{"id":255736,"date":"2026-01-28T10:36:16","date_gmt":"2026-01-28T10:36:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/255736\/"},"modified":"2026-01-28T10:36:16","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T10:36:16","slug":"boston-bucket-list-the-museum-of-fine-arts-is-awesome-even-if-you-dont-like-art","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/255736\/","title":{"rendered":"Boston Bucket List: The Museum of Fine Arts is awesome even if you don\u2019t like \u2018art\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"

BOSTON<\/a> \u2014 Even if you don\u2019t consider yourself someone who likes \u201cart,\u201d you should give the Museum of Fine Arts<\/a> a try.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s more than just an excellent collection of paintings and sculptures. It\u2019s a really good museum.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s a difference between those two labels. It comes down to the atmosphere that it creates with its exhibits.<\/p>\n

In terms of the fine arts that it has on display, the MFA can go brush-for-brush with anybody. They\u2019ve got works by Van Gogh, Rembrandt and Picasso. Want to see some Impressionist paintings by Monet? He\u2019s got his own room.<\/p>\n

Those paintings certainly give the MFA clout as an institution. But what makes the museum really worth exploring is how it shifts atmospheres and adapts the space to the artwork that\u2019s displayed.<\/p>\n

That even extends beyond what you might normally describe as \u201cfine arts.\u201d Personally, I enjoy the classic works by famous painters. But those weren\u2019t the biggest highlight for me.<\/p>\n

\"MuseumA look around the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.(Nick O’Malley\/MassLive)<\/p>\n

No, the one thing that stuck with me the most was this incredible dollhouse-like display built into a fine wooden cabinet.<\/p>\n

Does this qualify as the \u201cFine Arts?\u201d I don\u2019t know. All that matters is that I found it really cool. <\/p>\n

Boston Bucket List: The Museum of Fine Arts<\/p>\n

The MFA\u2019s greatest asset is the way that the experience evolves and adapts to different tastes.<\/p>\n

One moment, you\u2019ll walk through the palatial furnishings of the Koch Gallery, which displays the Old Masters of Europe. <\/p>\n

\"MuseumA look around the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.(Nick O’Malley\/MassLive)<\/p>\n

Eventually, you\u2019ll step into the collection of Asian art and find yourself standing inside the meditative calm of the Japanese Buddhist Temple room.<\/p>\n

\"MuseumA look around the Japanese Buddhist temple room at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.(Nick O’Malley\/MassLive)<\/p>\n

Later, the tone will shift again as you step through the bare, echoing halls displaying modern art that stand in quiet, contemplative isolation.<\/p>\n

You don\u2019t have to like everything in the MFA. You probably won\u2019t.<\/p>\n

The key to enjoying your time there isn\u2019t to evenly parse out your trip across the entire museum. You\u2019ll have a much better time if you find that little niche that resonates with you.<\/p>\n

\"MuseumPart of the modern art exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.(Nick O’Malley\/MassLive)<\/p>\n

I always think back to a trip I took with my father a few years ago. I was enamored with a temporary exhibit highlighting Jean-Michel Basquiat and other works of the post-graffiti movement. He wanted to see the Renaissance-era paintings.<\/p>\n

Those two things are miles apart in taste. We both had a great time.<\/p>\n

This would have been true even if there hadn\u2019t been a conventional genre of art that spoke to us.<\/p>\n

\u2018Art\u2019 is more than just paintings and sculptures<\/p>\n

It\u2019s the museum of \u201cFine Arts.\u201d But there is zero requirement to look at works from famous painters.<\/p>\n

There isn\u2019t someone at the exit who\u2019s going to grab you by the collar and demands that you explain why Picasso\u2019s works are important or what stood out to you about the Impressionist movement.<\/p>\n

It is 100% valid to go to the MFA and come away thinking, \u201cMan, the room with the mummies was the best part.\u201d The exhibit on the art and history of Ancient Egypt is one of the museum\u2019s biggest highlights.<\/p>\n

\"MuseumA look around the ancient Egypt exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.(Nick O’Malley\/MassLive)<\/p>\n

Yes, the paintings by the Dutch Masters are cultural treasures. But you know what else is cool? The New American Cafe restaurant is in a giant indoor courtyard with a giant cartoonish dog sculpture and a 42-foot-tall \u201cLime Green Icicle Tower\u201d that looks like a massive cactus.<\/p>\n

\"MuseumA look at the main cafe at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.(Nick O’Malley\/MassLive)<\/p>\n

For me, some of the most interesting elements of the MFA are the small rooms and wings that highlight history and culture.<\/p>\n

On the first floor, there\u2019s a wing focusing on art from the American Revolution, highlighted by portraits of Samuel Adams and George Washington.<\/p>\n

Elsewhere, there\u2019s a dark, intimate room dedicated to jewelry. It\u2019s like navigating a cave or vault protecting precious gems.<\/p>\n

\"MuseumA look around the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.(Nick O’Malley\/MassLive)<\/p>\n

Next door to that, there\u2019s an exhibit showcasing incredible musical instruments from different eras. Inside, you\u2019ll find immaculately painted pianos, eye-catching electric guitars and bizarre instruments that will have you wondering how they were ever played.<\/p>\n

Visiting the MFA<\/p>\n

The Museum of Fine Arts first opened in 1870 and moved to its current location in 1909. For an institution that predates even Fenway Park, it does a good job of adapting to the times.<\/p>\n

Like many museums, the MFA holds classes<\/a>, special exhibitions<\/a> and lectures<\/a>. They also have a number of programs<\/a>, many of which can be accessed online.<\/p>\n

But what stood out to me is the way the museum is open to pushing the envelope even in conventional galleries.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s great to see the Art of the Americas exhibit being updated for the upcoming America 250 celebrations<\/a>. That much is to be expected.<\/p>\n

What was really striking was to see a modern work among many Revolutionary War-era portraits of powerful figures.<\/p>\n

\"MuseumA look around the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.(Nick O’Malley\/MassLive)<\/p>\n

You\u2019ve probably seen a portrait like the one on the right a million times. The work on the left aims to invoke that same pose from an individual in power, just with an individual who\u2019s not typically the subject of such a portrait.<\/p>\n

More info about the Museum of Fine Arts<\/p>\n

Check them out: Website<\/a> | Facebook<\/a> | Instagram<\/a> | YouTube<\/a><\/p>\n

How much does it cost to get in? \u2014 Admission is $30 for adults and $14 for those ages 7-17. Admission is free for visitors under the age of seven.<\/p>\n

The museum also offers discount admission on \u201cThird Thursday\u201d as well as free admission to Massachusetts residents on select days.<\/p>\n

When can I get in for free? \u2014 Here are the free admission dates for Massachusetts residents in 2026:<\/p>\n

Monday, Jan. 19, 2026 (MLK Day)Monday, May 25, 2026 (Memorial Day)Friday, June 19, 2026 (Juneteenth)Saturday, June 20, 2026<\/p>\n

Where is the museum? \u2014 The MFA is located at 465 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s the parking situation? \u2014 There are multiple paid parking lots near the MFA. You can find more information on them here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

How to get there via public transit \u2014 The nearest T stop is the Green Line E stop fittingly called \u201cMuseum of Fine Arts.\u201d<\/p>\n

Do they have food\/drinks? \u2014 Yes, the MFA has multiple spots that serve food. One is a sit-down restaurant. There are also quick-service cafes.<\/p>\n

Can I store my coat\/bag? \u2014 Yes, the MFA has a free coat check counter.<\/p>\n

When are they open? \u2014 Here are the hours of operation at the time of writing:<\/p>\n

Monday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.Tuesday: ClosedWednesday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.Thursday: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.Friday: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.