20+ Free Museums in Boston Including Free Museum Days

Looking to escape the rain? Wanting to hide from the cold? Ready for a new adventure? These FREE museums in Boston are the perfect way to (re)discover the city, its history, and its beauty. Get lost for hours in these gateways to storytelling. This one is dedicated to all the science, history, art, and every kind of nerd out there! The magic happens with a <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/free-discounted-tickets-to-19-museums-cruises-and-other-attractions-with-your-boston-public-library-card-boston-431210">Boston Public Library card</a> or even a Bank of America credit card. But don’t fret – there are plenty for ALL to enjoy, no strings attached with this list. by Yelena Nicolle Salvador FREE MUSEUM DAYS <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/isabella-stewart-gardner-museum-general-admission-boston-365042">Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum</a> When: First Thursday of the month &amp; Certain Holidays Where: Fenway Info: This museum is the location of the biggest art heist in history! You can find work from all over the world and spot the empty frames of the paintings that have yet to be found. There’s also a beautiful seasonal garden right in the center of the castle-like interior. Free for all on the <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/free-first-thursdays-at-the-isabella-stewart-gardner-museum-boston-389720">first Thursday of the month</a>, but ticket reservations are required. There are also free museum days on <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/free-day-at-the-isabella-stewart-gardner-museum-on-mlk-day-2025-boston-1010766">MLK Day</a>, <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/free-day-at-the-isabella-stewart-gardner-museum-juneteenth-boston-420490">Juneteenth,</a> and <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/free-admission-to-the-isabella-stewart-gardner-museum-on-indigenous-peoples-day-boston-394709">Indigenous Peoples' Day</a>. <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/museum-of-fine-arts-boston-boston-407922">Museum of Fine Arts</a> When: Certain Holidays Where: Fenway Info:&nbsp;One of my favorite places to get lost in for the entire day, the MFA houses collections from miniatures and paintings to artifacts and pottery by people from Oceania, Indigenous tribes, and more. The MFA is free for MA residents on <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/free-mfa-on-mlk-day-2024-museum-of-fine-arts-open-house-boston-441751">MLK Day</a>, <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/free-mfa-admission-on-memorial-day-2024-museum-of-fine-arts-open-house-boston-445591">Memorial Day</a>, and <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/juneteenth-open-house-at-mfa-boston-boston-1001061">Juneteenth</a>, and for BofA cardholders on the first weekend of every month. <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/institute-of-contemporary-art-boston-boston-407925">Institute of Contemporary Art</a> When: Every Thursday &amp; Holidays Where: Seaport Info: With 3D installations and paintings alike, the ICA also has breathtaking views of the Boston Harbor from its big windows. Apart from <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/free-thursdays-at-the-ica-boston-193">free Thursdays</a>, the ICA is open to all on holidays like <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/martin-luther-king-jr-day-free-admission-at-the-ica/308926">MLK Day</a>, <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/free-ica-admission-on-presidents-day-boston-1011509">Presidents’ Day</a>, <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/memorial-day-free-admission-to-ica-boston-boston-445628">Memorial Day</a>, <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/juneteenth-free-admission-to-ica-boston-boston-445629">Juneteenth</a>, <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/labor-day-free-admission-to-ica-boston-boston-445630">Labor Day</a>, and <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/indigenous-peoples-day-free-admission-to-ica-boston-boston-445631">Indigenous Peoples’ Day</a>. For families with kids 12 and under, two adults can gain free admission on the last Saturday of every month (except Nov. &amp; Dec.) with code “PLAYDATE” at online checkout as well. BofA cardholders also receive free admission on the first weekend of every month. <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/the-peabody-museum-of-archaeology-and-ethnology-cambridge-407949">The Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology</a> When: Sunday &amp; Wednesday Where: Cambridge Info: Learn about cultures from all over the world and walk through exhibits about the Native land we reside on. Free for MA residents with proof of residency on Sundays from 9:00AM - 12:00PM and Wednesdays from 3:00PM to 5:00PM. FREE ALL THE TIME <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/free-admission-to-the-harvard-art-museums-cambridge-423522">Harvard Art Museums</a> When: Tuesday to Sunday&nbsp; Where: Harvard Square Info: If you are looking to get lost in art for the day, look no further than exploring the corners of each of the five floors of Harvard Art Museums where paintings and art restoration labs are hidden away! It's free for everybody too. Look out for Harvard Art Museums at Night on the last Thursday of every month that are themed and free as well.&nbsp; <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/boston-university-art-galleries-boston-445632">Boston University Art Galleries</a> When: Tuesday to Saturday Where: Allston Info: With two locations around Boston, BU’s Art Galleries are a way for the community to engage with a variety of artistic mediums like fiber art and themes like "Stuffed." Free to the public. <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/mcmullen-museum-of-art-boston-443094">McMullen Museum of Art</a> When: Daily Where: Brighton Info: Open to the public with free parking too, the McMullen Museum of Art at Boston College houses work from all over the globe. It has rotating exhibitions that explore race and identity, as well as a permanent collection with tapestries and photographs. Make sure to check their website for their hours which are dependent on the BC academic calendar. <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/mit-list-visual-arts-center-cambridge-407955">MIT List Visual Arts Center</a> When: Tuesday to Sunday Where: Kendall Square Info: As a space that openly encourages artists to experiment, MIT’s Art Center combines technology, sculpture, and more! You’ll be immersed in new artistic perspectives, and it’s free for all. <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/massart-art-museum-boston-369021">MassArt Art Museum</a> When: Thursday to Sunday Where: Longwood Info: MAAM is a completely free museum run by the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. It is focused on showcasing experimental work that inspires positive change. You will experience pieces by extraordinary artists at the forefront of contemporary art. <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/metropolitan-waterworks-museum-boston-407952">Waterworks Museum</a> When: Thursday to Sunday Where: Chestnut Hill Info: With three original, coal powered, giant steam engines, the Waterworks Museum is the place for you to find your inner engineer. It is open for everyone to learn about public sanitation and the history of the first metropolitan water system. <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/the-museum-of-bad-art-boston-407973">Museum of Bad Art</a> When: Tuesday to Sunday Where: Dorchester Info: A one-of-a-kind, the MOBA is the world’s only museum dedicated to terrible and eccentric work from fully trained artists to everyday people. Located at Dorchester’s Brewing Company, MOBA will be an unforgettable experience and you can enjoy it with a drink in hand too! Free and fun for everyone! <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/rose-art-museum-waltham-407966">Rose Art Museum</a> When: Wednesday to Sunday Where: Waltham Info: As part of Brandeis University, the Rose Art Museum is dedicated to contemporary and modern art. It has robust work from the ‘60s and ‘70s and is free for all to enjoy! <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/commonwealth-museum-boston-443088">Commonwealth Museum</a> When: Monday to Friday Where: South Boston Info: Peek at the MA Constitution and other foundational documents in the creation of the U.S. at this small and hidden treasure. Free for all, the Commonwealth Museum is the perfect getaway to MA’s role in the American Revolution and Beyond. <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/the-bunker-hill-museum-charlestown-407969">Bunker Hill Museum</a> When: Wednesday to Sunday Where: Charlestown Info: The location of an important battle in the Revolutionary War, Bunker Hill is a National Park site and is free for everyone. You’ll feel like a patriot as you walk through this historic place. <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/harvard-museum-of-the-ancient-near-east-cambridge-443089">Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near East</a> When: Daily Where: Cambridge Info: Find artifacts from places like Egypt, Jordan, Tunisia, and more at this Harvard museum that is free for all. Here, you’ll learn about the cultures and histories of places that are connected to Semitic languages. <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/museum-of-the-ancient-and-honorable-artillery-company-boston-443091">Museum of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company</a> When: Monday to Friday Where: Faneuil Hall Info: Find historical collections of uniforms, arms, and artifacts from the Military Company that served to protect the Commonwealth of MA. This group currently serves as a local symbol of patriotism. Free to everyone. <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/boston-fire-museum-boston-443118">Boston Fire Museum</a> When: Every Saturday Where: Seaport Info: Immerse yourself in the development of fire fighting equipment and progress in the greater Boston area, see some fire trucks, and brush up on fire safety at this open-to-all museum. The Boston Fire Department is one of the oldest in the nation, so the history is rich and plentiful. <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/the-harvard-collection-of-historical-scientific-instruments-cambridge-443085">The Harvard Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments</a> When: Sunday to Friday Where: Cambridge Info: Learn about how technology and scientific research tools have evolved over time. This collection has everything from old clocks, telescopes, and medical instruments to microscopes and other devices. BOSTON FAMILY DAYS From now until December 2026, families in Boston can enjoy free admission to museums around the city on the first and second Sundays of every month. Families should <a href="https://www.boston.gov/family-days-signup">register</a> their Pre-K, kindergarten, elementary, and high school students if they aren't part of the BPS system (who are registered automatically). Then, they will receive passes for their kids and two guests. Here are the participating museums: <ul><li><a href="https://joyraft.com/event/museum-of-fine-arts-boston-boston-407922">Museum of Fine Arts</a></li><li><a href="https://joyraft.com/event/boston-museum-of-science-boston-406176">Museum of Science</a></li><li><a href="https://joyraft.com/event/museum-of-african-american-history-boston-407957">Museum of African American History</a></li><li><a href="https://joyraft.com/event/john-f-kennedy-presidential-library-and-museum-boston-407951">John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum</a></li><li><a href="https://joyraft.com/event/isabella-stewart-gardner-museum-general-admission-boston-365042">Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum</a></li><li><a href="https://joyraft.com/event/boston-children-s-museum-boston-406168">Boston Children's Museum</a></li><li><a href="https://joyraft.com/event/franklin-park-zoo-boston-boston-1011529">Franklin Park Zoo</a></li><li><a href="https://joyraft.com/event/institute-of-contemporary-art-boston-boston-407925">Institute of Contemporary Art</a></li><li><a href="https://joyraft.com/event/new-england-aquarium-boston-406171">New England Aquarium</a></li></ul>A FINAL NOTE There are over 20 FREE museums in this list. But guess what? There are even more free museums with your BPL card. Get access to the <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/boston-museum-of-science-boston-406176">Boston Museum of Science</a>, the <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/new-england-aquarium-boston-406171">NE Aquarium</a>, the <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/harvard-museum-of-natural-history-cambridge-407397">Harvard Museum of Natural History</a>, the <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/the-mapparium-boston-400041">Mapparium</a>, and the <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/uss-constitution-museum-charlestown-407965">U.S.S. Constitution</a>. Read all the details <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/free-discounted-tickets-to-19-museums-cruises-and-other-attractions-with-your-boston-public-library-card-boston-431210">here</a>.&nbsp; And the museums don’t stop. Check out our <a href="https://joyraft.com/event/the-23-best-museums-you-ll-want-to-visit-in-boston-boston-409475">roundup</a> that covers over 23 of the best ones that you do not want to miss!

Boston

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S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S21: roundups

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

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Roundups ⭐️

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added

Just added to Joyraft

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S19: interest based

Kid-friendly events in Boston

S18: interest based

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.

Boston Bars and Restaurants: Events and Openings

Food & drink experiences in Boston

Food & drink experiences 

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20+ Free Museums in Boston Including Free Museum Days

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