Museum of Fine Arts, Boston: Hours, Address, Museum of Fine Arts Reviews: 5/5
Museum of Fine Arts
Museum of Fine Arts
5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Boston's oldest, largest and best-known art institution, the MFA houses one of the world's most comprehensive art collections and is renowned for its Impressionist paintings, Asian and Egyptian collections and early American art.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Museum of Fine Arts and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Fenway / Kenmore
The Curse of the Bambino may have ended years ago, but loyal Red Sox fans will continue to infiltrate this home to historic Fenway Park, where you can find victory banners, people yelling in stereotypical Boston accents, and lots of sports bars. Located within Kenmore Square, the old gas station Citgo sign is another Boston skyline classic seen throughout the city. In addition to a hectic and diehard sports mentality, this neighborhood is also home to some of Boston’s many universities. Move from Boston University territory to that of Northeastern, and spend time at the famous Museum of Fine Arts. For more culture, check out the smaller but equally beautiful Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Continue off the beaten path and check out the green space in the Back Bay Fens, a pretty community garden. This diverse neighborhood has a mix of universities, sports, culture, and more residential green space.
How to get there
- Museum of Fine Arts • 3 min walk
- Northeastern University • 5 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,954 within 5 kms
The Gardner Cafe
187
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • American • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly
Tasty Burger
382
0.7 km$ • American • Fast food
New American Cafe
176
21 m$$ - $$$ • American • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly
Thaitation
51
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • Thai • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Garden Cafeteria at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston
73
45 m$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Cafe G
37
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • American • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly
465 Bar and Restaurant
20
66 m$$ - $$$ • American
Sweet Cheeks Q
672
0.8 km$$ - $$$ • American • Barbecue • Gluten Free Options
Bleacher Bar
451
0.9 km$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Pub
Au Bon Pain
24
0.3 km$
Attractions
572 within 10 kms
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
3,202
0.4 kmGardens • Art Museums
Fenway Park
16,950
0.8 kmArenas & Stadiums
Emerald Necklace Conservancy
4
0.3 kmNature & Wildlife Areas
Emerald Necklace
20
0.3 kmParks • Gardens
James P Kelleher Rose Garden
21
0.4 kmParks • Gardens
The Boston Pops
433
0.8 kmSymphonies
The Fens
32
0.5 kmNature & Wildlife Areas
The Mapparium
913
0.9 kmSpeciality Museums • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Freedom Trail
17,594
3.1 kmHistoric Walking Areas
World War II Memorial
4
0.5 kmMonuments & Statues
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
8,222 reviews
Excellent
6,539
Very good
1,428
Average
200
Poor
36
Terrible
22
massimarafon
Milan, Italy13 contributions
no reduction for the disabled who, having a few hours of autonomy away from home, are forced to go several times paying a very expensive ticket ... uncivilized and inhumane
Written 7 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
theuncle2018
Scottsdale, AZ218 contributions
One of the better museums in the USA with something for everyone. If I had one complaint, it would be that its a little expensive. We only had about 2 hours and you really could spend several days looking at everything. In particular they have a fantastic section of French impressionists. Generally speaking the collection spans virtually all categories of culture and arts from early Persia, the Greeks, Egyptians and everything in between. It contains a truly wonderful American collection that shows all of the great civilizations from the last 3,000 years.
Written 1 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jackie Q
New York City, NY15 contributions
Family
As a disclaimer, I am neither White nor male nor Conservative but I could see how some of the exhibits could be off-putting to someone in any of these categories. While taking my young children through the exhibits, I was shocked to see that some of the descriptions seem to be advancing an agenda of being divisive rather than just being descriptive or educational. E.g., a reference to the museum trying to right the wrong of White supremacists in the Greco-Roman statue exhibit. I also thought it was strange that only books about children with same-sex parents were on display in the bookshop (I mean, I get it if it was still Pride month and they were highlighting that). The bathrooms are also very confusing - “Women - Self Identifying”, “Gender-Neutral”. I’m all for being inclusive but to complicate the bathroom issue is just pandering at that point when you have to think about which of the 6 bathrooms to go into when you really need to pee.
Written 1 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Christina04
Pleasanton, CA109 contributions
I don't quite understand all of the good reviews. I was there with my 13 and 15 year olds. They don't usually love museums - but all 3 of us agreed that we paid way too much money to have so little to enjoy. They have a lot of historical artifacts and dark paintings - we like the impressionist style that is more bright and fun. This place was a downer. And it's expensive.
Written 30 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Traveller Kate 88
Copenhagen, Denmark214 contributions
The Boston Museum of Fine Arts seems rather embarrassed by its many classic paintings of deceased pale people. It tries to put them in context, sometimes successfully - explaining how the mahogany tables in many early American portraits came from wood cut down by exploited workers - and sometimes very badly. The lovely John Singer Sargent collection is ruined by an ugly plaque near the end (next to a very good portrait by Kehinde Wiley) suggesting without annotation that Sargent and all his friends were racists. What? Why? Really uncalled for. The Wiley on its own would have been a great comment on the evolution of American portraiture.
Some good individual pieces in this museum, but I didn't come away with a good overall impression. Also would have liked to see more of their supposedly extensive photography collection.
Some good individual pieces in this museum, but I didn't come away with a good overall impression. Also would have liked to see more of their supposedly extensive photography collection.
Written 25 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Natalie
1 contribution
Family
We had an absolutely fantastic experience!! The staff was incredibly helpful when assisting us in how to navigate the museum. And the exhibits were super engaging!! Especially Egypt- 5/5 for sure!
Written 23 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
judilater
Los Angeles, CA11 contributions
The museum is huge, so pick out beforehand what you'll want to see. I go for the Mary Cassatt paintings and the silver. The "T" goes right to the museum, and the Gardner museum is just around the corner and down a couple of blocks. Be careful if you're thinking about having lunch at the MFA---the waiting line can be 50 people long.
Written 20 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
AVFA
Oxford, UK390 contributions
Couples
Wide range of art pieces from around the world, from African, Asian and European artists. Very easy to get around. Lighting is not very good for viewing the European artists.
Written 20 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DCC
Pasig, Philippines77 contributions
We had nothing to do for the day and decided to visit the museum, among others in and around Boston. If you love arts, do go. It is really worth it.
Written 12 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LAFFSTOP
Mission Viejo, CA209 contributions
In a city where history lives on every block, the Museum of Fine Arts ties the city's different eras together.
In addition, artworks from, across the world have found their way into the museum's showcases. From ancient Egyptian pharaoh's tombs to modern French Impressionism, the museum is laid for easy walking.
In addition, artworks from, across the world have found their way into the museum's showcases. From ancient Egyptian pharaoh's tombs to modern French Impressionism, the museum is laid for easy walking.
Written 24 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
John_Jay808
San Diego3 contributions
Is this area safe to walk around at night? Going to the Wednesday night activities, but I read these area is bad at night...
The_Coach55
Ruislip, UK781 contributions
I visited during the day and it seemed fine. If you use the ‘T’ it is less than that five minutes away from Museum of Fine Arts station on foot.
If I am a member may I bypass the line?
Thanks for your input.
William Cronin
Springfield, VT67 contributions
There is a members entrance around the left hand side of the building.
adsceptic
United Kingdom50 contributions
Do we need to pre book to get into the Ansel Adams? We'd rather be flexible and just turn up, but don't want to miss out. Are there generally enough tickets? Here in London if you don't prebook you'd never get in.
William Cronin
Springfield, VT67 contributions
Mid week you should be OK...but I’d book for a weekend day.
Parking available?
Denise B
Leominster, MA27 contributions
Yes but pricey $25. Better to take public transportation or I recommend getting the Parkwhiz app and finding something reasonable within walking distance. Great app have parked throughout Boston for as little as $5 and as much as $11 from 4-8 hrs!
pkjlewis
Hollis, NH
What is the least busy week day to visit? Thank you.
Trainman334
Marlborough, MA529 contributions
We were there on a Thursday early afternoon and it was busy but manageable. I think it depends, to some degree, on what exhibits on currently showing. Also, the day we were there, the museum was closing early to stage for some kind of event (lots of cable, lights, sound boards and such); so school trips may have been blacked out that day. But if you can get there when the school children have had to depart to board their buses, the atmosphere might be a little more conducive to art appreciation.
Gayla A
St. Petersburg, FL1 contribution
Can anyone tell me the style/maker of the green fabric and metal chairs in the lobby behind the gift shop? They were very comfortable and interesting looking. I’d like to know where to get them.
Thanks!
JBtravel66
Key Largo, FL526 contributions
hi, if you check the MFA website for contact information you might be able to ask them directly
MosleyL
56 contributions
Is there a lot to see in the Ancient Egypt gallery? Please tell me some things that you impressed you.
LauraMontgomeryUSA
Boston, MA39 contributions
Hi --The Boston MFA Egyptian collection is excellent with artifacts and examples from pre-dynastic through the Egyptian Greco-Roman era. Of particular note are the unusually realistic "Reserve Heads" and the "Red Sculpture" or Bust of Prince Ankhha, from the Old Kindgom 4th Dynasty, as well as several schist sculptures of King Menakura, aka Mycerinus, and his Queen, as well as, his large-scale representation in alabaster. Reproductions of tomb furniture, a reconstructed faiance bead dress, hieroglyphic carved sandstone tomb walls & columns and a black granite seated Sekhmet statue--scarabs, shwabties, gold jewelry, numerous red granite and painted wood sarcophagi are a few treasures on view. 2nd fl. galleries contain monumental temple sculptural elements and artifacts from the Tel Armana city center and capitol of the new monotheistic religion of Ra implemented by Akhanaten, Tutakhamun (King Tut's) Dad. Many Mummies to see, early pottery, Old and Middle Kingdom treasures abound...one of the best collections outside of Cairo & Europe.
Make a visit and tip your hat to early Egyptologist
Dows Dunham.....
Frequently Asked Questions about Museum of Fine Arts
- Museum of Fine Arts is open:
- Thu - Fri 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Sat - Mon 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- We recommend booking Museum of Fine Arts tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 7 Museum of Fine Arts tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Museum of Fine Arts:
- Go City: Boston All-Inclusive Pass with 40+ Attractions and Tours (From S$85.55)
- Go City: Boston Explorer Pass - Choose 2, 3, 4 or 5 Attractions (From S$71.76)
- Boston City View Bicycle Tour by Urban AdvenTours (From S$93.83)
- Boston Private City Tour (From S$798.39)
- Boston's Emerald Necklace Guided Bicycle Tour (From S$122.81)
- Hotels near Museum of Fine Arts:
- (0.71 km) The Verb Hotel
- (0.89 km) Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Back Bay/Fenway
- (1.03 km) The Inn At Longwood Medical
- (1.11 km) The Eliot Hotel
- (0.89 km) Oasis Guest House
- Restaurants near Museum of Fine Arts:
- (0.02 km) New American Cafe
- (0.04 km) Garden Cafeteria at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston
- (0.07 km) 465 Bar and Restaurant
- (0.14 km) University House of Pizza
- (0.22 km) Puritan Tea Room
- Attractions near Museum of Fine Arts:
- (0.41 km) Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
- (0.82 km) Fenway Park
- (0.27 km) Emerald Necklace Conservancy
- (0.31 km) Emerald Necklace
- (0.82 km) Walking Boston - Tours