Boston Things to Do Tips by vivalasteph

First let me say, I'm biased. I work here.

The lovely Beaux Arts building dates to 1907, and in 1981, I.M. Pei's West Wing addition opened to the public. The Gund Gallery is the West Wing houses special exhibitions, the theater, and the cafes.

The museum houses one of the world's best art collection, with Greek and Roman treasures, a wonderful Asian Art wing, American period rooms, 20th century masters, photography and prints, American and European paintings and sculptures, and frequent large and small traveling shows. It's Impressionism collection is outstanding.

The Egyptian rooms are atmospheric and very dim with tiny spotlights on the mummies, jars, and amulets.

Visit the Japanese Zen garden outside on the west corner.

Remis Auditorium is home to the museum's film program. It is fantastic, with film festivals celebrating art in fiim, other cultures, and social issues. Recent events have been Jewish Film Festival, the Turkish Film festival, and currently, the Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. It also holds special premieres of interesting new films.

There is a new restaurant, Bravo, the Fine Arts cafe, the Fraser Garden Court cafe, and a cafeteria, with outdoor seating in the courtyard.

The museum bookstore (where I work) is outstanding, featuring many museum-related gift items, but the big draw is the book department. It is one of the best I've ever seen, with subjects extending beyond art to include literature, interior design, how-to, architecture, travel, and pop culture. You will not leave empty handed!

Open 7 days a week. Saturday through Tuesday 10-4:45. Wednesday through Friday 10-9:45. Wednesdays after 4PM admission is by voluntary contribution.

The museum is currently under construction for a new wing and overlay designed by Sir Norman Foster. Some of the exhibits, and the museum library, are closed until the end of the project.

Leave a Comment

Phone: 617 267 9300
Address: 465 Huntington Ave.
Website: http://www.mfa.org

Operating since 1877, the swanboats take you on a 15 minute ride through the pond in the Public Garden. It is surprisingly peaceful, surrounded by ducks and the swans, as the busy traffic speeds close by.

Open from mid-April to mid-September, they run daily, except during bad weather.

Hours are 10-4 through June 21, then 10-5 until Labor Day, then 12-4 through the end of the season.

Fares are $2.50 for adults, $1.00 for children, and $2.00 for seniors.

Leave a Comment

Phone: 617-635-4505
Directions: On Boylston between Arlington and Charles Street
Website: http://www.swanboats.com

Boston Harbor has gone through troubled times, as most of it was unaccessible for many years. The area has been slowly revitalized, and you can now walk a great deal of it. You can start in the North End, near the Bunker Hill Bridge, and watch old men playing boules, then continue around Atlantic Ave. to Christopher Columbus Park, stopping to see the view of the harbor islands, and see the planes take off and land at Logan Airport. From here, you can walk to the Aquarium, where there are several cruise lines in operation. Further along you come to Rowes Wharf, with dinner and show cruise ships, and the Boston Harbor Hotel and Towers, then cross the old Northern Bridge to the Seaport District.

A perfect walk on a beautiful day, you can end with afresh seafood dinner, overlooking the harbor.

Leave a Comment