Museum of Fine Arts
Museum of Fine Arts
5
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
Neighborhood: 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 travelers are saying
- operalover939Toronto, Canada3,008 contributionsGreat collectionsA handsome building crammed with great collections. We were particularly drawn by the Michaelina Wauthier and 'The Five Senses' exhibition, but the Dutch and Flemish galleries are generally marvellous. The Hokusai exhibition is also splendid, and the Black Potters of Old Edgefield, SC, exhibition in the Torf Gallery offered lots of food for thought. The MFA is highly recommended.Visited April 2023Written April 12, 2023
- andyh67186334Coalville, United Kingdom6,835 contributionsImpressive MuseumI visited the MFA as the weather was chilly and cloudy. I do object to having to pay £22 to enter a museum where they are all free in the UK, but needs must. There were multiple exhibits of different countries that represented their history and culture. So many artefacts including, sculpture, paintings, ceramics, glass, jewellery, furniture, clocks, coins and even rooms taken from an original building. The layout of the museum was vast and had impressive exhibition halls and staircases. There are plenty of toilet facilities, a room to store large bags for free and numerous dining facilities. I recommend a visit to this museum.Visited April 2023Traveled soloWritten April 15, 2023
- M MUnited States393 contributionsOutstanding MuseumOur family spent over six hours here, and the adults as well as the teens enjoyed it very much so. Elementary aged children were having fun locating items on their hunt list, as the docents were especially enticing. Wonderful!Visited June 2023Written June 7, 2023
- dfb260Staunton, Virginia472 contributionsVer nice!Large, sprawling museum with a nice collection, including a large collection of Egyptian art and artifacts. Multiple places to eat here. Current admission: $27 for adults ( no senior citizen discount). Great for a day with inclement weather.Visited July 2023Written July 14, 2023
- KayenneLondon, United Kingdom226 contributionsAn excellent museumAn excellent museum. We travelled there by public transport. No discount for non-local students, which was a shame for our young adult offspring and made the outing quite costly. Check opening days before you visit.Visited July 2023Written July 23, 2023
- allthegirls2014Naples, Florida108 contributionsBeautiful museum with incredible collectionWe had a lovely time. There is a lot to see as this museum collection is quite extensive. Highlights: * Be sure to spend time in the American collection, with Copley paintings of many of the earliest American patriots as well as a Gilbert Stuart painting of George Washington. Actual silver created by Paul Revere is also quite meaningful. * The ancient Egypt collection is one of the finest in the world because the museum received permission to cooperate with the Egyptian government to do some early excavations at the pyramids. * There is a Monet room! * Eat in the cafe. It's a lovely atrium with a giant Chihuly sculpture.Visited July 2023Traveled with friendsWritten July 24, 2023
- Stefano RVarese, Italy74 contributionsYou cannot miss this wonderThe MFA is simply one of the most beautiful museum I've ever visited. In a marvellous building it hosts precious masterpieces from aegyptian age to modern times. A real wonder to discover with calm. I spent there 3 hours but I really didn't realise it. You cannot miss it if in Boston.Visited August 2023Traveled soloWritten August 10, 2023
- MarimiriNicosia, Cyprus398 contributionsAmazing global collectionAmazing collection of fine and modern art from all over the world. We spend Saturday here with my son and we loved it, must come back. Had also lunch at patio rests and was really nice and relaxing. We loved the monet and Asian collection the mostVisited August 2023Traveled with familyWritten August 14, 2023
- seekingcalm79 contributionsBe selective --pick a couple of things to see and enjoy itMy two favorite exhibits from today..,the one of miniatures and the woodblock prints of Provincetown MA. To my surprise, the museum was not especially crowded. Many helpful volunteers around to provide directions. I used my public library discount pass--cant stomach a $27 admission charge, so I reserved the pass ahead of time and adults were $10 each.Visited August 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten August 23, 2023
- Cliff S2 contributionsA very nice way to spend a morning in BostonI went to Boston simply to see a baseball game at Fenway and was looking for other things to do while in Boston. MFA was a great choice for he first morning I was in Boston. Beautiful and interesting exhibits. A LOT to see and spread out over a fairly large area, so all of the visitors were not stacked on top of each other. I would definitely go again next time I'm in Boston!Visited August 2023Traveled soloWritten August 24, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
8,313 reviews
Excellent
6,606
Very good
1,439
Average
207
Poor
40
Terrible
24
James Z
Weston Mass17 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 January 10, 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, WA20 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 February 11, 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
Penarth, UK1,867 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 March 5, 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, MA22 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 November 27, 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, OH3,172 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 November 25, 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, Serbia106 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 January 29, 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
Boston17 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 January 7, 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.
bushmckay
De Pere, WI270 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
Advance purchase of tickets required so we signed up for first openings at 10:00 am...brilliant as we were able to stroll unimpeded through the exhibit. Monet painting, Rodin sculptures were amazing. Easily worth the price of admission. Go!!!
Written September 9, 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.
Sundaram R
Chennai District, India58 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
Last week,It was an excellent winter day to visit this museum, with the temperature at zero.the halls are nicely arranged with art of America in 2 levels.in addition you can enjoy the art of ancient world and art of asia and oceania and contemporary art in level 1,good place to go around for 1 hour.in same level art of Europe .one should spend time in ganesh,monted ruler, mummies ,striding lion and sully.
Some of the best attractions are
1.Guanyin. 2 McElheny 3.Jordaens
Monet's pieces of art/paintings are awesome and one can enjoy for hours.
The authorities have arranged for free guided tours lasting approximately an hour.it is worth availing of this facility.
One can do justice in a visit lasting minimum 4/5 hours
Having visited the various museum s in the world i can vouchsafe that it is one of the great not to be missed
Some of the best attractions are
1.Guanyin. 2 McElheny 3.Jordaens
Monet's pieces of art/paintings are awesome and one can enjoy for hours.
The authorities have arranged for free guided tours lasting approximately an hour.it is worth availing of this facility.
One can do justice in a visit lasting minimum 4/5 hours
Having visited the various museum s in the world i can vouchsafe that it is one of the great not to be missed
Written January 3, 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.
Jane T
Greensboro, MD83 contributions
Dec 2019
My daughter treated us to this extensive and gorgeous place.. One has to pick what to view since you certainly can't appreciate it all in one trip. I wanted to see the exhibit of John Singer Sargent's work and my husband wanted to view the sculptures. I found the architecture also worth the trip- both the modern, open area by the cafe and the more traditional Rotunda. Locals would do well to get a membership so that frequent, short trips could be made.
Written January 4, 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.
John_Jay808
San Diego3 contributions
Is this area safe to walk around at night? Going to the Wednesday night activities, but I read these area is bad at night...
The_Coach55
Ruislip, UK961 contributions
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.
If I am a member may I bypass the line?
Thanks for your input.
William Cronin
Springfield, VT67 contributions
There is a members entrance around the left hand side of the building.
adsceptic
United Kingdom55 contributions
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.
William Cronin
Springfield, VT67 contributions
Mid week you should be OK...but I’d book for a weekend day.
Parking available?
Denise B
Leominster, MA28 contributions
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!
pkjlewis
Hollis, NH
What is the least busy week day to visit? Thank you.
Trainman334
Marlborough, MA529 contributions
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.
Gayla A
St. Petersburg, FL3 contributions
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!
JBtravel66
Key Largo, FL526 contributions
hi, if you check the MFA website for contact information you might be able to ask them directly
MosleyL
57 contributions
Is there a lot to see in the Ancient Egypt gallery? Please tell me some things that you impressed you.
LauraMontgomeryUSA
Boston, MA39 contributions
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.....
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Frequently Asked Questions about Museum of Fine Arts
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Museum of Fine Arts:
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- (0.01 mi) New American Cafe
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