Free First Thursdays at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

When:
Thursday, Apr 02, 2026 3:00p -
9:00p
Repeats monthly

Where:
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
25 Evans Way
Boston, MA

EventScheduled OfflineEventAttendanceMode

Admission:
FREE

Categories:
Art, Date Idea, History, Party

Event website:
https://www.gardnermuseum.org/calendar/free-first-thursday-202608

Summer in the City: Frank Hatch Free Thursday Night


As you enjoy all that summertime in Boston has to offer, be sure to spend some time in the cool galleries and airy Courtyard of the Gardner Museum. Kick off the month by writing poetry with Black the Creator, basking in the Latin-inspired jazz of guitarist Carlos Odria, and inventing stories in the studio with artist Kirk Wallace. Then come back to join us for free on Thursday evenings throughout the month. 


With complimentary admission offered from 5 to 9 pm, Free Thursday Nights are a chance to connect with fellow art lovers and embrace possibility. Whether you're new to the city or a local Gardner devotee, join us as often as you like as each visit becomes a new opportunity to meet others and get creative space of belonging and exploration. Bring a date, bring a friend, or come by yourself—let the Gardner Museum be your respite, art studio, and home away from home on Thursday nights.


Tickets for Free Thursday Nights are available 2 days in advance. GET TICKETS.

 

Program

Mindful Poetry with Black the Creator

5:30 and 7:30 pm (1-hour sessions), Living Room

Found poetry is a form of collage poetry in which the artist uses fragments from existing texts to piece together new meaning. Black the Creator will gently guide participants to pair what they learn from deep engagement with the Gardner’s collection with wisdom from their own lived experiences to craft found poetry. These 45-minute sessions conclude with a share circle, giving participants the opportunity to witness others’ creations.


Kirk Wallace Activation

5 – 8 pm, Bertucci Education Studio

Join artist Kirk Wallace as he brings his distinctive art-making process to the Gardner! Inspired by Isabella’s collection, Kirk will lead live demonstrations and share how he creates playful, innovative characters from even the most ordinary or fantastical objects. Chat with Kirk, grab some supplies, and you’ll soon be ready to transform any shape into a story.


Performance by Carlos Odria

6 – 8 pm, Courtyard

Enjoy a live performance of Latin-influenced jazz standards and more, performed by classical guitarist Carlos Odria in the Palace Courtyard.

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04/02/2026 15:00:00 04/02/2026 21:00:00 America/New_York Free First Thursdays at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum <p><strong>Summer in the City: Frank Hatch Free Thursday Night</strong></p><p><br></p><p>As you enjoy all that summertime in Boston has to offer, be sure to spend some time in the cool galleries an...

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