By Roxanne Snowden By Roxanne Snowden | October 16, 2023 | Feature, Art, Guides,
Escape the fall chill with a visit to one of Boston’s top art museums.Cicely Carew's figurative painting work on a white wall
Institute of Contemporary Art Boston
Paving the way for modern art museums across the nation, the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) presents modern art in all forms of media. Forecast Form: Art in the Caribbean Diaspora, 1990s-Today opened earlier this month and challenges conventional mindsets about the region. See work from other famous artists at the ICA, like Andy Warhol and Georges Braque. 25 Harbor Shore Drive, icaboston.org
Harvard Art Museums
Explore all Harvard art has to offer through its three locations—the Fogg, Busch-Reisinger and Arthur M. Slacker museums. Fascinating exhibits are consistently popping up, including two new arrivals—Seeing in Art and Medicine and Objects of Addiction: Opium, Empire and the Chinese Art Trade. When you’re done roaming, relax in the Calderwood Courtyard. 32 Quincy St., harvardartmuseums.org
The John Lowell Gardner Chrysanthemum installation in the Courtyard
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
While the ever-blooming courtyard at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is a wonder, there’s always more to explore—coming on Oct. 19 is Inventing Isabella, the newest exhibit that explores how Isabella used art, fashion and photography to form her image and push society’s boundaries. After immersing yourself in this novel experience, wander through the rest of Isabella’s former home, where stunning details and works wait around every corner. 25 Evans Way, gardnermuseum.org
MassArt Art Museum
Follow artists from their beginnings at the contemporary MassArt Art Museum (MAAM). The Kunsthalle, or non-collecting museum, highlights college alumni and current students, like The Myth of Normal exhibit that’s on display now. As a teaching institution, MAAM empowers the next generation of artists to take risks and create while representing a variety of voices and viewpoints—you just might discover your new favorite local creative. 621 Huntington Ave., maam.massart.edu
Museum of Fine Arts Boston
The Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) has something for everyone, with a collection that boasts nearly 500,000 pieces of art. Opening at the end of this month is Digital Iridescence: Jell-O in New Media, where five contemporary artists’ work with gelatin is featured. Broaden your visit to the MFA by also observing jewelry, photographs, drawings, instruments and fashion. 465 Huntington Ave., mfa.org
Photography by: Charles Sternaimolo; Jenny Pore; Courtesy of MassArt; Courtesy of MFA