Museum of Fine Arts
Museum of Fine Arts
5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Boston's oldest, largest and best-known art institution, the MFA houses one of the world's most comprehensive art collections and is renowned for its Impressionist paintings, Asian and Egyptian collections and early American art.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Fenway / Kenmore
The Curse of the Bambino may have ended years ago, but loyal Red Sox fans will continue to infiltrate this home to historic Fenway Park, where you can find victory banners, people yelling in stereotypical Boston accents, and lots of sports bars. Located within Kenmore Square, the old gas station Citgo sign is another Boston skyline classic seen throughout the city. In addition to a hectic and diehard sports mentality, this neighborhood is also home to some of Boston’s many universities. Move from Boston University territory to that of Northeastern, and spend time at the famous Museum of Fine Arts. For more culture, check out the smaller but equally beautiful Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Continue off the beaten path and check out the green space in the Back Bay Fens, a pretty community garden. This diverse neighborhood has a mix of universities, sports, culture, and more residential green space.
How to get there
- Museum of Fine Arts • 3 min walk
- Northeastern University • 5 min walk
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See what travellers are saying
- Keith TDanville, California218 contributionsOne of the Best Fine Arts MuseumsA short review. A truly great museum for a regular tourist. Easy to get to on the Heath Street green line from downtown just a stop after Northeastern University. It is medium size, primarily two level museum that is small enough to walk but large enough to house a wealth of lovely exhibits. I particularly love the American works from the late 19th and early 20th century and the small but exquisite Egyptian collections. $29 regular admission and $25 seniors. A nice shop and cafe to breakup the visit. Plan for a half day at the MFA.Visited September 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 12 September 2023
- DavigetaSaint Louis, Missouri1,122 contributionsExcellent art museumThis is a pretty large museum, with a nice collection of Impressionist art. There is also a nice collection of Greek and Roman coins and antique musical instruments. Nice gift shops! It is located near a "T" stop so it's very convenient. Great place to visit for the day!Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten 13 September 2023
- JennieCV54 contributionsGreat morning - lots to see. Wear comfy shoes.Real mix of exhibits from ancient Egyptian mummies, via Asian art and European. The miniatures exhibit was really interesting. It is large and there is a huge amount to see, so allow a good few hours to do it justice. Good cafe and coffee shop on site.Visited September 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 22 September 2023
- Sandgrown25 contributionsSome great stuff to view in pleasant surroundingsGreat afternoon spent here when it was lashing down with rain outside all day. Plenty of room to view the art and the display pieces. Particularly liked the music instrument display. Disappointed that we were too early for the Japanese exhibition including Hokusai. We ate in the restaurant which was busy - the food was fine, felt a bit like a cafe though. We were happy to pay the $27 each entry price, however, this may prove too expensive for some folks on a lower budget.Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 26 September 2023
- PhilosophicalOldGuyCharlotte, North Carolina622 contributionsStrong and interesting holdings in a confusing maze of roomsMy wife and I rode the MBTA from Quincy into Boston on Monday of the last week of September 2023. This was our first visit to the BMFA. Admission was $54 for two seniors. We found the layout of the museum more than a little baffling, although we consulted the map frequently, asked for help from staff several times, and did our best to see every room. We know we missed a few. The holdings here are good, but we were a bit disappointed in their non-Monet Impressionist holdings, although we did see several wonderful oil paintings. Of course, many people are very taken with Monet, of which they had many, and whose work we find less exciting. We also enjoyed the huge balloon dog sculpture, the folk art animal sculptures, the Tiffany stained glass display, and the fun contemporary art figures. Overall, visiting this museum was certainly worth it. Our time went quickly here; we walked the floors for 2.5 hours before our feet gave out. Then we ate a leisurely lunch at their New American Cafe (reviewed separately here on TA), and then visited their gift shop before departing at 2pm. We think this is a good museum with a lot for almost anyone to see. It would be very helpful if rooms could be better labeled in some way and perhaps the map could be improved as well. We wondered if color coding on both map and wall signs might have been helpful.Visited September 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 4 October 2023
- Mike G389 contributionsSargent Fashion exhibit a must seeThis remarkable exhibit contains about 50 works (mostly portraits) and focuses on how he selected the wardrobe of his sitters ( mostly beautiful women). Timed tickets are required. Another huge plus for this world class museum is its courtyard cafe dining area. Be sure you stay for lunch.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 6 October 2023
- GOAT Of Wall Street4 contributionsAbsolute treasure trove for art loversIt's like a journey through time and cultures all under one roof. The sheer variety of art on display, from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary masterpieces, is mind-blowing. The European paintings section is like a who's who of art history, and the impressionist collection left me in awe. But what I really appreciate is that it's not just a stuffy, hands-off experience; you can get up close and personal with some of the pieces. The museum's size can be a bit overwhelming, so plan to spend some quality time there. Plus, the courtyard is a lovely spot to take a breather. If you're in Boston and have an ounce of appreciation for art, this place is a must-visit.Visited January 2023Travelled with familyWritten 10 October 2023
- jhealsRumson, New Jersey263 contributionsGreat morning in BostonCame for the Sargent exhibit while visiting family in Boston but loved the whole museum. Lovely building, nicely curated collection of European & American art as well as a classical and Egyptian section. The Sargent exhibit was beautiful. A superior city museum.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 27 October 2023
- Parissa HCalifornia17 contributionsEnchantedImpressed by the wonderful and extensive collections. We were particularly enchanted by the Ancient Greek and Roman sculptures downstairs and the European art collection especially the expressionists on the second floor. Also had a pleasant lunch at the Museum Restaurant.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 3 November 2023
- Adventure DivaManchester, Connecticut2,716 contributionsCelebrate art hereI'm never disappointed when I visit the museum. Layout of the rooms is well done and you can enjoy viewing an exhibit while others walk by. Went to specifically see the "Strong Women in Renaissance Italy" exhibit where there were over 100 works from the 14-17th century. Learned how they overcame setbacks while making a difference in their society.Visited November 2023Travelled soloWritten 1 December 2023
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5.0
8,349 reviews
Excellent
6,634
Very good
1,444
Average
210
Poor
40
Terrible
24
GilBagnell
Catskill Region, NY173 contributions
Jan 2020
This is the sort of large museum you expect in a major city, and as such it has a wide ranging collection of all sorts of art and artifacts. Of particular interest we thought was the American wing, containing a bunch of stunning Sargents and some incredible Winslow Homers. It was disappointing to see much of the collection hung salon style, with tall walls covered top to bottom with massed paintings, making them difficult to see well, and also hard to sort through because the labels are grouped together in the corner. This section included works by Innes, Cole, Durand, Bierstadt, and other pretty major artists who probably deserve to have their pictures hung at eye level.
We walked quickly through many of the other sections, all of which were well worth visiting. However, when we tried to get to the special exhibit section we wasted a lot of time trying to find the way there. Oddly, there seemed to be very few security personnel who could guide you around, and we ended up going to the entrance to ask the guy there how to find the special exhibits. He commented that it was "a little tricky" but got us on the way. Perhaps the funniest thing was an elevator more or less situated under the special exhibits that had a sign saying something to the effect of "this doesn't go to the special exhibits" but offering no hint at all how to get there!
We walked quickly through many of the other sections, all of which were well worth visiting. However, when we tried to get to the special exhibit section we wasted a lot of time trying to find the way there. Oddly, there seemed to be very few security personnel who could guide you around, and we ended up going to the entrance to ask the guy there how to find the special exhibits. He commented that it was "a little tricky" but got us on the way. Perhaps the funniest thing was an elevator more or less situated under the special exhibits that had a sign saying something to the effect of "this doesn't go to the special exhibits" but offering no hint at all how to get there!
Written 20 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PKworldtravels
Austin, TX98 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
We spent the last day of the decade visiting the Museum and it was so beautiful! Lots to look at with a fun and diverse collection. We also totally lucked out and got free entry, thanks to Bank of America. Apparently, they give their patrons free entry on the last day of the month! What a lucky way to start a new year! The restaurant was also a perfect place for a cup of tea and dessert. The pumpkin roulade was amazing!
Written 3 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
franklek
Hong Kong, China3 contributions
Dec 2019
This December, I visited 2 biggest art museums in US: the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, or the Met and the Museum of Fine Art in Boston (MFA). Both museums are great and you can spend hours after hours and not even visited a tiny portion of the exhibits. The major difference between museums in US and in Asian is that many exhibits in US museums are displayed very close to your eyes. Most paints are not protected in glass and you can literally "smell" it (or cause there are guards behind to stop you from touching it). Well the one major thing that I find MFA is better than Met is that MFA has much better lighting, especially if you want to take photographers. Met is still using the traditional dimly lit environment and using spot lights. This is not big deal for viewing by eye but particular bad when taking photos. In contrast, the lighting in MFA is much better. You will find it evenly lit both with your naked eye and through the camera lens and sensors So I hope all museums can follow MFA.
Written 1 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James Z
Weston Mass14 contributions
Jan 2020
The MFA is an experience that opens your mind and your eyes to so many experiences. The works of famous artists, the mummies on display the artifacts from Egypt and sculptures.
The experience floods you with the visual to contemplate, enjoy and discuss with friend's and family or by yourself as you like.
There is a wonderful gift shop to brouse and purchase, and a wonderful restaurant to enjoy many delights and have a tea or beverage to recharge and continue on with your experience.
Many visits will ensue after your first visit as there are so many exhibits to see and experience.
The building is just beautiful and encapsulates you into an artful realm of amazement as to what you can find and visually enjoy.
This fine Museum will become a friendly experience to enjoy over and over again.
The experience floods you with the visual to contemplate, enjoy and discuss with friend's and family or by yourself as you like.
There is a wonderful gift shop to brouse and purchase, and a wonderful restaurant to enjoy many delights and have a tea or beverage to recharge and continue on with your experience.
Many visits will ensue after your first visit as there are so many exhibits to see and experience.
The building is just beautiful and encapsulates you into an artful realm of amazement as to what you can find and visually enjoy.
This fine Museum will become a friendly experience to enjoy over and over again.
Written 10 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carly
Seattle, WA19 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
So much to see here, we were glad we made it part of our Boston trip! Great variety and we loved the special exhibits. We went on a weekday so it was not crowded, though the good sit down restaurant was closed because it was Monday. (A lot of things are closed in Boston on Mondays which was kind of different for me!)
Written 11 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wales_Solo_traveller
Dorset, UK2,073 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
I visited here during a one week visit to Boston. It is a lovely museum, very impressive from the outside, and there are a number of places to eat and drink in the museum. It is well located for public transport although I walked down from Kenmore square.
The very disappointing thing about this museum were the large number of regular areas that were closed. Not only was it disappointing that the galleries were closed, but it also meant, that as someone who has mobility problems, I found it difficult to find a lift that I could use that did not end up in a dead end. There were some exhibits closed that I really wanted to see.
The other disappointment was the very large number of school parties that were visiting. This meant that moving around the museum was challenging because being young people they were not aware of anything outside their world, including people trying to get through the corridors that they were spread across. The museum acoustics were also quite poor, so the children shrieking at each other was amplified. There seemed to be no attempts to keep their voices down a little so as not to interrupt the enjoyment of other visitors. It was a Friday in February, and maybe this is a day to avoid. Or the museum could try and regulate school visits so that they are more spread out across the week?
The very disappointing thing about this museum were the large number of regular areas that were closed. Not only was it disappointing that the galleries were closed, but it also meant, that as someone who has mobility problems, I found it difficult to find a lift that I could use that did not end up in a dead end. There were some exhibits closed that I really wanted to see.
The other disappointment was the very large number of school parties that were visiting. This meant that moving around the museum was challenging because being young people they were not aware of anything outside their world, including people trying to get through the corridors that they were spread across. The museum acoustics were also quite poor, so the children shrieking at each other was amplified. There seemed to be no attempts to keep their voices down a little so as not to interrupt the enjoyment of other visitors. It was a Friday in February, and maybe this is a day to avoid. Or the museum could try and regulate school visits so that they are more spread out across the week?
Written 5 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WifeyWonderful
Waban, MA21 contributions
Nov 2020
I am writing to express my public health concern and overall dissatisfaction with my visit today.
I appreciate the health check and timed entry but once inside the exhibit nearly no one was social distancing. Your safety personal were paying no attention at all to crowd control or one way movement through the exhibit.
As a matter of fact, the exhibit was the only place in the Museum without arrows and prompts for where to stand and how to travel in one direction.
People bunched up, stood too close, walked in circles, and were simply not following protocol.
If people are expected to move through a supermarket in one way aisles, socially distanced, they certainly can in a museum!
You absolutely sold an excessive number of tickets per one hour time block.
My daughter is so distressed by the experience that she has scheduled a COVID test before she feels safe about seeing her boyfriend.
We should have left, but we were inside before we realized how difficult and unsafe and anxiety provoking the experience would be. (Outside visitors were also having trouble following directions also, but we thought they were perhaps just excited.)
I am 66 years old. I can only pray that what was supposed to be a lovely afternoon with my daughter was not a mistake.
I recently renewed my membership because I trusted that the MFA had the best interest of its patrons foremost.
I appreciate the health check and timed entry but once inside the exhibit nearly no one was social distancing. Your safety personal were paying no attention at all to crowd control or one way movement through the exhibit.
As a matter of fact, the exhibit was the only place in the Museum without arrows and prompts for where to stand and how to travel in one direction.
People bunched up, stood too close, walked in circles, and were simply not following protocol.
If people are expected to move through a supermarket in one way aisles, socially distanced, they certainly can in a museum!
You absolutely sold an excessive number of tickets per one hour time block.
My daughter is so distressed by the experience that she has scheduled a COVID test before she feels safe about seeing her boyfriend.
We should have left, but we were inside before we realized how difficult and unsafe and anxiety provoking the experience would be. (Outside visitors were also having trouble following directions also, but we thought they were perhaps just excited.)
I am 66 years old. I can only pray that what was supposed to be a lovely afternoon with my daughter was not a mistake.
I recently renewed my membership because I trusted that the MFA had the best interest of its patrons foremost.
Written 27 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David C
Wadsworth, OH4,172 contributions
Nov 2021 • Family
Brought my family, 2 kids included, for a day of culture. Military gets in free for the service member and up to 5 dependents. The parking garage will cost about 26.00 to park for 3-4 hours. Take the ruggles stop if using the purple line (also free for military). We spent most of our time in the American and European art to see the likes of Stuart, Copley, Sergeant, Degas, Rembrandt, Van Gogh and Monet. The Monet collection is excellent. The Egyptian collection is also excellent and they currently hold the world famous Egyptian sculpture of the king and his wife. You need all day to see everything. Bring your water bottle and some snacks. There is a place you can consume it. We loved our day here and we are thankful it’s a blue star museum.
Written 25 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Miljana N
Belgrade, Serbia107 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
This Museum is huge. Take the whole day for this and take the head phones too. The full ticket is less than 10€ and the head phones are 3€. You can see all sorts of collections, from Acient Egipt to renesaince art. I am a fan of modern art but a fun experience and the interactive installations add to the full experience. 🙂
Written 29 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pearlbensur
Boston15 contributions
Dec 2019
The museum has such an extensive collection and ongoing, revolving exhibits that you are sure to find something that catches your attention during your visit. There are several very nice cafes and restaurants as well, ranging from the cafeteria on the garden floor, a small cafe/bakery spot on the main floor, the large restaurant in the main floor (American Cafe), and a fancier dining option on the upper floor. There are amenities such as elevators, wheelchairs, a nursing room and a complimentary coat check room. There are also fun activities for kids. The parking lot has a fee, depending on how long you stay. There is some street parking with meters but it is not always easy to find a spot.
Written 7 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is this area safe to walk around at night? Going to the Wednesday night activities, but I read these area is bad at night...
Written 17 June 2019
I visited during the day and it seemed fine. If you use the ‘T’ it is less than that five minutes away from Museum of Fine Arts station on foot.
Written 17 June 2019
There is a members entrance around the left hand side of the building.
Written 17 February 2019
Do we need to pre book to get into the Ansel Adams? We'd rather be flexible and just turn up, but don't want to miss out. Are there generally enough tickets? Here in London if you don't prebook you'd never get in.
Written 17 January 2019
Mid week you should be OK...but I’d book for a weekend day.
Written 17 January 2019
Yes but pricey $25. Better to take public transportation or I recommend getting the Parkwhiz app and finding something reasonable within walking distance. Great app have parked throughout Boston for as little as $5 and as much as $11 from 4-8 hrs!
Written 14 January 2019
pkjlewis
Hollis, New Hampshire
What is the least busy week day to visit? Thank you.
Written 27 December 2018
We were there on a Thursday early afternoon and it was busy but manageable. I think it depends, to some degree, on what exhibits on currently showing. Also, the day we were there, the museum was closing early to stage for some kind of event (lots of cable, lights, sound boards and such); so school trips may have been blacked out that day. But if you can get there when the school children have had to depart to board their buses, the atmosphere might be a little more conducive to art appreciation.
Written 4 January 2019
Can anyone tell me the style/maker of the green fabric and metal chairs in the lobby behind the gift shop? They were very comfortable and interesting looking. I’d like to know where to get them.
Thanks!
Written 25 September 2018
hi, if you check the MFA website for contact information you might be able to ask them directly
Written 25 September 2018
Is there a lot to see in the Ancient Egypt gallery? Please tell me some things that you impressed you.
Written 11 June 2018
Hi --The Boston MFA Egyptian collection is excellent with artifacts and examples from pre-dynastic through the Egyptian Greco-Roman era. Of particular note are the unusually realistic "Reserve Heads" and the "Red Sculpture" or Bust of Prince Ankhha, from the Old Kindgom 4th Dynasty, as well as several schist sculptures of King Menakura, aka Mycerinus, and his Queen, as well as, his large-scale representation in alabaster. Reproductions of tomb furniture, a reconstructed faiance bead dress, hieroglyphic carved sandstone tomb walls & columns and a black granite seated Sekhmet statue--scarabs, shwabties, gold jewelry, numerous red granite and painted wood sarcophagi are a few treasures on view. 2nd fl. galleries contain monumental temple sculptural elements and artifacts from the Tel Armana city center and capitol of the new monotheistic religion of Ra implemented by Akhanaten, Tutakhamun (King Tut's) Dad. Many Mummies to see, early pottery, Old and Middle Kingdom treasures abound...one of the best collections outside of Cairo & Europe.
Make a visit and tip your hat to early Egyptologist
Dows Dunham.....
Written 12 June 2018
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