Museum of Fine Arts
The Museum of Fine Arts Boston (MFA) is one of the most comprehensive art museums in the Americas, housing nearly 500,000 works spanning 5,000 years — from ancient Egyptian artifacts and Old Masters to Impressionist masterpieces and Japanese art. Located in the Fenway-Kenmore neighborhood, it is a cornerstone of Boston's cultural life.
Key facts
| Hours | Mon–Sun 10:00–17:00 Thu–Fri 10:00–22:00 |
|---|---|
| Price | $$ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Green Line E branch — 'Museum of Fine Arts' stop (directly in front); Orange Line 'Ruggles' stop (~10 min walk) |
| Time needed | 3–4 hours minimum; full day for serious museum-goers |
| Best time to go | Weekday mornings (Wed or Thu) for smaller crowds; Thu/Fri evenings for late hours until 10 PM |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Locals Score
- Value7.5
- Freshness5.9
- Crowd level7.0
- Authenticity8.5
- Accessibility8.0
Frequently asked questions
- Is there parking near the MFA Boston?
- Yes, there are parking garages on Museum Road, a short walk from the entrance. Rates are $12 for one hour, $24 for two hours, $32 for two to five hours, and $36 for more than five hours. Public transit is strongly recommended to avoid parking costs.
- What are the must-see works or collections at the MFA Boston?
- Highlights include the finest group of Monets outside of Paris, Gauguin's 'Where Do We Come From?', works by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Sargent, and Degas, one of the world's largest Egyptian collections, and the largest collection of Japanese art outside Japan. The Impressionist and Post-Impressionist holdings are among the best in the US.
- Do I need to buy tickets in advance for the MFA Boston?
- Advance timed-entry tickets are strongly recommended, especially for popular special exhibitions, as time slots can sell out. Tickets can be purchased online at mfa.org, by phone at 1-800-440-6975 (with a $6 processing fee), or in person on the day of your visit pending availability.
- How do I get to the MFA Boston by public transit?
- Take the MBTA Green Line E branch to the 'Museum of Fine Arts' stop, which is directly in front of the museum. The Orange Line 'Ruggles' stop is also nearby. Multiple bus routes (39, 47, CT2, CT3) serve the area as well.
- What days and hours is the MFA Boston open?
- The MFA is open Monday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM, and Thursday and Friday from 10 AM to 10 PM. It is closed every Tuesday and on major holidays including New Year's Day, Patriots' Day, July 4th, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing.
- How much does it cost to get into the MFA Boston?
- As of August 2026, general admission is $30 for adults and $14 for youth ages 7–17; children 6 and under are free. Everyone, including children, must have a ticket. Advance purchase is recommended.
- Is the MFA Boston accessible for visitors with disabilities?
- Yes, the museum is fully wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs and gallery stools are available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis from the Sharf Visitor Center. Service dogs are welcome. For specific accessibility needs, call 617-267-9300 or email access@mfa.org.
- Is there a way to visit the MFA Boston for free or at a discount?
- Yes — on the third Thursday of every month, admission is $5 minimum pay-what-you-wish after 5 PM. Boston students get free admission on the first and second Sundays of the month. Active-duty military, veterans, Bank of America cardholders (first full weekend of each month), and EBT/ConnectorCare cardholders also have access to free or deeply discounted tickets.
Nearby in Ask Boston
- Museum of Fine Arts BostonAttraction0.01 km · 0 min walk
- Isabella Stewart Gardner MuseumMuseum0.41 km · 5 min walk
- Fenway ParkAttraction0.85 km · 11 min walk
- Bleacher BarBar0.85 km · 11 min walk
- Mapparium at the Mary Baker Eddy LibraryAttraction0.91 km · 11 min walk
Where to stay near Museum of Fine Arts
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