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Museum Of Fine Arts

4.5 star rating
based on 181 reviews

Categories: Museums, Art Galleries  [Edit]

465 Huntington Ave
(between Museum Rd & Parker St)
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 267-9300
Nearest Transit:

Museum Of Fine Arts (Green)

Ruggles (Orange)

Hours:

Mon-Tue. 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Wed-Fri. 10:00 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Sat-Sun. 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Price Range:
$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Good for Kids:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

181 reviews for Museum Of Fine Arts

Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites'
Photo of Buffy and E.

 

0

9

Buffy and E.

Roslindale, MA

5 star rating
10/27/2009

The Secrets of Tomb 10A: Egypt 2000BC

RainyDayMagazine got a first-hand look at MFA's soon-to-be-open exhibition, The Secrets of Tomb 10A: Egypt 2000 BC. The artifacts of this exhibit were discoverd by a joint Harvard/MFA expedition in 1915, but it took almost another century before all the pieces were brought back together and reassembled for display. We won't spoil the story, but the exhibit (secret spells, mysterious mummies, etc...) is as exciting as any Indiana Jones movie.

Go here to see exclusive pics from our preview tour:
http://www.rainydaymag...

Sincerely,
Buffy and Eliot
RainyDayInterns

Photo of Lindsay K.

 

2

132

Lindsay K.

Putnam County, NY

5 star rating
Updated - 9/12/2009

Shortly after I wrote my Yelp review of the Museum of Fine Arts, the MFA's marketing department contacted me to tell me how much they enjoyed and appreciated the review.  As if that wasn't a compliment enough, they offered to send me a copy of the "Titian, Tintoretto and Veronese" exhibition catalog, which I couldn't afford to purchase when I visited the museum.  

The catalog - hardcover! - arrived in the mail this morning, along with a nice note from the director of marketing.  The catalog is gorgeous and is a beautifully rendered testament to the exhibit and to the quality of the MFA.  I'll definitely be back to visit this tremendous museum the next time I am in Boston.  They are now on the list of my favorite cultural institutions.

Also worthy of note: the general admissions price for the MFA is $17, plus $8 if you want to view any special exhibitions.  The general admissions price is not $25, as I wrote in my original review.

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 5 star rating
    7/26/2009

    I loved this place. The MFA was one of the places I was determined to see on my brief visit to… Read more »

Photo of Jessica T.

Elite '09

87

311

Jessica T.

Elgin, IL

4 star rating
9/16/2009

A nice museum.  It has the usual--paintings from different eras, sculptures, furniture, etc.  I don't know what to write that hasn't already been written by people who are more eloquent.  If you like art museums, you'll probably like this one.

PS, Free on Fridays!

Photo of Sara M.

Elite '09

4

44

Sara M.

Boston, MA

4 star rating
9/28/2009

My parents and I had a great time in the contemporary art gallery and seeing the mummies

Unfortunately, not everyone knows that cellphone conversations are not considered appropriate in museums, and this one does not do anything to prohibit cell phones - or loud conversations by staff.

Otherwise, a great place to spend a rainy afternoon-or two

Photo of Haley T.

Elite '09

54

89

Haley T.

Allston, MA

5 star rating
8/24/2009

If you like art, even a little bit: come here, often. There's too much to be really taken in on one trip alone, without even considering rotating exhibits.

Admission cost can be a little pricy if you opt for the special exibits too. If you take classes at Mass Art or SMFA, you probably already know the drill. Special exhibits are usually $8 during the week but regular "student" admission on the weekends.

Also, check out the theater, there are usually at least a few artsy movies playing daily. With the cute little cafe inside the museum, lawns perfect for relaxing/picnicking as well, I can't really think of a better spent afternoon.

Some things to keep in mind when you're coming here, however:

They will make you check your bag/purse if it's large. I've been able to get through with a purse big enough for a standard size (8 1/2" x 11") sketchbook, but anything bigger and I have to carry it sans bag.

Special exhibits get busy, even with ones that are supposedly staggered. Especially during the summer. Expect tourists.

Their collection and management thereof gives them a permanent 5 star review in my book. It's worth the time and effort to visit.

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Elite '09

9

119

Mindy L.

Somerville, MA

5 star rating
10/5/2009 2 photos

I am reviewing the MFA on two things. One - my own personal visits here to the exhibits and two - an event I planned and hosted here for work.

So, based on my own personal visits here first, let me say this - I never fail to enjoy myself when I visit the MFA. One of the things I love most is the creaking floorboards in older sections of the museum. It makes you think about how much impact, how much substance a place like the MFA holds. It is steeped in history and has evolved over recent years into something even more grand.
Some of the permanent collections I love most include the Greek and Egyptian exhibits. The quiet grace of the sculptures nestled amongst various other ancient treasures is sure to please. Each room has top-notch installation and the collections flow nicely from one end to the other. A often missed and overlooked collection is the small musical instruments room. I spent a lot of time here :) and was privy to some rare performances by the MI curator on the harpsichord and even the glass harmonica (very neat). Now they have installed a unique function that allows you to walk around the exhibit with headphones and tune into performances with the actual instruments (if they were playable) behind the glass.

From a professional standpoint, I hosted an event a year ago for my company and we rented out both the Shapiro Rotunda and the Koch Gallery for a large function. The staff of the MFA was IMPECCABLE. I cannot speak enough on behalf of those who not only planned and implemented the function, but the professionalism of those who worked the event as well. The rotunda was beautiful for our cocktail reception...with the soaring columns and the gorgeous dome overhead. The Koch gallery - sadly, due to construction at the time - was devoid of its European paintings, but still, the grand quality of the travertine gallery is awe-inspiring.

I think the MFA is a fantastic location - they offer wonderful promotional events (like First Friday) and Boston college students can get in free (or at least it was still applicable when I was in college a few years ago!).

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Photo of Jess N.

Elite '09

33

99

Jess N.

Roxbury, MA

4 star rating
5/17/2009

My only beef with the MFA is that I'm always a little lost. I can't seem to navigate through the museum especially when I'm trying to find an exit. I know I'm part of the generation that can't find they're own home without a GPS but I'm old school. I understand and use maps all the time.

Maybe I get lost because I only pay attention to the art. Man, there's a lot of it here! There's something for everyone and there's always a special exhibit. On my most recent trip I went to the Titian, Tintoretto and Veronese exhibit and the musical instrument exhibit. My tid bit of advice is to pick a couple areas of the museum to visit instead of trying to do it all in one day.

The MFA loves it's Boston colleges which is a bonus. There are dozens of colleges and universities' ID cards that will be your ticket in the MFA. Woot woot. When you're a measly student, some free fun is golden.

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Elite '09

154

354

Arestia R.

Boston, MA

5 star rating
8/18/2009

I hadn't been here since the renovations and I still love this place.  It's got a great permanent collection on rotation and there's always an interesting visiting exhibit that is in town for just the right amount of time.  The marble stair cases and bright passageways make me feel like I'm in a palace.  Step into the Egyptian room to transport yourself back in time as you walk among huge slabs of hieroglyphics.  Walk among busts of great philosophers from the Greek collection or check out some American painters for something close to home.  Always a perfect afternoon staycation.

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Elite '09

82

383

Tawny C.

Pasadena, CA

5 star rating
6/9/2009

Beautiful collection!!! I loved seeing works of art in person that I have loved for years. Boston is one of the 4 museums in America that I prize for having a world class collection and great exhibits. (The National Gallery, Getty Center and the MET closing out the set).

The best is their American collection. Colonial Portraits are my favorite because they give such an intimate look into the sitter's life. Especially interesting is that many of the works are local to MA.

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Elite '09

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131

Alyce C.

Somerville, MA

4 star rating
6/9/2009

I enjoy the MFA when I feel like being cultured and getting out of the house. It's a nice atmosphere, and there's always great art around. Every time I come, there's something new and interesting. It IS difficult to get around, but since I never come looking for anything in particular, this doesn't bother me; I like to aimlessly wander as long as I can find my way out when it's time to leave.

I always leave here in utter awe of something. It's an inspiring place to be.

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Photo of Denny C.

 

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Denny C.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
5/11/2009 4 photos

"Someone out to tell them [Americans] how to behave in a museum.  They talk as if they were at home..."

Charles Dantzig quoted in "Objectif Lune," in Harper's magazine, May 2009.
from Encyclopédie capricieuse du tout et du rien.

Just a suggestion.  

* * * * *

I first went to the BMFA decades ago.  But it is still my favorite American art museum, housing three of my favorite paintings:   Rosso Fiorentino's "Dead Christ with Angels," Gaughin's "D'ou venons-nous?  Qui sommes-nous?  Ou allons-nous?" and Manet's "Street Singer."

Its works of art are housed in a building commensurate with the breadth of its comprehensive collection.

And its collection of Claude Monet, about 36 paintings, is unparalleled in North America and may even be second only to the Musee d'Orsay in Paris.

Not as concerned with its self-importance as the Met.  

Speaking of which, it is the BMFA, and not the Met is showing the new exhibition of High Renaissance Venetian Painting--Titian, Tintoretto, and Veronese--through August.  The next and only other stop is--you guessed it--the Louvre itself.

http://www.nybooks.com...

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Photo of Gina L. B.

 

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34

Gina L. B.

Boston, MA

4 star rating
Updated - 8/21/2009

The latest exhibition of Venetian Renaissance paintings was wonderful, but it never ceases to amaze me how many people the MFA lets into the Gund Gallery at any given time. So many times my experience has been ruined by hoards of tourists (many of whom are older or lazy and insist upon sitting on benches while trying to look at art and do not understand why other people are standing in their view). I stressed my frustration in an online survey I received via email from the Museum yesterday, so maybe something will come of it (doubtful, however). In order to get the most from my membership, I will view the special exhibitions in the Gund Gallery on a weekday evening from now on, otherwise it is entirely too hectic. Still a wonderful institution near and dear to my heart.

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 3 star rating
    12/1/2007

    I am a member of the MFA and visit several times a month (I work across the street at 400… Read more »

Photo of David B.

 

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190

David B.

Chelmsford, MA

5 star rating
4/10/2009

What more to say? The museum is an encyclopedic collection, one of the largest in the United States (of course, the Met wins out as #1). In our time as a member, we've been impressed by the special exhibitions that the MFA has sponsored or staged. One of our favorites is the current winter/spring show of the Venetian rivals Titian, Tintoretto, and Veronese.

When the new addition is complete, the MFA can finally share one of its strongest collections, works of New England and the United States, in an appropriate setting. 2010 will be here before you know it!

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Elite '09

12

209

Catie C.

Quincy, MA

4 star rating
5/25/2009

I have a pretty good sense of direction; but it was friggin ridiculous trying to navi around the MFA today. They should print a temporary map if they have some areas closed off for renovations!!!! This is actually the first time I felt "lost" in a museum.

MFA is something I never get sick of. I don't come here often; but obviously some exhibits are permie. Though I've seen them before, I still go WOW. I can't wait till they finish renovating so I can see all the masterpieces without going into "dead end" hallways.

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Elite '09

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381

Jennifer M.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
3/26/2009

Never have I thought that I would actually appreciate and love Fine Art.

A mix of contemporary, photography, fine art from around the world...this place has it all.

Not to mention the smartest bunch of kids.
Example:

Instructor: Who can tell me the name of this painter?
Class of first graders in unison: CLAUDE MONET!!!
I: And why is this painting different from the others?
COFGIU: BECAUSE IT HAS A WOMAN!!!
I: And what does he normally paint?
COFGIU: FLOWERS!!!

Trust.

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Elite '09

180

361

Christopher M.

Medford, MA

5 star rating
2/16/2009

So much has been said about the MFA already, it's hard to add anything meaningful.  The size of their galleries and the scope of their collections are incredible, and I'm anxiously awaiting the opening of the new wing.  It's so nice to see a museum expanding, especially in this tough economic climate when so many are contracting.

That being said, here are a couple tips for visiting the museum:

Don't try to see everything in one day.  I believe the museum offers a discounted (or free) pass if you return within a certain time frame.  If you're a tourist, rather than dedicate a full afternoon to the museum, do two half days.

If you live in Boston, get a membership.  Admission to the MFA can be expensive ($17), even more so with a ticket to the special exhibitions ($25/ticket).  But that problem is solved with a membership; they're quite inexpensive, and even if you only go a few times a year, they more than pay for themselves (especially if you have friends who come to visit).  I have a dual/family membership that costs $100/year.  I get two passes, one with my name, the other says "guest of," plus I get four complimentary tickets to major exhibitions (which also include admission).

Check out the special events - they have special open galleries where you can talk with the curators and ask questions about the exhibits.  There's so much to know about the exhibits that you can't fit on an index card or in an audio tour.  Over the summer they have social events on Friday nights that are a lot of fun too.

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Photo of Countess A.

 

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455

Countess A.

Los Angeles, CA

5 star rating
3/10/2009

This museum isn't as great as the Met in NYC but it's probably the cream of the crop here in Boston.  There is plenty to see here for that "intellectual" day on the weekend.  I love the Impressionist collection here.

And the best part is that there are plenty of ways to get in for free.. for example, the company I work for is a sponsor so I get in for free.  

Something I didn't know until last weekend.. the MFA First Friday nights are awesome.  If you are new and want to meet people (and a bunch of creepy older guys), you should come.  They have plenty of drinks.. music.. and dancing under great paintings while you socialize the night away with your friends.

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Photo of Christophe S.

 

5

84

Christophe S.

Salem, MA

5 star rating
5/24/2009

Tremendous collection, including my absolute favorite painting of all time, Copley's Watson and the Shark...

I've never actually paid to get in - keeping my BU student ID was such a good idea

Done some workshops there where you get to go more in depth, but this is a great place to browse around too - staff is generally pretty cool, but you're here for the art and the art abounds - definitely something for everyone

Photo of Scoobie U.

 

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Scoobie U.

Middlesex, MA

4 star rating
8/12/2009

The museum was great.  Coming from New York, it's refreshing to see a musem that is put together so nicely.  I wouldn't think that there would be enough to see, however I think that I saw every last exhibit and it was definitely worth the money.  The Egyptian exhibit was fantastic.

Photo of Patrick C.

 

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Patrick C.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
2/20/2009

A very good selection of Art. Also a great little restaurant/cafe on the first floor.

NEU students get in free with an ID.

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Elite '09

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179

Greta K.

Marlborough, MA

4 star rating
3/1/2009

I've been to the museum three times, twice on personal visits with friends and the husband, and one chaperoning a school group.  Let me tell you, the school trip was something else.  Although, the teacher in charge was pretty lenient, so I wasn't doing much chaperoning except with one student with special needs.  

The first time I came to the museum was on a free day, which I always appreciate, especially since at the time I was a poor graduate student across the street at Northeastern.  This was a general run-through of the museum and not focused on any one particular area.  The second visit was primarily for an Edward Hopper exhibit in 2007, which was phenomenal and massive!  They had all these wonderful paintings on loan and I am so glad that I was able to see it!  I am quite lucky.  We also popped into the Japanese garden, which is only open in warmer months and a nice addition.  

The last time I went to the MFA was in January with a ceramics class from the school where I work.  I got in free this time because I was a chaperone. :)  I spent most of my time in certain ceramics rooms-- Greek and Roman art, Egyptian art, etc. and this great photography exhibit with pictures of lots of famous folks.  

Negative aspects-- I could not find the Georgia O'Keefe painting to save my life and everything in the gift shop is way overpriced-- $1.00 for a freaking postcard is bad.  

Positive-- great temporary exhibits, American art collection, and amazing great hall with European masters (HUGE paintings-- Rubens, etc.)

Photo of Daphne X.

 

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Daphne X.

Randolph, MA

4 star rating
11/5/2008

Since I'm an art school graduate, I find it hard to explore art activities without costing an arm or leg. I think its great that the MFA offers a free figurative drawing session for the public. Funded by the Institute of Lowell, there are live models posing every Wednesday from 6pm - 9pm. With drawing supplies provided such as pencils and paper, anyone can grab a chair and sketch away. Its also a great place to meet other fellow designers and artists. Besides drawing, most of the galleries are open for free admission. Come join me!

The best way to travel is by train. The MFA has a parking garage but it charges $15 for the evening. Since everything else is free, I don't really mind paying for parking.

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Photo of Sandra V.

 

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Sandra V.

Culver City, CA

5 star rating
3/23/2009

Yes! Boston's MFA did not disappoint. I originally went for their photography exhibit in the Herb Ritts gallery (his portrait of Sinead O'Connor was beautiful!) and was quickly smitten with the museum as a whole.

Highlights were the Impressionists, especially Renoir's Dance at Bougival, and their extensive collection of ancient Egyptian, Etruscan, Roman and Near Eastern art. It was humbling to see how advanced these ancient civilizations were, and to realize how insignificant we are in the grand scheme of history.

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Coco P.

Milton, MA

5 star rating
7/12/2009

I think we are lucky to have such a great art museum in town!  The main collection is fabulous and they always have new exhibits.  We recently took in the Titian, Tintoretto and Veronese exhibit and it is excellent!!

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Elite '09

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Ellen C.

Boston, MA

5 star rating
12/8/2008

This is a great museum! If you're a student make sure to see about getting in for free- they have agreements with many of the colleges in the area.  If you're not there's also some type of after 5pm deal where you can get in for free, I believe.

On the whole I really like wandering pieces of the museum and looking at what they have. The special exhibits tend to be great (I remember one on photography and fashion awhile back that was truly splendid).

Definitely the type of museum that you should visit at least once, and probably on a somewhat regular basis.

Oh! If you sign up for their email list you'll get emails about different (reasonably priced) art classes you can take through the museum.

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Elite '09

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corey g.

Richland, WA

5 star rating
1/18/2009

When in Boston, you have to dedicate 1-infinity days to exploring the MFA.  Unfortunately, I've had to spread out my visits over many trips, but this museum is such a Boston requirement.  A quick visit doesn't do it justice.  One has to really explore every nook and cranny; absorb the art; become the art.

There is a wide range of pieces here (I personally like the modern stuff).  It's also such a cool place to just hang out at.  I would sometimes find myself in a room surrounded by masterpieces, and zeroing in on a couch and just chilling and people watching.

This museum is good to go anytime, but they have free evenings once a week if you're interested.

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Yuri C.

Cambridge, MA

5 star rating
10/1/2008

Since they opened  fenway entrance, what I do almost everyday is just walking around the fens, enjoying beautiful breeze, trying not to step on something that is everywhere from inside of birds', then go to the museum !
I am so glad that Boston has this great museum and kind of proud of it. This is my favorite place in Boston with BPL. Can't wait to see their new building :) It is a great pleasure to see people drawing and discussing about exhibitions. Very interesting and helps me to think  with different perspectives. MFA is full of passion and love. Free Wednesday after 4pm is a very generous offer, so hope everyone enjoy this ! You can get many advantage when you become a member so this  worths to consider; if you willing to go to the museum a lot :)

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Rachel M.

Palo Alto, CA

5 star rating
6/2/2009

I've gone to the MFA quite a few times. To be honest, I do not quite understand art well. However, I am appreciative and open minded to all that I see there. Recently, I went to temporary exhibit on the Fashion Shows from Paris. A friend brought me there. I had no clue what to expect and honestly, I was not into watching runway shows or keeping up with the top designers. When I walked in, I was in aw. I always knew that fashion design was an art form but to see it in person, read a little about the inspiration for each designer, and seeing video of those designs on the TV was incredible. It is a must go, if you haven't been there.

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Alison W.

Alhambra, CA

3 star rating
6/8/2009

It was one of those free evenings and we had nothing else better to do, so we hit up this museum. I think we only spent a few hours in here but it was a large group of us, so it was getting pretty rowdy. We did a quick walk through and saw basically everything. It's a lot of portraits, sculptures, and artifacts. So you can definitely get lost in the art if that's what you're interested in. It is a bit hard to navigate like some of the other reviewers mentioned. There's not one path and everything is not placed in a big circle. Photos are allowed, just not the flash. And there are plenty of benches to sit, stare and contemplate the art. Just make sure it's not part of the art and you can sit there.

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Elite '09

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Dan G.

Winthrop, MA

4 star rating
10/19/2008

I suck when it comes to art. I dont know what anything means or who anyone is but i really enjoy going to MFA here and there. The last exhibit i went to was photography and it was awesome. That and crocheting are about the only forms of art that i "get."
It is such a great and neat place to see works of art. I remember going here in highschool french class for monet and it was really flipping interesting.
Other than that, i dont know...but i say you need to go if you havent yet!

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Li S.

Somerville, MA

5 star rating
1/11/2009

My dream is to work here someday as a photo liaison for the drawing, prints and photographs dept.

Until then, these are the events that have magnetized me to the gates of the MFA.

+Intro to Art History class created an art piece hunt, thus getting to know the museum
+Ansel Adams 100 year anniversary exhibit
+El Greco/Velasquez exhibit
+Assyrian show
+Photographic Figures
+Asian art and Chinese Buddha statues
+Sally Mann and her video documentary
+Abe Morel's "Shadow of the House"
++Karsch's 100: A Bio of Images
+Rachel Whiteread
+David LaChapelle's fashion photography
+the bountiful water fountains and restrooms when you forgot how much you had too pee

Reasons to Return
+an evening with Vik Muniz
+the future photography wing

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Matt H.

Boston, MA

5 star rating
7/15/2008

I'm going to add on to the recent reviews of the MFA for this summer-
The regular collection is probably the best in New England and if you haven't seen it I highly recommend it.

The problem is I'm assuming most Yelpers have already gone a few times. Good news, this summer they have really kicked it up a notch with the new entrance. Both their film and concert series this summer is top notch.

I have a feeling starting 2009 the MFA will go from tourist attraction to young urban hotspot focusing on indie films and concerts. I would keep their calendar in your bookmarks.

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Tom E.

London SW7

UK

2 star rating
5/18/2008

I know the unwritten rule on Yelp is that parks, museums and good causes all get between 4 and 5 stars from everyone but let's be realistic and put this into perspective... does the MFA really stand out as one of the best museums in Boston or some of the finest art in America? MFA vs Isabella - no brainer.

The MFA does have some goodies tucked within, but the layout and curating leaves a lot to be desired, especially with the never-ending construction of the stupidly big and expensive new wing (British architect... I must apologise). There are some reasonably good nights held here and the concert room has entertained me once with a performance of strange Korean instruments of all things, but the overall feel of the museum is soulless sterility. I really hope that in years to come when the extension is done, that they will sort out the mess and make the MFA a worthy day out. Til then - don't make this place your priority, try these other recommendations:

American artists  - go to Isabella
Decorative furniture - again, Isabella and maybe Athenaeum
Impressionist paintings - go to The Fogg at Harvard
20th Century art - Fogg, Busch-Reisinger and ICA
Chinese statues - PF Changs (kidding).

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Maria V.

East Arlington, MA

3 star rating
6/18/2008

Considering its smallish size, I find this museum to be very expensive.  I've been countless times in my life -- my parents brought me here as a kid and I'm usually here a few times a year on top of it just to see the special exhibits.  

But unless you're housing seminal works in art history as the Uffizi does, most people can't justify high admission prices for such a small museum.

The special exhibits are very hit or miss -- when they are good they are generally VERY VERY good and VERY VERY crowded.  

There are a number of gems at the MFA.  The collection of French impressionist pieces as well as the size of its Japanese collection (the world's largest outside of Japan!) are well-known ... at least to art geeks like me. The rest of the museum is lacking a bit.

Not every museum can be the Met -- comparing the MFA to the Met and asking why the MFA can't be like that is a bit silly, as the Met is the result of some truly extraordinary circumstances. Not to mention, as the Gardner museum right across the street demonstrates plainly, size doesn't have much to do with the quality of the museum.  I'd say the MFA's selection -- aside from the Japanese and French impressionist sections -- is pretty standard.  The modern selection is sorely lacking and the older art selection is wholly Euro-centric.

Hopefully when the new wing opens up I'll be able to update this review and add some more stars. I think the MFA needs to really evaluate its strengths and figure out what it wants to offer, because right now it seems a bit of a wash, save for a few gems here or there. Unless you're a big art geek (again, like me) you can probably skip the MFA.

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Elite '09

26

194

Suzanne S.

Somerville, MA

4 star rating
5/27/2009

I like the spaciousness of this museum and I thought it had a nice flow, maybe because we started at the top with the special exhibit and worked our way down to the gift shop and cafeteria. The special exhibit on Tintoretto, Titian and Veronese was really incredible. I was less impressed with the regular collection. But, it was a totally pleasant experience, I'd definitely come again.

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6

166

all seeing E.

Waban, MA

5 star rating
3/29/2009

Very impressing collection.  I had only been once years ago and remembered very little of the building.  I have to say the edifice id beautiful on its own.  I like the entrance off The Fenway it brings a certain 19th century elegance to the occasion.  I was very surprised by the use of flash photography by the patrons.  The guards didn't ever attempt to stop anyone form it so it must be okay?  I found that very odd.  I think I ruined someone's photo of their friend standing next to a Van Gogh by mistake.  I want to go back and look at some more of the collection!

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Elite '09

94

518

Vanilla P.

Belmont, MA

4 star rating
8/3/2008

Since there are already 140 reviews of this museum, there's not much I can say as a museum goer, but as a breast? Particularly a pair of breasts that feed a crying newborn? Well then, I have MUCH to say about the Museum of Fine Arts.

First, I was tickled that there's a designated nursing room, complete with a comfy chair and little tiny chairs for wee siblings. Made a mental note, and went to compare portraits of our founding fathers with my own mental images. Saw the portrait of Paul Revere where he DOES look like Jack Black (Thanks, Cheeba for the laugh). Then, baby girl stated fussing, and so we headed back to the nursing room.

Shock! There was another mother already occupying the room! We stood outside and waited for her to wrap things up / top baby off, and a docent came over and recommended that we go to the second floor area where there were leather couches and chairs, and said, "We don't mind you breast-feeding anywhere, so long as you're comfortable!" Awesome. Leather. Soooo sophisticated. The area was not as busy as other areas, and I was able to feed her without too many prying eyes (covered with a blankie, of course). I think some other moms were feeling a little exposed, but when they saw us feeding, they too plopped down and popped the infants on. My first "feed in"!

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Elite '09

194

515

Dawn E.

Marlborough, MA

5 star rating
9/7/2008

I grew up with the MFA.  And that's saying a lot, since I grew up in Florida.

If you're going.  Plan for the whole day.... it's so easy to get lost inside.

Nowadays, they also have wonderful foreign films and fantastic new monthly exhibits.   The MFA just keeps getting better and better.

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81

296

Kelly G.

Boston, MA

3 star rating
3/20/2008

I wore the wrong shoes to this event.  I thought cocktail party and wore heels rather than standing around on marble floors and then wandering through the mfa...which is an activity for flats.

On the upside the food was both good and cheap and it was a different experience than your average trip to the MFA.  Also the drinks were heavy handed.

On the down side...we were on the young side, didn't know anyone, and it was pretty crowded.  

Afterward we walked through the museum until my feet hurt too much to continue.  Pretty much no one else was in that part of the museum which was actually pretty nice.

It might be fun to go with a big group...or if the music were more worth dancing to.

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7

22

Cheeba H.

Allston, MA

4 star rating
4/9/2008

The only thing I have to say about the MFA is that if you go find the picture of Paul Revere you'll realize he looks just like Jack Black.

Its the role that fat sloppy slob was born to play.

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