Boston's premier art venue, the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA), occupies a handsome neoclassical building overlooking the Fens. Since 1876, it has been Boston's premier venue for showcasing local, national and international works. The museum's holdings encompass all eras, making it encyclopedic in scope. The MFA has too much to see in one visit, so choose a wing or two and enjoy.
Art of the Americas
The stunning four-story Americas wing exhibits art from the pre-Columbian era through the 20th century. This wing is the star of the show at the MFA, and you could easily spend an entire day here. In the Shapiro Courtyard, David Chihuly's Lime Green Icicle Tower signals that you're in the right place.
Some of the most intriguing pieces are on the lower level, which houses pre-Columbian and Native American artwork, as well as a large collection of Colonial-era pieces.
Continuing upstairs, Level 1 showcases 18th- and 19th-century art, with several rooms dedicated to neoclassicism and Revolutionary Boston, including silver pieces by Paul Revere, such as the Sons of Liberty Bowl.
The second level is, perhaps, the richest part of the wing. An entire gallery is dedicated to John Singer Sargent, including his intriguing painting The Daughters of Edward Darley Boit. Highlights in the American Impressionism galleries include pieces by Mary Cassatt and the perennial local favorite, At Dusk (Boston Common at Twilight) by Childe Hassam.
The top floor is devoted to modernism, with wonderful work by Alexander Calder, Frank Stella and Georgia O'Keeffe. This level also has impressive additions by Latin American artists.
Art of Europe
Located in the museum's northern wing, the MFA's collection of European art spans the Middle Ages to the 20th century. The Italian Renaissance is well represented, with gilded icons and paintings by Botticelli, Titian and Tintoretto.
A highlight is the stirring collection of Impressionist and Postimpressionist paintings, with masterpieces by Degas, Renoir and van Gogh, and a sizable collection of Monets (one of the largest outside Paris). Take time to contemplate Gauguin's poignant questions in Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?
In 2021, the MFA opened a research center for the study and appreciation of Netherlandish art, along with seven renovated galleries showcasing its collection of Dutch and Flemish fabulousness. Feast your eyes on some 100 paintings by Golden Age masters, including five by Rembrandt.
Art of Asia
One of the MFA's strongest areas, the collection of Asian art is located in the southwestern wing, along with works from the South Pacific and Africa. The centerpiece is the peaceful Buddhist Temple room on the 2nd floor, which is just one exhibit in a vast array of Japanese art, including prints and metalworks.
Art of the Ancient World
In the southeastern part of the museum, the MFA's collection of ancient art dates from 6000 BCE to 600 CE and covers a huge geographic spectrum. The highlight is certainly the Egyptian galleries, especially the two rooms of mummies. The Etruscan painted tombs are also impressive.
Linde Family Wing for Contemporary Art
The west wing holds the MFA's growing collection of contemporary art, which includes video, multimedia art and decorative arts in addition to more traditional media. The darling of museum patrons is Black River, a fantastic woven tapestry of discarded bottle caps, by Ghanaian artist El Anatsui.
Look up Above
The centerpiece of the MFA's Beaux Arts building is the grand central staircase and lofty rotunda, its ceiling adorned with graceful murals painted by John Singer Sargent. The murals engage classical mythology to glorify the arts. See figures representing architecture, painting and sculpture being protected by the goddess Athena from the ravages of time (an allegory of the museum itself, no doubt).
