See below to view our most recent stories that dig deeper into our collections.
The Relics of Mary, Queen of Scots
From collecting relics belonging to her presumed ancestor, Mary, Queen of Scots, to dressing in ways inspired by her, Isabella was determined to assert a regal heritage that matched the grandeur of her Palace.
Inauguration Day 1885
The inauguration of President Grover Cleveland gave Isabella the chance to indulge her dual loves of celebration and celebrity.
Not Your Grandmother’s Silver Cabinet
In a corner of the Dutch Room stands a cabinet filled with highlights of Isabella Stewart Gardner’s impressive silver collection. The cabinet is stuffed with silver from England, Italy, Austria, France, China, India, Sweden, and more!
Joseph Lindon Smith’s Chinese Theater
Chinese culture, theater, and friendship come together in a bright but unassuming work in the Blue Room.
American Impressionism and a Piano Trio
Art and a young artist of the past inspire a modern American composer.
Isabella Stewart Gardner and Mexico
Long before spring-breakers began flocking to Mexico for vacation, trend-setter Isabella traveled there—and collected Mexican painting and pottery for her museum.
Preserving our Colorful History: The Soisson Window
One of the Gardner’s largest and most fragile objects in the collection is the Soisson stained glass window. Read about the remarkable effort by conservators to preserve it.
Listening, Learning, Meditating: Isabella’s Journey with Chinese Art
Consulting Curator Nancy Berliner guest writes this post about Isabella’s passion for Chinese art.
Sarah Wyman Whitman: Artist and Advocate
Isabella chose Sarah Wyman Whitman, a female artist in the male-dominated Boston art world, to create the now iconic design for her Museum’s seal.
