Cogan Family Foundation Vacation Week Adventures
Travels through Time
Tue–Fri, Apr 17–20 (please note: the Museum is closed Mon, Apr 16)
10 am–4 pm (Wed to 8 pm)
Step back in time and fast forward into the future exploring objects from the past and present. Join a special family-friendly tour, drop-in on a story hour, and create your own art in the galleries. See the schedule on our web calendar.
ASL Interpretation provided Apr 18.
All ages and abilities welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required. FREE admission for kids all week.
(Kids 6 and under always get FREE admission to the MFA, and kids 7 to 17 are free during non-school hours. See Visiting with Kids for more information.)
Special Events
Story Hour, Gallery 274
10:30 am and 1:30 pm; ASL interpretation Wed at 1:30 pm
Drop in to enjoy stories about exciting journeys set in different times and places. Stay for a story or for the whole hour. Great for toddlers.
Children's Tours, Sharf Visitor Center
Every 15 minutes from 10:15 am–Noon; ASL interpretation Wed at 10:15 am.
Travel "over the river and through the woods" on this kid-friendly 30-minute tour of the contemporary collection.
Characters through Time, Alfond Auditorium
11:30 am and 1 pm Tue–Thu; no performance on Friday. ASL interpretation Wed at 11:30 am
Step back in time to meet a historical figure during these 30-minute performances. We welcome new characters Tuesday through Thursday, including a soldier, a slave, and an author.
Tuesday—Joan Gatturna as Deborah Sampson, a woman who fought in the Revolutionary War
Wednesday—Valarie Tutson as Ona Maria Judge, a slave who ran away from President Washington’s house
Thursday—Jan Turnquist as Louisa May Alcott, author of Little Women
Art-Making Activities
10 am–4 pm (until 8 pm on Wed). Drop in to enjoy hands-on activities for all ages.
Majestic Ships, Part I: Drawing, LG28
Imagine the travels you could have in these miniature ships! Pick up drawing materials and create sketches inspired by these amazing ship models.
Majestic Ships, Part II: Collage, Shapiro Family Courtyard
After you create your ship-inspired sketch, turn your drawing into an exciting mixed-media collage!
Future Travels Landscape Painting, Druker Family Pavilion 159 and 160
Discover Impressionist landscape paintings in Gallery 255. Then create your own landscape painting of a place you want to visit one day.
"Close" Portraits, Riley Seminar Room 156
Get inspired by Chuck Close’s portrait Paul IV in Gallery 259. Combine old techniques of silhouette portrait artists and Chuck Close’s grid technique to create your self-portrait.
Game Pieces to Avatars, Gallery 113
Find the ancient game in Gallery 110. Then create your own updated game piece sculpture!
Always Available
Art Connections Cards, Sharf Visitor Center
Pick up an Art Connections card and explore the Museum. Look for cats, dogs, and mythical creatures or choose another theme for your search. Explore “Paper Zoo” with our newest Art Connections card on Pets. Made possible by the Lowell Institute.
MFA Guide, Available at all ticket desks and Sharf Visitor Center
Join Lucia, high school reporter, as she explores the Linde Family Wing for Contemporary Art in the Guide for Kids and Families. Families and kids ages 6 to 10 will enjoy amazing, amusing works of art with Lucia as their guide. Nonmembers $6; Members $5; kids 17 and under $4. MFA Guide is made possible through the generous support of the John W. Henry Family Foundation.
Visiting the MFA with Children, Sharf Visitor Center
Pick up one of our free pocket-sized informational guides on visiting and exploring the Museum with kids. Includes tips for parents, gallery games, and ideas for looking at and discussing art.
Behind the Scenes, Galleries 125 and 225, Art of the Americas Wing
Peek behind the scenes and learn about the hidden work that happens every day at the MFA. Watch a video, try out the interactive kiosks, or just relax and enjoy a view of Boston.
