Looking for a fun way to spend the day in Boise? Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Boise’s museum scene has a lot to offer. From quirky collections and kid-friendly spots to seriously impressive art and history displays, there’s a Boise museum for just about everyone.
In this post, we’re diving into the 10 best museums in Boise that you’ve got to check out. Maybe you’re looking for a cool place to beat the heat in summer, or a cozy spot for a winter afternoon adventure.
Get ready to discover some hidden gems, learn a little something new, and maybe even find your new favorite Boise hangout. Let’s jump in and explore Boise’s best museums.
1. The Boise Art Museum
The Boise Art Museum is located in Julia Davis Park in downtown Boise and features classic and contemporary works of art from internationally recognized artists.
The museum opened in 1937 through a partnership between the Boise Art Association, the City of Boise and the Federal Works Progress Administration. Since then, it has been showing stunning artwork from the locals and serves as a space for traveling exhibitions.
It’s a favorite spot for many locals to explore.
2. Boise Art Glass
Located on the edge of Downtown Boise, the Boise Art Glass is a great spot to explore and another side of creativity in Boise. This is a private owned gallery with the goal of sharing the love for glass art. They specialize in hand-blown glass pieces, and the gallery is full of unique creations that you can purchase on site.
What’s great about this museum is they have glass blowing classes where you can actually have an experience of glass blowing. It’s a great way to make your own unique souvenir and learn about the craft as well!
3. Basque Museum and Cultural Center
One of the unique museums in Boise Idaho is the Basque Museum. If you want to learn the Basque culture and heritage, then this museum in Boise ID is a must-visit.
A little background about the Basque Museum Boise has to offer. The Basque Museum was the Cyrus Jacobs-Uberuaga House at 607 Grove Street and was established in1985.
They have an impressive collection of Basque artifacts, documents, photos and other items that tell the history of the Basques in the region. There’s also a library and research center where you can learn even more about the culture and its customs.
4. Idaho State Museum
This Idaho history museum is a great one to visit with your family. The Idaho State Museum offers visitors a glimpse into the state’s rich history.
There are fun and interactive exhibits and experiences for all ages. They have exhibits dedicated to Idaho’s unique landscape and history where you can explore and discover the past.
The Idaho State Museum shows deep relationships with the locals as its exhibits feature over 514 artifacts on display, 800 photographs, and 46 individual multimedia exhibits that tell a story about the state’s history.
5. Discovery Center of Idaho
As the popular Idaho science museum located in downtown Boise, the Discovery Center of Idaho provides an educational experience for anyone visiting. It’s a great place to explore science in an interactive way.
The museum hosts many exhibits which are designed to help the visitors explore different aspects of science, such as physics and biology. You’ll find a wide range of interactive displays that can stimulate and educate your mind.
It’s an excellent museum to visit with your family, especially if you have kids who love science!
6. Idaho Military History Museum
The Idaho Military History Museum is located in Gowen Field which is next to the Boise Airport.
The museum is dedicated to preserving the history of Idaho’s military and its veterans. They focused on Idaho’s former military during the Civil War.
You can find collections of tanks, planes, jeeps and even military weapons used during the war. It’s an interesting museum to visit, especially when you are looking for something unique to do in Boise.
It not only gives you a chance to learn more about Idaho’s history but also a way to pay tribute to the state’s veterans.
7. Idaho Black History Museum
You can find the Idaho Black History Museum in Julia Davis Park in Boise. The museum is dedicated to preserving and promoting the African American history, culture and achievements of Idaho.
It’s housed in the former St. Paul Baptist Church Building. What makes this museum unique and popular is that they hold multiple events throughout the year and have interactive displays. It’s definitely a must-visit museum when you’re in Boise!
8. Old Idaho Penitentiary
The Old Idaho Penitentiary offers insight into the state’s criminal history.
It’s a cool museum to visit, especially if you’re into crime-related history. It has reached its 100-year anniversary and offers guided tours year round.
The buildings of the museum are still standing. Although it may not be for everyone as many consider this place one of the most haunted places in Boise with many ghost tours being held here around Halloween time..
It’s a great place to visit if you’re a history buff or an adventure seeker!
9. Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial
Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial opened to the public in 2022. It inspires people of all ages to contemplate the moral implications of their actions and the scope of their civil responsibilities.
The new Wassmuth Center Building just opened in 2024 next to the Anne Frank Memorial, offering up classes and learning opportunities to help prevent harassment and increase awareness about civil rights.
This Anne Frank Memorial is outdoors, and one of the newest ‘museums’ in Boise. It is located near the Boise Greenbelt and the Library in downtown Boise.
That’s about it for the museums that you can find in Boise! If you’re looking for things to do in Boise Idaho, these museums can provide you with a unique and interesting experience that’s worth checking out.