One of the great art collectors of the 19th century, Isabella Gardner bequeathed this imitation Venetian palazzo (designed by Willard T. Sears) to house her treasures, along with her enormous private art collection, to be seen by the public as a museum. Her will stipulates that if any of the art is moved from its present location, the entire collection must be given to Harvard. Mrs Gardner was quite the free spirit, she also stipulated that any woman named Isabella could can free admittance to the museum, any time.
In 1990, the museum fell victim to one of the largest art robberies in recent US history when 13 major works were stolen, including several Rembrandts and Degas, a Vermeer, and a Manet. The case has yet to be solved and empty wall space reminds visitors of the travesty. However, the mansion still houses some remarkable works of art, among them Titian's Rape of Europa, Sargent's El Jaleo, two Botticellis, two Rembrandts, and works by Whistler, Manet, Degas, and Matisse.
The mansion is built around a lush, four-story glass-roofed courtyard adorned with delicate reliefs, columns, fountains, and flowers that bloom year-round. Free guided tours Tu-F 2:30pm. Admission M-F $10, Sa-Su $11; students $5. Children under the age of 18 are admitted free with a parent or guardian. If your name is Isabella, you are granted free admission - for life! For a listing of events (some of them are free) click here. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard. Note: Unfortunately the free admission does not apply to people named Isabel, only Isabella!