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During your Boston vacation, don't miss these great establishments and attractions:
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Isabella Stewart Gardner (1840-1924) was an incorrigible individualist long before strong-willed behavior was acceptable for women in polite Boston society, and her forcefulness paid off for art lovers. "Mrs. Jack" designed her exquisite home in the style of a 15th-century Venetian palace and filled it with European, American, and Asian painting and sculpture, many pieces chosen with the help of her friend and protégé Bernard Berenson. You'll see works by Titian, Botticelli, Raphael, Rembrandt, Matisse, and Mrs. Gardner's friends James McNeill Whistler and John Singer Sargent. Titian's magnificent Europa, which many scholars consider his finest work, is one of the most important Renaissance paintings in the United States. In my casual poll of local travel experts, the Gardner was the most popular museum.The building, which opened to the public after Mrs. Gardner's death, holds a glorious hodgepodge of furniture and architectural details imported from European churches and palaces. The pièce de résistance is the magnificent sky-lit courtyard, filled year-round with fresh flowers from the museum greenhouse. Although the terms of Mrs. Gardner's will forbid changing the arrangement of the museum's content, there has been some evolution: A special exhibition gallery features two or three changing shows a year, often by contemporary artists in residence.They have a concert series (tel. 617/734-1359). The cafe serves lunch and desserts, and there's an excellent gift shop.
Children's Museum
As you approach the Children's Museum, don't be surprised to see adults suddenly being dragged by the hand when their young companions realize how close they are and start running. You know that the museum is near when you see the 40-foot-high red-and-white milk bottle out front. It makes both children and adults look small in comparison -- which is probably part of the point. No matter how old, everyone behaves like a little kid at this delightful museum.Children under 11 are the museum's target audience. They can stick with their adults or wander on their own, learning, doing, and role-playing. A two-story-high maze, the New Balance Climb & Construction Zone, calls on motor skills and problem-solving abilities. Other favorite hands-on exhibits include Grandparents' Attic, a souped-up version of playing dress-up at Grandma's; physical experiments (such as creating giant soap bubbles) in Science Playground; and Boats Afloat, which has an 800-gallon play tank and a replica of the bridge of a working boat. You can explore Supermercado, a marketplace that introduces Hispanic culture; Boston Black, a new exhibit that celebrates Boston's black history and culture; and a Japanese house from Kyoto (Boston's sister city). Children under 4 and their caregivers have a special room, Playspace, that's packed with toys and activities.Call or surf ahead for information about traveling exhibitions and special programs. And be sure to check out the excellent gift shop (as if you have a choice).
Commonwealth Museum/Massachusetts Archives
The nearby Kennedy Library explores the history of one of Boston's most famous families; here, you might find your own clan's history. The Commonwealth Museum has videos, slide shows, and interactive exhibits on the state's people, places, and politics. Topics covered recently in the regularly changing exhibits include the archaeology of the Big Dig, the Civil War, and state history. In the same building, the state archives contain passenger lists for ships that arrived in Boston from 1848 to 1891; state census schedules that date to 1790; and documents, maps, and military and court records starting with the Massachusetts Bay Company (1628-29). Knowledgeable staff members are on hand to answer researchers' questions in person, by mail, or by phone. This is a worthwhile detour on the way to or from the Kennedy Library.
Embassy Suites Hotel Boston at Logan Airport
This new hotel is located at Logan Airport and is accessible to the subway system and East Boston neighborhoods! We offer complimentary shuttles to the airport and downtown. The convention center and the Seaport District are minutes from the hotel, as are East Boston?s famous Italian restaurants. The MBTA Blue Line (2 blocks away) provides for public transport to Quincy Market, shops and dining. Valet parking is required for all ...
Doubletree Guest Suites' Boston
Located on the Charles River minutes from downtown Boston and Harvard Square, minutes from the local attractions, easily accessible by the major roads. W.Fenway Park 4 MI, NW. Hynes Convention Center 2 MI, NW. Logan Airport 8 MI, E. Subway 1 ...
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