These are frustrating times for local culture vultures who are used to enjoying The Hub's world-class museums and cultural institutions at their leisure. Who among us couldn't use a classy, calming dose of fine art? So next time you find yourself uncertain of what to do, click around and enjoy these top Boston museums and attractions from the comfort of your couch.
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Museum of Fine Arts: The MFA is one of the many world-class museums you can tour via Google Arts & Culture. You can also see curators and collections on the museum's YouTube channel. Also be sure to click around the museum's homepage to learn about upcoming exhibitions so you know what to expect when we're able to visit again.
Isabella Stuart Gardner Museum: The Gardner can also be toured through Google Arts & Culture, and if you've never watched the fascinating intro video on the museum's homepage, now's a great time.
JFK Library & Museum: During times like these we could all use a refresher on one of Boston's most beloved native sons. Fortunately, the JFK Library is also up on Google Arts & Culture.You can also browse digitized collections and archives on the library's website.
Massachusetts Historical Society: Founded in 1791, as the nation’s first historical society, the MHS offers an extraordinary treasure trove of rare and unique documents, artifacts and and more. If you've never been, tour it via Google Arts & Culture, and if you have, you're still likely to discover something you've never seen before. History buffs can easily get lost exploring ABIGAIL, the Society’s online library catalog.
The Museum of African American History: With locations in Boston and Nantucket, the MAAH is a must for anyone interested in understanding the area's rich legacy of African American accomplishments and breakthroughs. Use Google Arts & Culture to take an immersive walking tour of the the Black Heritage Trail, which offers a glimpse into Boston's free African American community of the 19th century through the Beacon Hill neighborhood they called home.
Boston Children's Museum: The second-oldest children's museum in the USA has played a formative role in the lives of countless area youngsters. If you have little ones to entertain — or if you just want to reminisce about your youthful exploits in the museum's construction zone — take a virtual tour on the museum's website. The museum is also offering free educational resources online, including the award-winning Beyond the Chalkboard website, the BCM Home Edition with 26 activities for the whole family, and the Museum’s 100 Ways to Play.
Stay tuned to Time Out Boston for the latest news and updates as Boston reopens.
Now check out more virtual tours of museums around the world.