Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (must see)

The Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) is a world-renowned institution, showcasing a rich collection that includes Mario Testino's inaugural U.S. photography exhibit and an impressive permanent collection featuring artworks by luminaries such as Renoir and Van Gogh. Every year, over a million visitors are drawn to this Neoclassical marvel to explore an array of art, spanning from contemporary to Egyptian and Asian, among other genres.

The foundation of the MFA's collection, totaling around 450,000 objects, was established through various means, including paintings and sculptures from the Boston Athenæum, historical portraits from the city of Boston, and contributions from local universities. Notable highlights encompass over 70 works by John Singleton Copley, major pieces by artists like Winslow Homer, John Singer Sargent, Fitz Henry Lane, and Edward Hopper, as well as a diverse range of American art, from New England folk art and Colonial portraiture to the abstract expressionism of 1950s and 1960s New York.

The museum's contemporary wing, housed in the striking I. M. Pei-designed building, showcases art that pushes boundaries, adding a touch of avant-garde to this traditionally inclined city. Meanwhile, within the Art of the Americas wing, a glass-enclosed courtyard hosts the New American Café, one of the four dining options available on-site.

On Wednesdays, admission is free after 4 PM, and your ticket grants a $2 discount at the nearby Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum within two days of your visit.

Tip:
Choose a pleasant day to visit, as the Japanese gardens offer a serene setting to contemplate the MFA's masterpieces.
To save time, purchase your tickets online in advance, as lines can get quite long.
Note that the museum requires you to check any bag larger than 11 inches by 15 inches, including purses.