Boston – Saturday, November 22
Updated 2008-09-11 07:16
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They’re looking at a huge rendering of the history of Rock ‘n’ Roll at the Institute of Contemporary Art, possibly wondering why they can’t find “Thong Song” on there. They’re looking at a huge rendering of the history of Rock ‘n’ Roll at the Institute of Contemporary Art, possibly wondering why they can’t find “Thong Song” on there.
 

 
 
Museum of Fine Arts
If you’ve ever wondered what Iraq was like thousands of years before the Bush family had their way with it, the MFA has your answer with “Treasures from Assyria” (Sept. 21 through Jan. 4). The museum also has an extensive collection of treasures in its own permanent collection (think mummies), and if you’re the type looking to pick up an artsy chick/dude, you NEED to go to their free College Night (Sept. 25).

465 Huntington Ave., Boston. Mon-Tue 10 a.m.-4:45 p.m; Wed-Fri 10 a.m.-9:45 p.m.; Sat-Sun 10 a.m.-4:45 p.m. MBTA: Green Line to Museum. 617.267.9300.
Institute of Contemporary Art
With emphasis on the “Contemporary” part, the ICA features amazing multi-media out-there exhibits like the works of sculptor Tara Donavan (Oct. 10-Jan. 4), who turns huge quantities of mass-produced items like pencils and straws into works of beauty. And speaking of beauty, the ICA building itself is a wonder. There’s a room overlooking the harbor designed so the only thing you see is the water below you: No skyline, no land, just water.

100 Northern Ave., Boston. MBTA: Silver Line to World Trade. Tue-Wed 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thu-Fri 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat-Sun 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 617.478.3103.
Isabella Gardner Museum
Designed with the influence of Isabella Stewart Gardner, this museum has a unique array of paintings, home furnishings, personal objects leaving, and a breathtaking courtyard in the center that is continuously updated with flowers of the season. Ahhh. Art.

280 The Fenway, Boston. Tue-Sun 11 a.m.-5 p.m. MBTA: Green Line to Museum. 617.566.1401.
Museum of Science
IIt’s fun for all ages with its IMAX theater, 3-D films and hands-on exhibits, just to name a few. Also, roleplaying fanatics get their due with the upcoming “Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids” (Opens Oct. 26).

Sun-Thu 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Fri 9 a.m.-9p.m.MBTA:  Green Line to Science Park. 617.723.2500.
Harvard Museum of Natural History
Some of its highlights include an exhibit of over 3,000 plant models entirely made of glass and an entire exhibit devoted to understanding climate change and the future of our Earth. Remember Al Gore went to Harvard. If the $7 student admission prices seem too expensive for a university museum, we suggest attending Harvard for the free admission. 

26 Oxford St., Cambridge MBTA:  Red Line to Harvard . Open Daily: 9a.m.-5 p.m.
617.495.3045.
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
Speaking of Harvard, the 35th President of the United States went there, and got a D on one of his report cards. If you didn’t grow up in the area and have to go on annual field trips to the museum, you’ll be interested in seeing that report card here as well as loads of other JFK memorabilia.

Columbia Point, Boston. MBTA: Red Line to JFK. Open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 617.514.1573.
 
 

Feeling contemplative?

Sick of watching Cartoon Network all day? Burnt out from that Economics survey course? Go stare at some art. If you have a library card from Boston Public Library or Minuteman Library Network, you can actually “check out” a free pass for the day. For more info, visit www.bpl.org or www.mln.lib.ma.us.