On a quiet afternoon, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum felt like a world far from campus. The sound of water in the courtyard mixed with soft voices, and the light coming through the glass roof making the plants glow. More Bentley students should take advantage of the museums in the city, and the university offers free passes that make it easy to go.
After my visit, I spoke with Michael Ortiz, a professor in the history department at Bentley. He said these museum trips give students something important that may not be found in business classes.
“I think there are two major benefits,” Ortiz said. “The first one simply is cultural capital. Exposing oneself to art, to theater, to culture makes you aware of art and theater and culture, and it gives you an opportunity to connect with people.” He compared it to golf, which many business students use for networking. “Art and theater are also really useful for making those connections,” he said.
Professor Ortiz explained how looking at art helps students think more deeply. “It sharpens your analytical skills,” he said. “To really appreciate a painting, you have to look really closely. It forces students to think critically and engage with the world around them.” He said a museum is a low pressure place to practice this kind of thinking and with time sharpen these skills.
Many students agree with this idea. James Egan, an economics major, visited the museum using the Bentley pass. He said the experience gave him a break from his usual routine.
“Getting to go to a museum, especially like an art museum, gives me a new perspective,” Egan said. “All those paintings tell you something different. They give you insight into people’s emotions and lifestyles.”
Egan said these visits help him when he returns to his schoolwork. “Sometimes everyone here thinks the same way,” he said. “But if you go to a museum, it gives you new perspectives on new cultures.” He said learning about the past can help students understand the future.
Walking through the museum, I understood what both men meant. The rooms were full of color and history. Every painting made me slow down. Every object made me curious. When I left, I felt more open minded and refreshed.
For Bentley students, the museum passes offer more than a free ticket. They offer a new way of seeing the world.
