Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is a unique Boston experience. Entering the beautiful flower-filled courtyard garden leading to the artfully cluttered galleries is like visiting the home of an eccentric great-aunt you didn't know you had. Built to Mrs. Gardner's specifications, almost everything in the museum was placed there by Mrs. Gardner herself when the museum opened in 1903. The result is a fascinating, sometimes frustrating collection of Renaissance, Dutch, Asian and American art, books, manuscripts and decorative arts. The Gardner is also known for its excellent concert and performance series and popular bistro cafe.

Best and worst time to visit the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Lines to enter the museum are usually long, but arrive early to mid-morning and you might get at least a few of the galleries to yourself. Afternoon brings crowds and fills up the popular Cafe G. The museum hosts its very popular Third Thursdays from 5-8, featuring music, a cash wine bar and special events in the galleries. Check the museum's calendar for concerts, open studio opportunities and even afternoon yoga classes in the courtyard. Events sell out early, so buy tickets online in advance.

Must see/do at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
In 1990 the museum was the victim of one of the great art thefts in American history. Most of the paintings, including three by Rembrandt, were taken from the Dutch Room on the second floor. There you'll see the empty frames where the missing paintings once hung -- a strangely eerie sight and something you aren't likely to see in any other museum. Downstairs on the first floor, The Blue Room features works of American portrait painter and close friend of Mrs. Gardner, John Singer Sargent. The museum's showpiece and centerpiece of the Titian Room is Titian's masterpiece, Europa. It was purchased by Mrs. Gardner in 1896 for a record-breaking price. Many art historians consider this one of the greatest European paintings on display in the United States.

Admission to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
The Gardner Museum has a variety of admission programs as well as many discounts and special offers. Admission to the museum averages about $15, with children under 18, members of the U.S. military and their families admitted free. Members of the Museum of Fine Arts and visitors who have a ticket stub from the MFA within the previous two days receive a $2 discount. (Likewise, your Gardner ticket will earn you $2 off an MFA admission.) There is also free admission to anyone celebrating a birthday and for everyone named Isabella.

Parking and public transportation to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Located in the heart of the Fenway, the very best way to get to the museum is via subway or the 'T.'
Take either the Green Line E train (make sure you're on an E train outbound toward Heath Street or Arborway, no other Green Line train will get you there) or the 39 bus to the Museum of Fine Arts stop. You'll see the Museum of Fine Arts as you disembark. Cross Huntington Avenue toward the Museum on to Louis Prang Street. The Gardner is two blocks away on your left. If you decide to drive, there is very limited on-street parking and Boston's meter maids are vigilant about ticketing expired meters. There are paid parking lots and garages near the Museum of Fine Arts on Museum Road. Once you've parked, it's a fairly pleasant walk along the Fenway toward Louis Prang Street and the museum.

Food at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Housed in the museum's new contemporary wing, Cafe G is a popular dining spot for both museum visitors as well as locals who appreciate the atmosphere as well as the food. The menu consists of seasonal specialties, small plates, main courses and desserts with prices comparable to other Boston-area restaurants. Visitors looking for a quick snack or who are dining on a budget might consider heading back down Huntington Avenue toward the Prudential Center. Here you'll find a variety of interesting budget-friendly snack options surrounding the campus of nearby Northeastern University.

Insider tip for visitors to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Ask for help. The Gardner Museum galleries are arranged in a style popular in the early 20th century -- paintings are hung practically floor to ceiling with no descriptions attached. To know what you're looking at or to find something you want to look at, spring for the self-guided audio tour or a take a noontime tour with a museum guide.

Author's bio: Frances Katz is a Massachusetts native, culture geek and former arts and entertainment writer for national publications including The Boston Herald. Her favorite Sargent painting is Mrs. Fiske Warren and Her Daughter Rachel. You are welcome to hang out with her on Twitter.