Museum of Fine Arts

The collections at the Museum of Fine Arts are second in this country only to New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. The museum’s highlight is undoubtedly its American collection, including American painting and decorative arts. The museum also has an incredible collection of European paintings, including many by French impressionists. The 2003 acquisition of Duchessa di Montejasi with Her Daughters makes the MFA’s Degas collection one of the richest in the world. The museum also boasts excellent exhibits of Japanese art, including Buddhist and Shinto treasures.

The MFA is currently undergoing an ambitious expansion program, which will result in a new wing for American art, renovated art of Europe galleries, improved conservation facilities and a West Wing devoted entirely to contemporary art. At the time of writing, the first phase – the new American wing – was expected to open in November 2010. In the meantime, the construction means that one entrance or another may be unexpectedly closed.

Children under the age of 17 are admitted free after 3pm on weekdays and all day on weekends – a fantastic family bargain. Wednesday evenings admission is free for everyone. The West Wing of the museum is also open until 10pm on Thursdays and Fridays.