A Day At The Museum Near The Abby

Throughout U.S. history, Boston has played a storied role in shaping our country. It’s only fitting that the city is teeming with museums, housing world history showcases and — of course — artifacts from the American Revolution. Here at The Abby, we’re lucky enough to be right near these exhibits. From indoor zoos, to even a converted ship, here are the best places for a day out at the museum near The Abby. 

Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

The floating history museum is advertised as the country’s “#1 Best Patriotic Attraction”. There’s no argument here. 

Located on an actual vessel, the multi-sensory experience guides passengers on a time traveling expedition that includes live actors, interactive exhibits, and a full-scale replica of the original 18th-century sailing ship. After storming aboard, you can actually throw tea into the harbor — the same waters that floated the ideas of revolution over 240 years ago! 

Recommended Exhibit: The Robinson Tea Chest is the only known surviving part of the Boston Tea Party of 1773. This artifact is proudly displayed in the museum’s permanent collection. 

Museum of Science 

The museum is part science and part indoor zoo, located right next to the Charles River. Over 700 interactive exhibits features live presentations throughout the building, including showings in the Charles Hayden Planetarium, Mugar Omni Theater, and the only domed IMAX screen in the area. 

If you want to put a specific tally on it, there are exactly 35 exhibits, four omnidirectional films, 11 planetarium shows, three 4D films, and eight live presentations. AKA a visitor’s days will be full with only one $29 ticket! 

Recommended Exhibit:  The zoo portion is home to over 100 rehabilitated and rescued animals; the location is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. 

Museum of Fine Arts 

The MFA houses over 100 galleries, each hosting 450,000 objects across our planet. Built in 1970, the historic site is the 20th-largest in the world, in terms of public gallery area. The location is the most visited in the city, attracting more than 1.2 million visitors a year. Some highlights of the collection include: ancient Egyptian artifacts, French impressionist works, and Dutch Golden Age collections. 

Recommended: Recently, the MFA renovated Tenshin-en, their outdoor Japanese garden. Nippon Television Network Corporation provided the funding for new paths, a kabukimon-style entrance gate, and plenty of new vegetation. 

Boston Children’s Museum 

Located along the Fort Point Channel is the second oldest children’s museum in the United States. Developed in the early 1900s, the museums has had over a century to field an extensive collection from around the world, including 50,000 objects that were donated. Permanent exhibits include the joyful discovery experiences that are all child-centered designed for families. 

Recommended: The Japanese House is a two-story authentic silk merchant’s home from Kyoto, Japan. The house if fully functional and dates back over 100 years. 

Harvard Museum Of Natural History

You don’t have to leave our city to find wildlife from all over the world. This museum features 20 diverse exhibits for animal lovers and geological aficionados alike. The building includes three history research museums: Harvard University Herbaria, Museum of Comparative Zoology, and Harvard Mineralogical Museum. Additionally, the building is physically connected to the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology. All areas are included with the price of admission. 

Recommended: The latest exhibit, Sea Creatures In Glass, displays 60 lifelike models of marine and terrestrial animals, all meticulously shaped through glass.