Isabella Stewart Gardner, a beloved, stylish, and rebellious art collector, amassed an enormous and diverse collection of artwork from around the world in her Boston home, a singular piece of architecture custom-designed after a Renaissance-era Venetian palace. She was able to procure rare pieces due to her close friendships with many artists of the time, including John Singer Sargent. After her death in 1924, and according to her specific instructions, her home was preserved as a museum, exactly as she left it. This isn’t a conventional museum experience—none of the works are visibly labeled, and it is not traditionally curated. A truly breathtaking place, unlike any other in the world. Complete your visit with a light meal and glass of wine at the in-house cafe.