Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Visitors to the Museum of Fine Arts can admire works from around the globe, including one of the richest Edgar Degas collections in the world and a 13-foot-tall (4-meter-tall) statue of the Roman goddess Juno—the largest Roman-era statue in North America. Other highlights include the Linde Family Wing for Contemporary Art and the Art of the Americas wing, which contains four levels of American art ranging from ancient artifacts to modern installations.

To gain insight into the museum’s vast collection, stroll through the galleries on a small-group tour and benefit from the knowledge of an art historian guide. Or, visit independently with a Go Boston Card or Boston Explorer Pass—both of which include admission to the MFA along with visits to such city highlights as the Museum of Science, New England Aquarium, and Fenway Park.

• Four on-site restaurants offer a range of options, including a family-friendly cafeteria and a gourmet dining spot.

• Guided tours are included in admission and offered daily.

• Two free coat check rooms are located on the ground floor.

• The museum is wheelchair accessible; wheelchairs and walkers are available at all entrances on a first-come, first-served basis.

The museum is located on Huntington Avenue in downtown Boston, just south of Kenmore Square. Visitor parking is available for a fee but can fill up quickly during popular exhibitions, holidays, and school vacation weeks. During these times, take advantage of the museum’s valet parking or take the subway (or “T”) to the Museum of Fine Arts stop, located directly in front of the building.

The MFA is open daily year-round, and is busiest on weekends and holidays. Opt for an early morning or weekday visit to avoid crowds. A late-night visit is also a good option—the museum is open until 10pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

From the art of the ancient world to impressionist masterpieces, the MFA’s treasure trove of artwork spans many centuries of human history. Museum highlights include the largest collection of Monet paintings outside of Paris, numerous works by American painter John Singer Sargent, Asian and African collections, Japanese art, and a large collection of musical instruments.

Shirts and shoes are required, and revealing apparel is prohibited. A coat check is available. Backpacks may be carried as a handbag or worn on the front of the body. Bags containing medical equipment, studio art class supplies, and nursing or baby care gear are allowed and will be tagged.

With nearly 500,000 works of art in its collection, Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts is a top US museum and a must-see in Boston. From ancient Egyptian sculptures to contemporary pieces, its collection includes paintings by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Gauguin, as well as works from Monet and Degas.

Yes. Free manual wheelchairs and rollators (walkers with wheels, padded seats, and backs) are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors who are blind or have low vision can download the Aira app for navigation help. Assistive listening devices are available for visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Yes. Visitor parking is available for a fee and can fill up quickly in busy times. There are three self-parking options: the Huntington Lot, Fenway Lot, and Museum Road Garage, and all have entrances on Museum Road. Note that there are parking restrictions on the streets around the museum.

To avoid crowds, skip weekends and holidays and visit in the early morning, on weekdays, or in the evenings, especially Thursdays and Fridays, when it closes at 10pm. Admission is free to Massachusetts residents on certain holidays. Some holidays have $5 tickets after 5pm. The museum is closed on Tuesdays.

Yes, the museum and its art collection are worth it. Highlights include the largest collection of Monet paintings outside of Paris, the only permanent US exhibition space for ancient coins, and a large collection of John Singer Sargent works. It's got one of the largest ancient Egyptian treasures collections, too.