Explore the Museum of Fine Arts

Favorite Gallery Recommendations

Do you have a favorite gallery or section of the museum? I'd love a recommendation from a local. In my youth, the "Art of Ancient Greece, Rome, and the Byzantine Empire" exhibit always captivated me. On a recent visit, I quite enjoyed the "Stories Artists Tell" in the Art of the Americas section, particularly the "Art and Jazz" gallery.

Kid-Friendly Aspects

How kid-friendly is the museum? Would it be good for a family visit too? While young kids may not find the expansive galleries of art as interesting as adults (depending on your child), there are several kid-friendly activities to keep their attention. On Sundays, there are free drop-in art classes open to all ages, and the museum has placed "Family Labels" on certain installations to inspire children to connect with the artwork. Additionally, the Art Connection connectivity cards allow families to interact and engage with the artwork on self-guided tours.

Museum Considerations

Comparison with Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

If I only have time to visit one art museum during my Boston trip, should I come here or the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum? It honestly depends on what you're most interested in. The MFA is one of the larger art galleries in the world, with pieces ranging from ancient Egyptian artifacts, Nubian arts, and special events such as the Van Gogh exhibit currently on display until September 2025. The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is far more intimate with a narrower scope of art simply due to it being the personal collection of Stewart Gardner.

Dining Options

Are there any good places to grab a bite to eat near the museum, or should I eat at the café inside? The MFA has a few options for eating – the New American Café in the inner courtyard and the more casual Garden Cafeteria adjacent to the Calderwood Courtyard. If you want other options before or after your visit, you can walk down Huntington Avenue to Northeastern University's campus where there is a Tatte Bakery & Cafe and Anna's Taqueria, a local favorite. If you walk further towards Symphony Hall, there are even more options.

Nearby Attractions

Are there any nearby attractions I could combine with my visit to the MFA? The MFA is located in the Fenway/Kenmore neighborhood adjacent to the Back Bay, making it easy to walk to Fenway Park, Kenmore Square, and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in one direction, or Symphony Hall, the Prudential Center, and Copley Square in the other.