Midwinter Tropics in the Courtyard — Photo courtesy of Isabella Stewart Gardner MuseumA major renovation project closed Boston's Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in November, leaving locals anxiously awaiting it's January 19th reopening. Designed by Renzo Piano, the new wing boasts modern amenities that are missing from the historic mansion that Ms. Gardner once called home, then generously transformed into a museum for all to enjoy.  

Breaking free from the constraints of the the historic building, the new wing has a variety of purpose-built spaces that allow for an an increase in programming.  One such space, available to the public, is the Living Room. The Living Room allows visitors to linger over afternoon tea, or simply lounge in comfortable chairs and chat with other museum guests.

Another added amenity is the Studio, which operates in conjunction with the museum's School and Community Partnership programs. Hands-on workshops focus on creating art that enhances the teaching that is taking place in the galleries. The public hallway (across from the Studio) is graced with the works of the students, and the public can drop into the Studio to try their hand as an artist on weekends. Who knows, your creation could hang in the hallway!

The Museum also hosts an expanded concert series. A concert held on the first Thursday of each month focuses on cutting-edge classical and the third Thursday is reserved for jazz.

For those who worry that the original structure's history will be neglected in light of the new wing's modernity, you'll be happy to know that there are plans for preservation and restoration of this historic site.