Boston Museum of Fine Arts Tours

Photo provided by Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism
Boston Museum of Fine Arts which includes a statue or sculpture and heritage architecture
Boston Museum of Fine Arts featuring interior views and art
Boston Museum of Fine Arts showing art and interior views as well as a small group of people
Boston Museum of Fine Arts featuring interior views


Explore treasures from ancient times to the masterpieces of tomorrow at this eclectic museum.

Bostonians are passionate about their art and at the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) you’ll bump into locals as well as tourists. This is one of the world’s great museums, boasting the largest collection of Japanese art outside of Japan. It also has one of the largest collections of Monet's work outside of France.

As you approach the MFA’s south entrance, you’ll be greeted by Appeal to the Great Spirit, a bronze statue of a Native American on horseback with his arms outstretched. This statue could easily be mistaken as a reference to the size of the MFA it’s impressive and expansive. One of the largest museums in the U.S., the MFA houses almost 450,000 artworks and runs an impressive visiting exhibition program. Abandon any notions that you’ll see the entire collection in a single day. Pick up a floor plan and enquire about the free gallery tours at the Sharf Visitor Center. For collections that hold a particular interest, download the detailed multimedia guides to your smartphone.

Museum highlights include an extensive collection of musical instruments, jewelry, and textiles from around the world and across the ages. Explore the Asian Art collection, which is reputed to be among the finest in the Western world. And for a taste of nirvana, spend a little quiet time in the Buddha room.

Allow a few hours to explore the museum’s newest addition, the Art of the Americas wing. It houses more than 5,000 works from North, Central and South America. The wing encompasses 53 galleries, arranged chronologically over four floors. Don’t miss the portrait of local hero Paul Revere by John Singleton Copley.

The gallery actively encourages visitors to learn and interact, so take advantage of the talks, art classes and workshops led by professional artists and educators.There are four on-site dining options, which include a family-friendly cafeteria and a wine bar. Two, more sophisticated offerings are the New American Café and Bravo.

Don’t despair if you don’t see as much as you planned on your first visit your ticket price includes one free return visit, valid within ten days.

The Museum of Fine Arts is in the greater Boston area, about a 10-minute drive from downtown. The museum is accessible by subway or bus, and there’s parking on-site for a fee. MFA is open seven days a week.

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Best Lodging Options Near Boston Museum of Fine Arts

citizenM Boston Back Bay

citizenM Boston Back Bay

4 out of 5
408 Newbury street, Boston, MA
citizenM Boston Back Bay
The Verb Hotel

The Verb Hotel

3.5 out of 5
1271 Boylston St, Boston, MA
The Verb Hotel
Copley House

Copley House

3 out of 5
239 W Newton St, Boston, MA
Copley House
Copley Square Hotel, a FOUND Hotel

Copley Square Hotel, a FOUND Hotel

4 out of 5
47 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA
Copley Square Hotel, a FOUND Hotel
The Revolution Hotel

The Revolution Hotel

3.5 out of 5
40 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA
The Revolution Hotel
Oasis Guest House

Oasis Guest House

2.5 out of 5
22 Edgerly Road, Boston, MA
Oasis Guest House
Sheraton Boston, a Marriott Hotel

Sheraton Boston, a Marriott Hotel

4 out of 5
39 Dalton St, Boston, MA
Sheraton Boston, a Marriott Hotel
Hyatt Regency Boston/Cambridge

Hyatt Regency Boston/Cambridge

4 out of 5
575 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA
Hyatt Regency Boston/Cambridge
Maverick Suites at 28 Fenway

Maverick Suites at 28 Fenway

3 out of 5
28 Fenway, Boston, MA
Maverick Suites at 28 Fenway
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Boston Museum of Fine Arts

When visiting the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, you can enjoy a variety of activities including guided fine arts tours, engaging museum tours, and exciting photo tours. The area also offers lively options such as big parties and bus tours, making it a vibrant destination for art lovers and tourists alike. Be sure to explore the nearby sports events and theater performances to complete your Boston experience.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, visit John Lewis, Inc, located 1 mile away. The Boston Public Market, just 2 miles away, offers local goods, while Harvard Square, 3 miles away, features a vibrant mix of shops and entertainment.

Recreation

Experience live music at MGM Music Hall at Fenway, just 0.5 miles from the museum, offering an energetic atmosphere. For sports enthusiasts, Agganis Arena, 2 miles away, hosts thrilling events. For relaxation, visit Larz Anderson Park, 3 miles from the museum, where you can unwind in a serene environment.

Adventure

Embark on the Irish Heritage Trail, a scenic hiking path located 2 miles from the museum, offering beautiful outdoor views. For water sports enthusiasts, the Courageous Sailing Center, 3 miles away, provides thrilling sailing experiences. For winter sports, head to Blue Hills Ski Area, 9 miles away, for skiing adventures.

Nightlife

Enjoy a night at the Coolidge Corner Theatre, just a mile away, where you can catch indie films in a charming atmosphere. For a stellar experience, visit the Charles Hayden Planetarium, two miles away, offering captivating shows that entertain the whole family.

Find the best attractions near Boston Museum of Fine Arts

When visiting the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, you'll find a variety of attractions that cater to cultural enthusiasts, families, and city explorers alike. Popular points of interest include historic colleges and universities, urban parks, and event venues. Don't miss the chance to explore the renowned Boston Museum and immerse yourself in the rich art scene at the MFA Boston, making your trip a memorable experience.

  • Fenway Park: Experience the excitement of one of America's oldest baseball stadiums, home to the Boston Red Sox. With its iconic Green Monster and rich history, Fenway Park offers a vibrant atmosphere filled with sports culture and a sense of community. Guided tours provide insight into its legendary past.
  • Boston Common: Enjoy a relaxing stroll through the oldest city park in the United States. Boston Common is perfect for families, featuring beautiful landscapes, playgrounds, and walking paths. It's an ideal spot for a picnic or simply soaking up the urban outdoor vibe.
  • TD Garden: This premier venue hosts major sports events and concerts, making it a hub of entertainment in Boston. Whether you're attending a game or a concert, the energy and excitement of TD Garden are palpable, perfect for both business and leisure.

Best time to go to Boston Museum of Fine Arts

Visitor numbers around Boston Museum of Fine Arts is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Boston Museum of Fine Arts is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January30.0°F (-1.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February31.5°F (-0.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March37.9°F (3.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
April48.2°F (9.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May58.5°F (14.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June66.6°F (19.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July73.6°F (23.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August72.7°F (22.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
September65.7°F (18.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
November44.4°F (6.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December36.3°F (2.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Boston Museum of Fine Arts

To save money during your trip to the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, consider visiting between December and February for lower accommodation rates, with Sundays being the cheapest nights. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly hotels by filtering for "Eco-certified" options and sorting prices from lowest to highest. For added savings, bundle your hotel, flights, and activities with Expedia package deals. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and OneKeyCash for future bookings. Also, explore free attractions nearby and utilize Boston's public transportation for affordable travel around the city.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Boston Museum of Fine Arts are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May and September to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Boston Museum of Fine Arts is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Boston Museum of Fine Arts is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences such as budget, desired location, and preferred hotel style. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase hotels that are sustainable and environmentally friendly. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.