Free Day at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum on MLK Day 2025

Engage with and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King, celebrating their lessons, creativity, and imagination with storytelling, impactful conversation, soundscapes and art-marking! On this free general admission day, artists and thought leaders will share reflections on social justice, equity, and empowerment. Among other activities, visitors can dive deep into a reflective soundscape experience in the Courtyard which weaves sound, spirit, and storytelling to transport you into the echoes of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream and radical hope while reflecting and practicing their craft during an art-making experience created by The Department of Public Imagination, Crystal Bi, and Dzidzor. Through layers of sonic textures and spoken word, the space invites reflection on justice, liberation, and the enduring power of collective hope.  In Calderwood Hall, artist and community organizer Amanda Shea invites us to consider why we still dream via a poetic performance and post-show conversation.   Dream Portal Soundscape in the Courtyard | 11 am - 5 pm Explore a captivating sound installation designed by Dzidzor called Riot: A Sermon of Anger, Dreams, and Love. The Department for Public Imagination Art -Making Activity in the Bertucci Education Studio | 11:00 am - 4 pm Engage in the Dream Portal installation by Crystal Bi, and a hands-on art-making experience featuring archives and multi-media visuals which you may take home or add to a display of visitor creations. "Why We Still Dream" Performance and Conversation in Calderwood Hall | 3 pm

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

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Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

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S28: calendar experiences

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S16: editor picks

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S2 (A): top experiences

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S17: interest based

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S19: interest based

Discover kid-friendly fun in Boston, Massachusetts, and surrounding areas! Enjoy hands-on exhibits at the Boston Children’s Museum, explore the New England Aquarium, and visit the Franklin Park Zoo. Find parks, playgrounds, and seasonal events perfect for families across Massachusetts.

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Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

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Free Day at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum on MLK Day 2025

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