MFA 2020, the Museum’s three-year strategic plan, was launched in June 2017. In the plan’s first year, the generosity of MFA Patrons shines through in multiple initiatives, demonstrating that Patron support is essential to helping the MFA realize its vision:

Collect Purposefully

Collaborate Generously

Invite Boldly

Welcome Warmly

Engage Deeply

A Historic, Generous Gift

The MFA recently announced that Patrons and longtime MFA supporters, Rose-Marie and Eijk van Otterloo and Susan and Matthew Weatherbie, have made a commitment to give their exceptional collections of 17th-century Dutch and Flemish art to the Museum—a donation that constitutes the largest gift of European paintings in MFA history.

The gifts include not only their art collections, but also a major research library and funding to establish a Center for Netherlandish Art, the first of its kind in the US. Collaboration across disciplines, partnerships with a wide range of institutions, and mentorship opportunities—all areas of emphasis in MFA 2020—will be a major focus of the Center.

Fresh Perspectives and New Voices

Several initiatives are helping the MFA achieve important MFA 2020 goals of adding fresh perspectives, personal narratives, and new voices to the MFA community.

MFA Late Nites is a new series of after-hours celebrations connecting visitors to the Museum through art making, live music and performance, and unique food and drink experiences. The first Late Nite was held on Friday, October 13, to the delight of more than 4,000 visitors! The next Late Nite will be Saturday, March 3, 2018. MFA Late Nites is generously supported by Trustee Dr. Jeff Leiden and his wife Lisa, who are MFA Patrons.

Starting in July 2017, the MFA began welcoming newly naturalized US citizens living in Massachusetts with complimentary one-year family memberships through a program called MFA Citizens. Today our MFA Citizens come from 59 different countries. This program is generously supported by MFA Patrons Larry and Atsuko Fish.

The Massachusetts Community College Access Pass program, a pilot initiative made possible by MFA Patrons Liz and Bob Pozen, serves as a first step in exploring ways for the MFA to invite and welcome the 15 schools that comprise the Massachusetts Community College system, providing free admission to students, faculty, and staff.

These programs and others provide greater accessibility to the MFA’s extraordinary exhibitions and collections, expanding and diversifying our audience with the goal of ensuring that all visitors think of the MFA as their museum, just as you do as Patrons.

Thank you all for your generous support of the MFA and its exciting new strategic initiatives and programs. You are key to its success!

By Dorene McCourt, Patron Committee member