Instagram moments never-before-seen-in-Boston arrive in the city this season—just in time for winter break with the kids. The Museum of Illusions Boston opens Saturday, Nov. 23, near Faneuil Hall. Elsewhere, the Museum of Ice Cream is getting ready for a December 14 debut in the Boston Seaport. Tickets are now on sale for both sensory-driven experiences.
Here's what you need to know about the Museum of Ice Cream:
What is it?
You know that photo opportunity where people are basking in a ball pit made of lifesize rainbow sprinkles? That’s the Museum of Ice Cream. Well, it’s one of the most famous installations at the “immersive ice cream playground.” With five other permanent locations in New York, Chicago, Miami, Austin and Singapore, the Museum of Ice Cream is a truly multisensory experience—there are unlimited ice cream samples!!—centered on the universally beloved frozen confection.
There’s that Insta-famous sprinkle pool to explore (accessed via a whimsical slide), interactive playscapes, a café and exclusive treats available in each city.
What to expect from Museum of Ice Cream Boston
Installations at every Museum of Ice Cream are “crafted to celebrate ice cream and local culture,” according to a press release. In Boston, that obviously translates to sports: “FunWay Park” is an exclusive exhibit featuring carnival games and cotton candy in flavors that recall ballpark snacks, like buttered popcorn.
Cookie Living Room, meanwhile, is a cozy place made of “cookie motifs” inspired by Chipwiches, the chocolate chip cookie-ice cream sandwiches that originated in Connecticut.
Museum of Ice Cream Boston enlisted sensory scientists at International Flavors and Fragrances to create a "Lobstah Ice Cream" tasting experience. We’ll report back on that!
The Hall of Freezers spans 24 doors you can open to reveal surprises (and of course, treats).
Elsewhere in the 13,000-square foot, two-story museum, New England icon Friendly’s supplies ice cream bars.
Where is Museum of Ice Cream Boston?
You’ll find Museum of Ice Cream Boston at 121 Seaport Blvd., directly across from the main entrance to Snowport.
When is it open?
Beginning Saturday, Dec. 14, at 10am, Museum of Ice Cream Boston is open daily at 10am and closes 5pm Mondays, 7:30pm Wednesdays and Thursdays, and 8:30pm Fridays–Sundays. It’s closed on Tuesdays.
How much does it cost?
Tickets for Museum of Ice Cream Boston are $33–$40, depending on selected entry time and other factors. VIP tickets are $73 and include priority entry anytime on your selected date.
Whether this family-friendly tourist attraction ends up on our list of best or quirkiest museums in Boston remains to be seen, but the experiences sound unique and fun. We’re excited to check it out when it opens this weekend—and see what it brings to this ice cream-loving city.