Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA)
The Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) is an elegant and impressive space filled with captivating masterpieces from around the world. The museum offers several hands-on art and drop-in programs for families and children. The MFA is one of the most comprehensive art museums in the world; the collection encompasses nearly 450,000 works of art.
Each year, the museum welcomes more than one million visitors to experience art from ancient Egyptian to contemporary, special exhibitions, and innovative educational programs.
This museum is quite family friendly, with changing tables in most ladies rooms and a nursing room just outside the Lane Gallery of 20th Century Art. Guide to Visiting the Museum with Kids.
Most of the museum is relatively child proof, with most exhibits in protective casings or well out of reach of little hands.
Some Past Exhibits Worth Exploring
The MFA is well-known for hosting high-profile temporary art exhibits. Some recent favorites worth a second look include:
Writing the Future of Basquiat and the Hip Hop Generation - Jean-Michel Basquiat's post-graffiti exhibit. Here's a peek at some of the powerful art that was a part of this impressive exhibit. (October 18, 2020–July 25, 2021).
Turner's Modern World - An exhibit of more than 100 works by one of Britain’s greatest artists, including paintings, watercolors, drawings and sketchbooks from museums across the U.S. and Great Britain (Mar 27–Jul 10, 2022).
Fashioned by Sargent: John Singer Sargent Portraits - The exhibit offered an extraordinary opportunity to explore the intersection of fashion and art through the lens of one of America’s most renowned portrait painters, John Singer Sargent. (October 8, 2023–January 15, 2024)
Dali: Disruption and Devotion -Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) host its first-ever exhibition of Salvador Dalí’s work, giving visitors a fresh look at how this bold, unconventional artist was also deeply inspired by European art history. Known for his surreal and often bizarre imagery, Dalí (1904–1989) had a strong connection to tradition. He didn’t just push boundaries—he studied and admired the old masters from Spain, the Netherlands, and Italy, weaving their influence into his unique style. (July 6–December 1, 2024)
Georgia O'Keefe and Thomas Moore - American painter Georgia O’Keeffe (1887–1986) and British sculptor Henry Moore (1898–1986) are among the most distinctive artists of the 20th century. They have long been admired for their extraordinary distillations of natural forms into abstraction. (October 13, 2024–January 20, 2025)
The museum is the perfect respite for art enthusiasts of all ages and is readily accessible by MBTA on the Green Line.
A Brief MFA History
The original MFA opened its doors to the public on July 4, 1876, the nation's centennial. Built in Copley Square, the MFA was then home to 5,600 works of art.
Over the next several years, the collection and number of visitors grew exponentially, and in 1909 the Museum moved to its current home on Huntington Avenue.
The Boston MFA is closed on New Year’s Day, Patriot’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Nearby Attractions
Other attraction that are between 7-15 minutes away include Quincy Market, Old North Church, Boston Children's Museum, The Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) Boston Tea Party Ship & Museum, The USS Constitution, Boston Public Garden,The Boston State House, The Museum of Fine Arts, and Fenway Park.
More Family Friendly Boston Activities
Find lots more ideas on fun things to do with the family in Boston. There are so many interesting museums to visit in and around Boston - peruse our Boston Museums guide to find out which one you should visit next.
For more ideas on places to visit in Boston, our Things to do in Boston guide is a great place to start! We've compiled some of our favorite spots for you right here.
| HOURS | ↑ top |
The Museum will be open 10 am to 5 pm, Wednesday through Mondays, and closed on Tuesdays.
Last entry 30 minutes before closing.
Closed New Year’s Day, Patriots’ Day, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Closing early at 5 pm on May 10.
See more info on Museum hours
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Admission Rates
Entrance fees include 2 visits within a ten-day period.
| WEBSITE | ↑ top |
| LOCATION | ↑ top |
465 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA map
Phone: (617) 267-9300
| TIPS | ↑ top |
- Visiting the New Art of the Americas Wing
- Enter at the Huntington or State Street Corporation Fenway Entrance; a valid membership card or ticket is required for admission. Head for the Sharf Visitor Center to pick up a map, get information, or meet a tour.
- Take a moment to orient yourself and begin your journey through the galleries from the Shapiro Family Courtyard.
- The wing tells the story of the art of the Americas from the indigenous cultures of the Ancient Americas through the third quarter of the 20th century. The 53 galleries are organized according to culture, period, region, style, artist, maker, and theme.
- You can journey through time, from the first millennium BC—the date of the earliest art on Level LG (Lower Ground)—to the 20th century on Level 3, on the top floor.
- If your time is limited you can enjoy a “broad brush” introduction to the wing by visiting just the central galleries on each floor. Or you can explore an artist, period, or style in greater depth in many other galleries and period rooms.
| RELATED LINKS | ↑ top |
- Profiles
- Localities
- Events
- Power of the People: Art and Democracy at MFA Bost..., 10/26/24-2/16/25
- Hanukkah Celebration at MFA, 12/12/24-12/12/24
Info changes frequently. We cannot warrant it. Verify with Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA) before making the trek. If you find an error, please report it...