The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, began collecting works of art in 1870 with the acquisition of Elijah in the Desert, by Washington Allston (70.1), as a gift from Mrs. Samuel and Miss Alice Hooper. Since then, the Museum has continued to enhance the quality and distinction of the collection through the acquisition of important works of art by gift, purchase, and bequest.

The generous donation of works of art formed the foundation of the collection in the Museum’s early history. Such generosity endures, as recent gifts continue to add strength and scope to the MFA’s collection today. Learn more about giving to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

Click on any of the links below to see selections of the recent acquisitions from each of the MFA’s curatorial collections:

Director’s choice of highlights
Recent Acquisitions in the Art of Asia, Oceania, and Africa
Recent Acquisitions in the Art of the Ancient World
Recent Acquisitions in the Art of the Americas
Recent Acquisitions in the Art of Europe
Recent Acquisitions in Contemporary Art
Recent Acquisitions in Musical Instruments
Recent Acquisitions in Prints, Drawings, and Photographs
Recent Acquisitions in Textile and Fashion Arts

View a complete list of recent acquisitions at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

Visit the Sharf Visitor Center on your next visit to the MFA to learn where you can find some of these exciting new acquisitions on view in our galleries!