Not to be confused with the Gardiner Museum the ISGM holds important works of art by some of the top European, Asian and American artists of all time. The works include tapestries, paintings, sculptures and decorative arts. The museum was established in 1903 by Isabella Stewart Garner (1840-1924) and is housed in a 15^th century Venetian palace. The building was purpose-built to house the museum and the design was inspired by the Renaissance palaces of Venice. The building itself is a highlight of the museum. The rooms are furnished in antique furniture and the art is displayed on the walls as it would have been in a palatial home. Textiles, furniture, art, lighting, architectural features and objects are all arrange to enhance the viewing of the art. The three storey building surrounds an inner courtyard garden. Today the courtyard is covered by a glass roof.

The Gardner Museum has a unique place in American history thanks to being the victim of a famous heist. In 1990 thieves dressed as Boston policemen entered the museum and walked off with 13 important works of art. The crime remains unsolved and the art unrecovered. Among the works on display there are pieces by Bellini, Botticelli, Cellini, Degas, Geubels, Manet, Michelangelo, Raphael, Rembrandt, Rubens, Titian, Turner and Zorn.

In addition to the permanent collection the museum exhibits temporary exhibitions of contemporary and historic art. It is used as a concert venue and for lectures and family and community programs. The museum has a Living Room where visitors can relax and learn a little more about art or the museum through books, catalogues and electronic resources. The museum’s G Café serves food inspired by historic recipes.