Sometimes museum visits can feel like third-grade field trips: all hum-drum lectures, piped-in music, and blah cafeteria lunches. But not so at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (280 The Fenway, Boston, 617.566.1401), especially beginning on September 20. The Gardner's new program, After Hours, enhances the museum experience with evening entertainment and, for those who can't forgo happy hour, a courtyard wine bar. On the third Thursday of every month from 5 to 9 p.m., the museum presents a themed program and, for an extra charge, a special concert or performance. On the inaugural night, it's "Journey to the East," which includes gallery chats on the Asian art collection and a performance by Butoh dancer Ledoh. October's event, "Fascinating Rhythms," focuses on musical influences in the museum's art; and November's "Feast for the Senses" features entertaining tips from Isabella's day, along with a "Jazz at the Gardner" concert. Other programs planned for the '07-'08 season include "A Solstice Soiree," "Sari Night," and "Garden of Earthly Delights." General admission is $12; to attend the evening's concert or performance, tickets are $23. Visit www.gardnermuseum.org for a full listing.
