To welcome neighbors near the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, particularly those who may have never attended before, the Museum is opening its doors on three nights this summer, free of charge, for families and residents to experience live music, performances, art-making and horticulture projects while also exploring the galleries.

This free, three-evening series is designed to draw neighbors from the Fenway, Jamaica Plain, Mission Hill, and Dorchester neighborhoods on July 14, July 28, and August 11.

Here are the themes for each evening:

July 14 from 5 p.m. to 8 pm

Summer Escape

Kick off the summer by escaping to the Gardner this July. Embrace the heat with Afro-Caribbean percussion by the Tempo International Rhythm Section in Calderwood Hall.   Experience the Palace transformed with the sounds of jazz saxophone by the Edmar Colón Trio Fascination, shine alongside metalsmith Janeen St. Louis in the Studio, and enjoy family fun and gallery games throughout the Museum.

July 28 from 5 p.m. to 8 pm

Night Gardening
Experience an immersive installation designed by light and space artist Ethan Vogt in collaboration with students from the “Night Garden” at Boston Day & Evening Academy in Roxbury. Mix and remix colors to produce objects and explore color theory to see the Gardner’s collection in “a new light.”  Salsa performances by Eric German & Orchestra will be accompanied by video projections in Calderwood Hall throughout the evening.

August 11 from 5 p.m. to 8 pm

Botanicals

Work your green thumb at the Gardner this August. Enjoy performances by Shea Rose in Calderwood Hall and Afro-Colombian Jazz by songstress Alea in the Palace.  Work with Fenway Victory Gardeners in the Studio to craft your own delicious mocktails and create stamped impressions using fresh flowers from the garden. Discover sumptuous summer botanicals and family fun throughout the Museum.