12/06/06

Boston's oldest museum's collections reflect the broad tastes and interests of the monied 19th-century Boston collectors who founded it.

by Contributor

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.

07/24/05

Best in the US...

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

03/03/03

A Great Escape

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

12/25/02

Rembrandt in Boston

by Lucyannhask

Pick the category that you want to see. You can't do the Museum of Fine Arts in a day. Great for schools studying Greek and/or Egyptian history.

• Pros: Quality experience, Variety
• Cons: No parking, Take the T

12/13/02

Long live the MFA

by marisamanning

I have been to the MFA many times, and would go many more. The collection is great, and the special exhibits never cease to amaze me. Although the special exhibits are entirely too crowded and something needs to be done about that. Its makes it very hard to see the paintings and enjoy them when there are large crowds all trying to veiw the same painting.

11/05/02

my favorite museum

by jabrightman

The MFA is where I go to relax. The atmosphere is calm and not pretentious. The exhibits, cafes, and store are all perfect.

10/24/02

The eye of the beholder

by sbmcat

The MFA is one of Boston's greatest treasures! It is a great place to go for a date, because whatever you see there, you can be sure that it will promote discussion -- and you can learn a lot about another person by their response to art! Also, the cafe is a great place to go for lunch, even if you don't feel like going to any exhibits. And the best cheap date in town is to go down to the cafeteria (lower level), get a great lunch and sit outside if weather permits.

• Pros: art promotes discussi, great place to eat, challenges your brain
• Cons: free night is crowded

08/03/02

some fine fine art

by irishgirl

extensive collections...so extensive you best make sure you have enough time to spend there. i made the mistake of going too late in the day, and i didn't get to see everything before they closed. good thing my ticket had a free return visit!

07/25/02

MFA class

by zoetic618

The MFA is simply one of the most prestigious art museums in the world. There are plenty of other art museums in Boston which are also good too, but I find the MFA Boston holds the greatest exhibits and masterpiece works out of all.

• Pros: affordable, prestigious
• Cons: crowded (sometimes), parking