Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Boston, MA 02115
Phone: (617) 267-9300
- Cross Street:
- Museum Road
- Best of Citysearch:
- Rainy-Day Date Spot 2008
- Hours:
- Sat-Tue 10am-4:45pm, Wed-Fri 10am-9:45pm
Editorial Review for Museum of Fine Arts, Boston – by Citysearch Editors
The Scene
New England's largest museum, the world-class MFA is awaiting some major renovations. John Singer Sargent murals in the original 1909 building promote the idea of the MFA as a secular cathedral. The west wing, designed by I.M. Pei, houses blockbuster temporary exhibitions.
The Collection
The MFA's classical department is famed for its comprehensive collection of red-and-black-figured vases, and the Asiatic art collection is among the largest in the world. The collection of Old Kingdom and Nubian art is second only to that in the Cairo Museum. The MFA also has a Monet collection surpassed only in Paris and impressive holdings of other impressionists and post-impressionists. Also excellent are the American fine and decorative arts: The museum has more than 60 portraits by John Singleton Copley and more than 40 by Gilbert Stuart. The Remis Auditorium, located in the west wing, is a proscenium theater that hosts concerts, film series and performance art.
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Insider Tips
Save MoneyOn Wednesdays after 4:45pm, admission is free (voluntary contributions are welcomed).
Save TimeMost high-profile exhibitions require separate tickets, best purchased in advance.
The ExtrasThe museum opened in Copley Square in 1876, then moved to its current home in 1909.
Know Before You GoCap a day of art appreciation with dinner in the museum's artsy restaurant, Bravo.
User Reviews for Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
07/24/2005 Posted by wryfox
When I was a grad student a couple of years ago at Northeastern I would step across the street (literally) to the MFA on Wed nights (voluntary pay for admission). Been there at least 50 times. The Japanese swords and Egyptian artifacts are the best in the world outside of their native countries. The MFA sponsored several early 1900s digs in Egypt. Been around the globe since then and the masters paintings will rival any collection in the world such as the Louvre and Hermitage. Early america displays will blow your mind if your are into that period. This museum is massive, would say it took a solid 12 hours for the first once through. Parking is right next to building or street. And then you still want to come back....
Pros: Ambiance, collection, architecture
Cons: Huge building, street traffic
03/03/2003 Posted by schteino
The MFA's a wonderful place to wander through for an afternoon. Maybe you won't see all of it (I spent four hours there last weekend and certainly didn't), but it's great to explore and see what's what and escape the mundane outside world. The Asian exhibits are top-notch, including a wonderful mock Japanese Buddhist shrine, designed to give a sense of how the Buddhist statues would look in the real world. When you consider that the $15 price of admission buys you two trips within 30 days, it's even a real steal - or a super steal, when the $15 becomes a variable contribution on Wednesday nights.
Pros: Inexpensive
Cons: Crowded, Hard to park
Schedule
| 05/17/2008 | American Traditions: Art of the People | |
| 05/17/2008 | Earth Transformed: Chinese Ceramics | |
| 05/18/2008 | American Traditions: Art of the People | |
| 05/18/2008 | Earth Transformed: Chinese Ceramics | |
| 05/19/2008 | American Traditions: Art of the People | |
| 05/19/2008 | Earth Transformed: Chinese Ceramics | |
| 05/20/2008 | American Traditions: Art of the People | |
| 05/20/2008 | Earth Transformed: Chinese Ceramics | |
| 05/21/2008 | American Traditions: Art of the People | |
| 05/21/2008 | Earth Transformed: Chinese Ceramics | |
| 05/22/2008 | American Traditions: Art of the People | |
| 05/22/2008 | Earth Transformed: Chinese Ceramics | |
| 05/23/2008 | American Traditions: Art of the People | |
| 05/23/2008 | Earth Transformed: Chinese Ceramics | |
| 05/24/2008 | American Traditions: Art of the People | |
| 05/24/2008 | Earth Transformed: Chinese Ceramics | |
| 05/25/2008 | American Traditions: Art of the People | |
| 05/25/2008 | Earth Transformed: Chinese Ceramics | |
| 05/26/2008 | American Traditions: Art of the People | |
| 05/26/2008 | Earth Transformed: Chinese Ceramics | |
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