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home > about the mfa > faqs > visiting faq
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May I take photographs in the Museum?
Personal, non-commercial photography without flash or tripod is permitted in the permanent collections (not in special exhibitions). The use of flash or attachments, and movie or video cameras is not permitted in the Museum without specific written permission from the Digital Image Resources department. Photographic and digital images of MFA objects are available through Digital Image Resources. Low-resolution digital images may be purchased for educational use, but may not be reproduced. Other photography (black-and-white photographs, color transparencies, and high-resolution digital files) may be rented or purchased for reproduction purposes. If photography is not available of a particular MFA object, new photography may be created by the MFA's photo studio. Learn more about Digital Image Resources.
What is the policy on baby strollers at the Museum?
Strollers are allowed in all galleries; however, there may be restrictions in the Gund Gallery if crowds are large.
Is there a place to check coats and bags in the Museum?
Yes, the MFA has free coat check rooms located at all entrances. All parcels, umbrellas, and bags larger than 11" x 15" must be checked, including backpack-style child carriers. Bags in excess of 11"x15" containing needed medical equipment or for use in nursing or baby care are allowed in the Museum. Please note: the following items cannot be checked: laptop computers, cameras, and other valuables. Musical instruments, fur coats, and imitation fur coats may be checked after signing a waiver form. All bags are subject to inspection by Museum staff. No tips please.
May I use my cell phone in the Museum?
Please be considerate when using a cell phone; step into the nearest hallway or public area when making or answering a call. Please do not take a call in a gallery or exhibition.
Is there a chair or stool I can bring around the Museum with me?
The MFA provides free gallery stools. These lightweight folding seats are available at Sharf Visitor Center. Please return them at the end of your visit. Gallery stools are not allowed in the Gund Gallery.
Is parking available at the MFA?
There is limited paid parking at the Museum, but it tends to fill up rather quickly. There is not much on-street parking, either. If you use Museum parking facilities, pay before you exit the Museum at automated kiosks located in the lobbies. We recommend that you use Boston's public transportation systems to get to us. The Web site for the MBTA (www.mbta.com) gives you maps and schedules.
May I draw and/or paint in the Museum?
The following regulations must be met when copying a work of art in the Museum:
Only paintings owned by the Museum may be copied.
You must obtain a written permit to copy using oils or acrylics, and/or to use an easel. This permit must be shown to the guard in charge of the gallery before the copyist begins work. You must have an appointment to obtain a permit.
Use of solvents is very limited. Use of turpentine, xylene, xyluol, toluene, or toluol is not permitted. Water, mineral spirits, petroleum spirits, naptha, and other turpentine substitutes must be in a container with a small opening that holds a volume of less than one pint.
Permits are issued for one painting for one month. They may be extended for successive periods of one month, provided that in the meantime no other copyist has asked for a permit to copy the same picture. No two copyists may copy the same work at the same time.
Canvases must vary by at least ten percent in total area from the original. Original canvas size can be determined by referring to the American or European summary catalogues (found in the main library). If the painting is not included in the summary catalogues, consult the appropriate department.
Canvases must be stamped on the back in indelible ink, by the appropriate department, with a stamp reading "Museum of Fine Arts, Boston: Copied from a Painting in the Collection."
An adequate drop cloth or paper (covering five square feet) must be supplied by the copyist.
You must be at least 18 years of age to copy in oils or acrylics in the Museum's galleries.
If you have questions or wish to make an appointment to obtain a permit, contact the the Museum at 617-369-3484 (Art of Europe) or 617-369-3507 (Art of the Americas.)
Copying in watercolors, crayons, pastels, or charcoal is not permitted.
Copying may be done only in the permanent exhibition galleries, not in corridors.
No equipment, including easels, may be left unattended at any time. No materials may be left on Museum premises overnight.
A permit is not required to copy a work using pencils or colored pencils.
At the request of a guard or Museum official, easels and other materials must be moved in order to give an unobstructed view of a painting when requested by a visitor. Easels must be set up at least four feet away from all works of art and must not block doorways.
Copying may be done on Mondays through Fridays (except when these days are holidays) from 10 am to 4:30 pm, when the Department of the Art of the Americas or the Art of Europe has staff on hand in case of accidents. No copying may be done on weekends or during weeknights.
What are the guidelines for proper behavior for my group during gallery activities?
To ensure that all Museum guests enjoy their visit, we ask that you understand the following practices:
Considerate behavior is expected of all visitors.
You must comply with the directions of the gallery guard.
In case of emergency, notify the gallery guard.
Gallery capacity is at the discretion of the gallery guard.
Any group or individual whose behavior is disruptive will be asked to leave.
An aisle for public passage in the galleries must be maintained at a minimum width of 36 inches (wheelchair width).
Food and drinks, including water bottles, are prohibited in galleries.
Download a PDF of General Gallery Activity Guidelines.
Below are descriptions of items that are permitted within the Museum's galleries. One should still be aware of potential risks and be very careful and considerate at all times. The following items are permitted in galleries:
Drawing media in pencil form and erasers
Drawing boards (no larger than 18 x 24 in.)
Sketch pads (no larger than 18 x 24 in.)
How can I find out more about the history of the MFA?
Read a brief architectural history of the MFA.
Does Citypass get me into special exhibitions?
No, Citypass users are required to pay the difference between general admission and the special exhibition price. Learn more about CityPass.
Where can I eat at the Museum?
The MFA has a variety of dining options. Learn more about dining at the MFA.
Do you offer tours in languages other than English?
The MFA currently offers guided tours in French, Spanish, and Russian. Learn more about tours in French, Spanish, and Russian. Introductory tours in French occur every Wed at 11:15 am, the fourth Wed of each month at 6:30 pm, and every third Saturday at 2 pm; tours in Spanish occur at 6:30 pm on the first Wed of each month; and tours in Russian on the second and third Wed of each month.
How do I schedule a school or group tour?
The MFA offers both guided and self-guided tours for adults and college age students, as well as programs tailored for youth and school group visits. Learn more about group visits to the MFA.
Still have questions? Check out the Site Map, try the Site Search feature in the upper right corner of every page, or contact us. |
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