Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
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The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, established in 1870, houses over 450,000 works spanning ancient to contemporary art, offering a rich cultural experience.
Planning your visit
The MFA holds over 450,000 works, and its Asian collection is the reason specialists come — one of the finest outside Asia, built substantially through Ernest Fenollosa and William Sturgis Bigelow, who acquired Japanese art in the 1880s when Japan was rapidly westernising and discarding its own heritage. The Japanese holdings are arguably better than any in Japan for certain periods.
The Egyptian collection is likewise exceptional, drawn from decades of Harvard-MFA excavations at Giza, including Old Kingdom sculpture of the first rank.
American art is the third strength: Copley, Sargent, Homer and Cassatt in depth, with Paul Revere silver and the Art of the Americas wing that opened in 2010.
Impressionism is well represented, including a substantial Monet holding.
The building spans several architectural periods including Norman Foster's glass courtyard. Allow half a day minimum. Bookable options include skip-the-line private guided tours. Current availability is listed below.
Before you book
Where is Museum of Fine Arts, Boston?
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston is in Boston, United States. The map on this page marks its exact location.
How long should I allow for Museum of Fine Arts, Boston?
Allow half a day. That is the time the collection itself takes at an unhurried pace, before any queue.
Is Museum of Fine Arts, Boston free to enter?
Yes, general admission to Museum of Fine Arts, Boston is free. Guided tours and special exhibitions may still be charged separately.
Do I need to book Museum of Fine Arts, Boston in advance?
Skip-the-line entry is worth booking ahead here: the saving is the queue, which is exactly what sells out.
