Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston (must see)

Isabella Stewart, a vivacious woman of high society, made her way to Boston in 1860 with the intention of marrying John Lowell Gardner, a prominent figure in the city. Known as "Mrs. Jack," she set out on a mission to defy the conventions of proper Bostonians. Mrs. Jack went on to construct a Venetian-style palace to house her impressive art collection, much of which she acquired during her travels around the world. In her will, she specified that the building must remain exactly as she left it, from the grand paintings and sculptures to the smallest trinket in a hallway cabinet, and so it has remained.

Gardner's palace boasts an array of masterpieces, including Titian's 'Europa', Giotto's 'Presentation of Christ in the Temple', and John Singer Sargent's 'El Jaleo'. The Venetian courtyard is adorned with eight charming balconies, while the themed rooms transport you to different worlds, from the Raphael Room to the Spanish Cloister, Gothic Room, Chinese Loggia, and the magnificent Tapestry Room, where Gardner once entertained luminaries like Henry James and Edith Wharton.

On a fateful day in March 1990, the Gardner Museum became the scene of a rather sensational art heist. Thieves, disguised as police officers, made off with 12 precious artworks, including Vermeer's 'The Concert'. To this day, none of the stolen art has been recovered. Mrs. Gardner's will prohibited replacing the stolen pieces with others, leaving empty spaces on the walls where the paintings once hung. This audacious heist is the subject of the 2021 Netflix documentary, 'This is a Robbery'.

The modern addition, designed by Renzo Piano, encompasses a music hall, exhibition spaces, and conservation labs. The museum store is the ideal place to find gifts and souvenirs, and there's a glass-enclosed cafe that offers delightful garden views.

Tip:
As a visitor, take some time savor the beauty of the central courtyard. Surrounded by graceful arcades and balconies, this Italian-style oasis features a garden bursting with lush greenery, statues, and an exquisite Roman mosaic floor. The flower displays change with the seasons, ensuring a colorful experience, while a glass roof bathes the space in natural light.