKA: doll house for eccentric rich women "too old" for dolls --  aka: 19th century version of me minus "rich" -- haha!
    Miniature display, AKA: doll house for eccentric rich women "too old" for dolls -- aka: 19th century version of me minus "rich" -- haha!
    2 Rembrandts are better than one!
    2 Rembrandts are better than one!
    Gorgolla like statue

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    Gorgolla like statue
    Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

    Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

    4.3
    (801 reviews)
    1.8 mi

    Everything about this museum screams as a must-see when in Boston! The collection varies in era…read morebased on sections of the home. Like most museums but I feel for this one especially, it's important to wear comfy shoes. I had seen amazing photos and videos with the courtyard collection as Isabella Stewart Gardner had a beautiful garden at the center of the building in such a unique way. It's a lovely view from the ground and even from above. It's important to make a reservation ahead of time and pick a window that has decent natural light in my opinion which makes the museum even better of a sight!!

    Going into this venture, I had no idea that Gardner was such close friends with John Singer…read moreSargent. He is one of my favorite artists so walking into this and being surprised by his work was a real thrill. She displayed his work in such a way that you really could see she appreciated him as a friend and also an artist. I will say...Gardner was really a collector...some of her pieces that she decided to hang are maybe a little questionable of their quality, but balanced by some truly brilliant pieces, it all works out in the end. This museum, like The Frick in Manhattan, is really quite special being that the setting is the home of the person who put all of these pieces on the walls themselves. To be able to walk through the grounds and see the rooms as the previous owner saw them is just surreal. I would say out of everything to see in this beautiful city, this is a must-do. Go see a game at Fenway, go get a lobster roll...sure, those are obvious spots to hit as a tourist, but this needs to be on your list of probably top 5 things to do while visiting Boston.

    Photos
    Little Salon.
    Little Salon.
    Madame August Manet by Edouard Manet. Below is stolen artwork where the empty frame is.
    Madame August Manet by Edouard Manet. Below is stolen artwork where the empty frame is.
    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
    (443 reviews)
    2.3 mi

    The ICA building is located in the water front of the Boston Harbor. The area is surrounded by…read moreshops, restaurants, offices, and modern residential buildings. The area is extremely walkable with a beautiful path along the water front. The building itself is four stories high with a colorful exterior decoration. I believe the outside is decorated in support of the Derrick Adams' View Master exhibition. Only the fourth floor is dedicated exhibit space, so it is a small museum. Currently, there are three exhibits being showcased. One of the main reason my youngest daughter, my wife and I are vacationing in Boston is to see Derrick Adams and AAMARP exhibitions. This is Derrick Adams, a Black multidisciplinary artist first major survey. This exhibition is his presentation of contemporary Black life. The AAMARP is an outstanding residency program for black artists. The exhibit chronicles the formation and history of AAMRP. The third exhibit showcased pieces from some of the ICA artists. We were extremely impressed with all three exhibits. The pieces on display from all three exhibits are nicely curated and the narratives are educational. The museum has a large gift shop and cafe. Admission fees are $20 for adult and $17 for seniors. There is also a student discount. Even though the museum is small, we really enjoy this visit. It is probably one of our top 10 museum visit.

    Went for a work event and the music was absolutely DEAFENING. Please turn the sound down! I could…read morenot hear the person sitting six inches away from me, so conversation was mostly smiling, nodding, and pretending we understood each other. We would have escaped immediately, but work obligations held us hostage. I would definitely not return due to the loud music. There's no reason to have it up that high. Thankfully, once we were inside the building, the music was less overpowering and there was some good art to look at. The art gets 4/5 stars, and the staff was very friendly, so 5 stars for them. As for the Seaport itself, it's mostly ugly, towering modern buildings, chain restaurants, and exorbitant parking prices, with plenty of suburbanites and tourists milling around. Not exactly overflowing with charm.

    Photos
    A piece from AAMARP exhibition.
    A piece from AAMARP exhibition.
    Institute of Contemporary Art / Boston
    View from dock.  Designed by architects Diller Scofidio + Renfro.

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    View from dock. Designed by architects Diller Scofidio + Renfro.
    Museum of Bad Art

    Museum of Bad Art

    4.2
    (59 reviews)
    3.0 mi

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

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    "Hot, Hot, Hot (Victoria's Real Secret)"
    Museum of Illusions

    Museum of Illusions

    3.4
    (53 reviews)
    1.7 mi
    Kid friendly
    Discounts available

    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
    Sons feet my upper body
    Sons feet my upper body
    BOOM! Slam dunkin!
    BOOM! Slam dunkin!
    Right in Quincy Squate!

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    Right in Quincy Squate!
    Harvard Art Museums

    Harvard Art Museums

    4.3
    (92 reviews)
    1.6 mi

    Harvard Art Museums is where it's at. My daughter and I spent a couple of hours here and still…read moredidn't see everything. There are so many different exhibits, from ancient pieces to modern art, plus a lot of interactive exhibits to keep things that much more interesting. We caught the Celtic Art Across the Ages exhibit and a Critical Thinking exhibit that had hands-on activities and films. It wasn't just looking at art- we actually got to interact with it which made it way more fun. What I also loved about this museum is that cost is $0 to enjoy all this. Definitely worth checking out if you're in Cambridge, Mass.

    Excellently curated art museum which also happens to be free to the public! They have a wide…read morecollection of art spanning from ancient Asia and the Middle East to contemporary work. There's also a nice gift store and a little cafe with a seating area on the first floor. You will find the usual collection of European masters (there's a couple of beautiful Picasso paintings from his blue period) but they also have a wide collection of religious iconography from the middle ages as well as ancient Buddhist and Islamic art. I highly recommend allowing yourself a couple hours to leisurely browse the collection. There are also lockers to secure your valuables.

    Photos
    Rhythm Is The Language
    Rhythm Is The Language
    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
    Why look for conspiracy when stupidity can explain so much
  ― Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

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

    MIT Museum - artmuseums - Updated August 2026

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