Licensing Frequently Asked Questions
What photo materials are available?
For all reproduction requests for images of objects in the MFA’s collection, the following MFA-authorized photo materials may be available:
- High-resolution digital file (via online download or FTP transfer): $50 each
- Black-and-white prints: $25 each, plus shipping
How should I submit my request?
You must submit a written request through one of the following methods:
Placing your order online ensures that we have all of the information necessary to process your request and avoids delays.
What is the image licensing process?
- Place your order using our Online Reproduction Request Form and include all relevant usage details. Requests submitted with missing information are subject to delay.
- Upon MFA review, you will be sent a fee quote for photo materials and for any applicable reproduction fees within two to three weeks.
- Upon acceptance of the quoted fees, you will receive an MFA Media License and invoice via e-mail.
- The MFA must receive your confirmation of fees, payment, and the signed MFA Media License before photo materials are delivered. Upon receipt of the signed MFA Media License and payment, the photo materials will be delivered within three business days via online download.
How much does it cost to license an image?
- Reproduction fees are based on the specifications of your project provided on the order form.
- You will be contacted via e-mail within two to three weeks with a fee quote.
What forms of payment do you accept?
-
- Credit card (American Express, Visa, or MasterCard)
- Check made out to Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Check must be drawn from an American bank and mailed to:
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Rights & Licensing
465 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
USA - International wire transfer. An additional $25 fee will apply.
- PayPal. An additional fee will apply.
Do you have a rush service available?
Yes! One-week processing upon fee confirmation is available for an additional $250 fee. Please check “Yes” on the top of the Online Reproduction Request Form if you are interested in the rush option.
What credit line should I use when publishing the MFA image I have obtained from you?
The required credit line for each object can be found on your MFA Media License, under the heading ART OBJECT. It should be followed by:
Photograph © [date of publication] Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Where should I send my printed color proofs and gratis copy of my publication?
Proofs and gratis copies should be sent to the address below. We are able to comment on color proofs within one business day.
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Rights & Licensing
465 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
USA
There is no photograph shown on your website of the object I am interested in. What does that mean?
It is possible that, due to copyright restrictions, the image may not be displayed online. It is also possible that photography is not available at this time of the object. Once we receive your order, we will contact you with specific details about the object in question.
Can I request new photography of an object in your collection?
Yes! You can commission new photography of objects in our collection. Please contact us for more details. Please note that new photograph can take four to six weeks and is contingent upon approval from our curatorial staff.
Can I use one of your images on the cover of my book?
Yes! Please place your order using our Online Reproduction Request Form to request the image and submit a cover layout for approval.
I scanned an image of an MFA object from my textbook. Can I publish it?
The MFA does not authorize the reproduction of images that have been obtained from books, websites, or any other institution other than the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. If you would like to reproduce an image of an object in our collection, please place your order using our Online Reproduction Request Form to obtain a publication-quality image and permission.
I took a photo of an object on display during my last visit to the MFA Boston, can I publish it?
Still photography and video taken from a handheld device of objects in the permanent collection are permitted for personal, non-distributional, and non-commercial use only. If you would like to reproduce an image of an object in our collection, please place your order using our Online Reproduction Request Form to obtain publication quality images and permission directly from us.
I need to submit a CMYK color separated file to my publisher, can you provide that?
Yes! When placing your order, please include the following details in the order:
Ink Colors (choose from AD-LITHO, Dianippon Ink, Eurostandard, SWOP, or Toyo Inks)
Dot Gain (%)
Separation Type (choose from GCR or UCR)
Black Generation (choose from none, light, medium, heavy, or max)
Black Ink Limit (%)
Total Ink Limit (%)
UCA Amount (%)
I paid to use an MFA Boston image in my project, but no longer need the image. Can I get a refund?
No, photo material fees apply whether or not you use the images.
Questions about copyright
The MFA makes no representation that it is the owner of the copyright of the art object depicted in the photo materials and assumes no responsibility for any claims by third parties arising out of your use of the photo materials. You must obtain all other permissions required for your use of the art object and the photo materials. For additional information about copyright, visit the website of the US Copyright Office.