Boston Museum (1847-1903)

The Boston Museum was a theater and museum displaying collections of natural curiosities.

Originally housing a gallery of curiosities and wax tableaux in addition to its theatrical features, the first Boston Museum was built in 1841 by Moses Kimball. The original Boston Museum, known as the Boston Museum and Gallery of Fine Arts, became so successful that a second building was erected on Tremont Street in 1846, and performances continued there until 1903. Prominent actors at the Boston Museum included Edwin Booth, E.H. Sothern and Mrs. J.R. Vincent. Here was also where the American premiers of several Gilbert and Sullivan operas were seen, notably, "H.M.S. Pinafore" on November 25, 1878.

Known as the Boston Museum and Gallery of Fine Arts from 1841-1847, the Boston Museum, a theater and museum displaying natural curiosities, closed in 1903.

Musical performances were given at the museum beginning in 1841, and dramatic performances began in 1843. The final season was 1902-1903. Proprietor/managers included Moses Kimball (the first), R. Montgomery Field, and E. F. Keach.

Known as Boston Museum and Gallery of Fine Arts from 1841-1847, and the Boston Museum from 1847-1903. This was a theater and museum displaying a collection of natural curiosities. Musical performances were given at the museum beginning in 1841, and dramatic performances began in 1843. The final season was 1902-1903. Proprietor/managers included Moses Kimball (the first), R. Montgomery Field, and E. F. Keach.