Area Attractions

While specific tours have been planned for campus locations on Wednesday, you may wish to take advantage of the arts and cultural institutions in Boston. A few are listed here with hours and general directions, and additional Harvard museums and resources are listed in the Harvard Attractions section. Please be sure to factor travel time into any visit. More information about collections and specific exhibitions can be found on the websites listed.

The Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston (ICA)

100 Northern Avenue, Boston

10:00 am–5:00 pm, daily, Thursday–Friday until 9:00 pm; Seniors, $13.

http://www.icaboston.org

The ICA aims to present the most significant national and international contemporary art to Boston audiences. The multi-faceted exhibition program includes the Momentum series, focusing on the work of emerging artists; the Sandra and Gerald Fineberg Art Wall, an annual, site-specific commission in the museum lobby; the James and Audrey Foster Prize, a biennial exhibition and award for Boston-area artists; and selections from the burgeoning permanent collection. The West Gallery, the largest exhibition space, has featured critically acclaimed solo and group exhibitions.

From Harvard Square, take the MBTA’s Red Line to South Station, then transfer to the Silver Line and travel to Courthouse station. The ICA is two blocks down Northern Avenue; follow pedestrian way past the Chapel of Our Lady of Good Voyage.

ISABELLA STEWART GARDNER MUSEUM

280 The Fenway, Boston

11:00 am–5:00 pm, Monday, Wednesday–Sunday (closed Tuesdays), Thursday, 11:00 am–9:00 pm, Seniors $12

www.gardnermuseum.org

Tour the recent renovations, designed by famed architect Renzo Piano, which opened in January 2012. The museum exercises cultural and civic leadership by nurturing a new generation of talent in the arts and humanities; by delivering the works of creators and performers to the public; and by reaching out to involve and serve its community. The collection is at the center of this effort as an inspiring encounter with beauty and art.

From Harvard Square, take the MBTA’s Red Line to Park Street and transfer to the Green Line E train to the Museum of Fine Arts stop. The Gardner Museum is located two blocks down Louis Prang Street from the Museum of Fine Arts.

MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS BOSTON

465 Huntington Avenue, Boston

10:00 am –4:45 pm, daily, Wednesday–Friday until 9:45 pm; Seniors, $23

www.mfa.org

The New MFA opened in November 2010. Designed by world-renowned architects Foster and Partners, it comprises a new wing for Art of the Americas; renovated Art of Europe galleries; improved conservation and education facilities; the Linde Family Wing devoted entirely to contemporary art; and a new, larger public space—the Ruth and Carl J. Shapiro Family Courtyard. Tours of the collections are available with price of admission; inquire at the Sharf Visitor Center. 

From Harvard Square take the MBTA’s Red Line to Park Street and transfer to the Green Line E train to the Museum of Fine Arts stop. Taxi service is regularly available from the Huntington Avenue entrance and is approximately a 25-minute trip, longer at rush hour.

JOHN F. KENNEDY PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM

Columbia Point, Boston

9:00 am–5:00 pm daily, Seniors $12

www.jfklibrary.org

The museum, which portrays the life, leadership, and legacy of President Kennedy, conveys his enthusiasm for politics and public service and illustrates the nature of the office of the president.

The library and museum are easily accessed by public transportation. Take the MBTA’s Red Line to JFK/UMass station. There is a free shuttle bus to the library every 20 minutes. Please take the buses marked “JFK.”