The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (ISGM)  is the most amazing and odd little museum I’ve ever visited…and I’ve been to a few.  First, its setting.  It’s near the famous Boston Fens and within walking distance of the Museum of Fine Art. It has an inner courtyard that is always in bloom and lovely.

The museum’s history is interesting, as well.  Ms. Gardner opened the museum to public viewing in 1903. It’s been virtually unchanged since.  She determined how the art would be displayed and, for better or worse, that too has been unchanged. That is certainly not a reflection on the collection. Covering multiple millenia, it is wonderful and diverse, including paintings, sculptures, tapestries, books, and other items of note.

The ISGM is also the location of one of the most infamous art thefts in history, which just adds to the interest of the museum. March 18, 2010, marks the 20-year anniversary of this theft of 13 works of art, whose combined value is over $300 million.   Their frames have been hanging empty since. Artists include Rembrandt, Vermeer, Degas, and Manet.  $5 million could be yours, if you have can help the FBI solve this one.

Photo credit: MarioAnima

This is a gem of a museum.  It is the oldest art museum in Maine and is home to over 17,000 objects d’art.  Found on the corner of High and Free Streets, and visible from Congress St., the PMA is conveniently located for access on a walking tour of Portland.

In addition to rotating special exhibitions and originals by several Maine artists (Winslow Homer and Andrew and N.C. Wyeth, to name three), the museum offers art from the American Neo Classical, French Impressionism, American Impressionism, Post Impressionism, Surrealism, Modernism, and Cubism schools, and Glass and Ceramics as well.

The museum offers lectures, movies, a gift shop, Sunday morning Jazz breakfasts, classes and workshops.

My favorite thing about PMA, however, is that is accessible financially to everyone.  While admission during the week and on weekends is $10 for adults; $8 for seniors and id’d students, and $6 for those 6-17, Friday night… EVERY Friday night… from 5-9 p.m. is FREE! Absolutely.  And includes the current special exhibit.

Photo credit: Cliff1066