12 Best Museums in Boston You'll Want to Visit

Zoom out. What’s this place all about?
The USS Constitution, the world’s oldest-commissioned floating warship, is berthed on a dock at Charlestown’s Navy Yard. Step onto the 220-plus-year-old wooden ship—free of charge—and you’ll learn about life in the Navy from active-duty sailors. Down the wharf, the privately owned USS Constitution Museum (which has a suggested admission fees) offers added insights, so you can understand the significance of “Old Ironsides” and life on the high seas.

A permanent collection is defining: How was it?
The USS Constitution gives you the opportunity to get a sense of life and work on a late-18th-century U.S. Navy ship—one that remains in working order. Once on the ship, a glance upward will give you an understanding of the scale of this seasoned vessel and its soaring masts. Next, take narrow steps down to the top three lower decks and peek into the captain’s quarters. When you’re done checking out the ship, make sure to walk over to Dry Dock 1, among the oldest dry docks in the United States (and an engineering marvel), where the navy conducted maintenance on the Constitution, most recently from 2015 to 2017.

The nearby USS Constitution Museum gives you the chance to take an even deeper dive into the history of the ship, especially its early-18th-century heyday, through experiential, interactive, and hands-on exhibits. Among the artifacts you’ll encounter: an axe that helped build the ship 220-plus years ago and a 150-year old biscuit from the ship’s galley. There’s also a new exhibition, “Today’s Crew,” that helps you get to know the contemporary sailors serving aboard the ship today.

What did you make of the crowd?
Because both the ship and the museum are stops on the Freedom Trail, waves of people join the line for the USS Constitution, which moves fairly quickly. You’ll notice most of your fellow travelers are retirees or families with ecstatic kids in tow. If you’re serious about engineering, maritime culture, or the navy—or you’re just plain into history—you’ll love visiting the warship.

On the practical tip, how were the facilities?
You need to show a state-issued ID to walk onto the ship since it’s an active military base. Unfortunately, the USS Constitution is not accessible because it’s been restored to its 1812 state. The museum is accessible, though.

Any guided tours worth trying?
A sailor offers a brief introductory presentation every 15 minutes, providing a rundown of the history of the ship and walking you through her storied history and contributions to the Navy. From there, you can explore the ship at your own pace. At the museum, you’ll find daily self-guided scavenger-hunt-style programming and activities.

Gift shop: What will we find?
The ship has a small gift area, where you can buy USS Constitution merchandise include ball caps, tote bags, patches, and coins. There are also flags, which you can immediately have flown aboard the ship before you take them home. The museum shop’s offerings are more abundant, though not always as relevant, from Boston beans candy to children’s books and bags made out of sails.

Any advice for the time- or attention-challenged?
For a quick stop, head straight to the USS Constitution and skip the museum. And if you want to see this beauty set sail, visit Boston on the Fourth of July.