Step right up to the stately building that holds some of the world’s most precious historic artifacts, masterpieces from decades past, and modern art from some of the most prestigious artists alive. The Museum of Fine Arts was first established in 1876. Since then, over 450,000 pieces have been curated and are displayed through a variety of exhibits.
Why You’ll Love the Museum of Fine Art
The Museum of Fine Arts hosts a range of temporary exhibits at all times, but their permanent collection alone is worth the trip.
More recently, an entire wing was dedicated to the Art of the Americas collection. The wing features fifty-three galleries that showcase artifacts and artwork. You’ll go on an artistic journey through time, starting with the Native American era and continuing through the 1970s.
The Art of Europe exhibit boasts more than 22,000 pieces from some of the most prolific artists of all time. Think big names, like Monet, van Gogh and Rembrandt. The collection gives you access to paintings, sculptures, ceramics and more from all the greats.
Explore ancient Asia in the Art of Asia collection. You’ll browse through paintings, metalwork and sculpture from China, Korea, Vietnam, Japan and Islam that date back to 4,000 B.C.
The Art of Africa and Oceania features historic artifacts, like traditional masks, bark cloths, carvings, sculptures and necklaces made by people from places like Indonesia, Nigeria and the New Zealand.
Go way back in time with the Art of the Ancient World collection, where you can view jewelry, sculptures, vases, and cultural artifacts from the ancient Egyptians, Nubians, Grecians, Italians and beyond.
The Contemporary Art wing features art from 1955 through today. With over 1,500 pieces to peruse, you’ll come across a range of works from the most iconic artists of today. Some of the contemporary art galleries include temporary exhibits with interesting mediums such as performance art.
The rest of the museum is broken up into sections based upon form. Take in impressive photography, drawings from around the world, musical instruments from throughout time, fashion from different times and places, and some of the most exquisite jewelry ever crafted.
You have a few options when it comes to dining. Bravo is fine dining restaurant located on the second floor of the Linde Family Wing for Contemporary Art, featuring local ingredients and an extensive wine list, all of which can be enjoyed on the seasonal patio. The New American Café, in the Ruth and Carl J. Shapiro Family Courtyard, is a great place to grab a quick salad and enjoy a craft beer. For a quick pick-me-up, grab a sandwich, espresso or artisanal dessert at the Tate Café and Wine Bar, also in the Linde Family Wing for Contemporary Art. The Garden Cafeteria is a wonderful spot for families to enjoy a slice of pizza or hamburger. It’s located on Level G of the Linde Family Wing for Contemporary Art, and features seasonal outdoor seating.
What Makes the Museum of Fine Art Special?
You don’t have to be an art historian to know who Monet is. This French Impressionist’s paintings depicting the beauty of nature are known throughout the world. The Museum of Fine Art holds the honor of having the largest collection of Monet’s work, not including the museums in the art epicenter of the world, Paris.
What Else Is in the Neighborhood?
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, where you can take in another one of Boston’s finest art collections, is just a couple blocks away. If you’re still hungry after feasting at the Museum’s restaurants, take a walk down the Avenue of the Arts, towards Northeastern University. You’ll come across numerous restaurants, including Qdoba Mexican Grill, Au Bon Pain, and if you’re patient enough to pass the others you’ll make it to Wings over Boston.
Who’ll Have the Most Fun at the Museum of Fine Art?
The Museum of Fine Art is the perfect place to take a date. The variety of works within will spark conversation, leaving less lulls and awkward moments. While many children visit the museum each year, a tour through the museum may get mundane for the youngest kids.