Attraction: Museum of Fine Arts

Description: 

One of the world's great art museums, the MFA works nonstop to become even more accessible and interesting. Every installation reflects a curatorial attitude that makes even those who go in with a feeling of obligation leave with a sense of discovery and wonder. That includes children, who can launch a scavenger hunt, admire the mummies, or participate in family-friendly programs scheduled year-round (and extra offerings during school vacations).

Among the numerous highlights of the magnificent collections are the Impressionist paintings (including one of the largest collections of Monets outside of Paris), Asian and Old Kingdom Egyptian collections, classical art, Buddhist temple, and medieval sculpture and tapestries.

The works that you might find most familiar are paintings and sculpture by Americans and Europeans. Some favorites: Renoir's Dance at Bougival, Childe Hassam's Boston Common at Twilight, Gilbert Stuart's 1796 portrait of George Washington, John Singleton Copley's 1768 portrait of Paul Revere (which looks suspiciously like the Samuel Adams beer logo), a bronze casting of Edgar Degas's sculpture Little Dancer, John Singer Sargent's The Daughters of Edward Darley Boit, Gauguin's Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?, and several Luminist masterpieces by Fitz Henry Lane (formerly known as Fitz Hugh Lane). There are also outstanding holdings of prints, photographs, furnishings, and decorative arts, including the finest collection of Paul Revere silver in the world.

None of this comes cheap: The MFA's adult admission fee (which covers two visits within 10 days) is among the highest in the country. A Boston CityPass or Go Boston card is a bargain if you plan to visit enough of the other included attractions.

To begin, pick up a floor plan at the information desk or take a free guided tour (weekdays except Mon holidays 10:30am-3pm, Wed at 6:15pm, and Sat-Sun 11am-3pm). The I. M. Pei-designed West Wing (1981) contains the main entrance, an auditorium, and an atrium with a tree-lined "sidewalk" cafe. There are also a restaurant and a cafeteria. The excellent Museum Shop carries abundant souvenirs and a huge book selection.

An ambitious expansion project began in 2005. While construction proceeds, the museum is rearranging some collections and closing some exhibition spaces. Check ahead before visiting if you have your heart set on seeing a particular piece of art.

Special upcoming exhibitions include Arts of Japan: The John C. Weber Collection (Sept 22, 2007-Jan 13, 2008), Symbols of Power: Napoleon and the Art of the Empire Style (Oct 21, 2007-Jan 17, 2008), and El Greco to Velázquez: Art During the Reign of Phillip III (Apr 20-July 27, 2008).

MFA FYI-- The Huntington Avenue entrance to the Museum of Fine Arts is usually much less busy than the West Wing lobby. Walk back along Huntington Avenue when you leave the T, enter from the curved driveway, and stop to take in the John Singer Sargent murals.