BOSTON (August 27, 2018)—The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), is expanding its engagement with the college community this fall through enhanced student programs and a newly hired Head of Academic Engagement, Dalia Habib Linssen. With nearly 50 university partners and 15 Pozen Community College Access Program participants in Massachusetts, the MFA offers college students the unique opportunity to learn from artworks that span a range of cultures and time periods—from ancient to contemporary. In her new role, Linssen will work with students and faculty to encourage attendance and curricular integration, while also developing new programs and activities in collaboration with the academic community. New initiatives, such as the expansion of the University Membership Program to include faculty and staff as well as the endowment of the Pozen Community College Access Program, will strengthen the MFA’s ties to institutions across the city and around the Commonwealth. Additionally, popular benefits—such as discounted tickets to films, lectures and concerts— will also be expanded, giving students better access to the wealth of programming available at the MFA. Part of MFA 2020, the Museum’s visitor-focused strategic plan, these new programs and initiatives will encourage the next generation of museum goers to make connections throughout more than 140 galleries at the MFA.

“The Boston area is unique in its concentration of academic institutions and we want all college and university students to think of the MFA as their own,” said Katie Getchell, Chief Brand Officer, Deputy Director. “As the new academic year begins, we’re renewing our commitment to serving as a resource for students across the Commonwealth by hiring Dalia and expanding access to the Museum and our programs for both University Members and the Pozen Community College Access Program partners. We hope to engage college and university students as museum-goers during their time in the Boston area, and inspire them to be ambassadors for life.”

With extensive experience teaching at the college level and working in museums in a variety of capacities, Linssen holds both a doctorate in art history and a Certificate in Museum Studies from Boston University. Since 2010, she has taught at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) as Senior Lecturer and Guest Critic in the History of Art and Visual Culture Department, making regular use of the RISD Museum with her students. She has also held positions at the Addison Gallery of American Art, SFMOMA and the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis.

“I’ve found that getting out of the classroom to teach from original works of art sparks students’ curiosity while inviting fresh perspectives and unexpected connections across disciplines and time periods,” said Dalia Habib Linssen, Head of Academic Engagement. “I’m excited to draw upon the MFA’s outstanding staff, exhibitions and collections in exploring the power of art to deepen learning, research and social engagement.”

Entering its second year, the Pozen Community College Access Program offers free admission to students, faculty and staff from community colleges across the Commonwealth. Museum admission is available for 15 schools in 24 locations—a network that comprises the Massachusetts Community College system. University Member and community college classes and student groups may now also arrange for guided tours free of charge by booking online four weeks in advance of their visit.

The MFA’s University Membership Program has also recently expanded its benefits, and now includes free admission for faculty and staff as well as students at almost 50 universities in Massachusetts. Free admission for faculty and staff is also now included in the Lunder Maine Student Membership Program and McLane Family New Hampshire Student Membership Program, which provide free admission for students attending New Hampshire and Maine colleges and universities, as well as undergraduate students who reside in New Hampshire and Maine but attend school out of state. Nationwide students not enrolled in a University Membership Program school are eligible for $30 off a one-year membership.

Also new this year is an expanded student discount program, which offers University Members and Pozen Community College Access Program participants $5 tickets for regularly priced films, lectures and concerts, and $10 tickets for Ruth and Carl J. Shapiro Celebrity Lectures and special film screenings—from a concert with Layla McCalla on October 11 to February’s Boston Festival of Films from Japan to a calendar year of compelling talks with leading academics and thinkers. Tickets are available day-of, in person only, pending availability. Valid student ID required, limit of one ticket per ID, with some programs excluded.

All benefits described above will be available as of September 1, 2018.

Pozen Community College Access Program is made possible by Liz and Bob Pozen.

The Lunder Maine Student Membership Program at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston is generously funded by The Lunder Foundation.

The McLane Family New Hampshire Student Membership Program allows New Hampshire students of all ages in public and private school, as well as those who are home schooled, to visit the Museum free of charge.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), is recognized for the quality and scope of its collection, representing all cultures and time periods. The Museum has more than 140 galleries displaying its encyclopedic collection, which includes Art of the Americas; Art of Europe; Contemporary Art; Art of Asia; Art of Africa and Oceania; Art of Ancient Greece and Rome; Art of Ancient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East; Prints and Drawings; Photography; Textile and Fashion Arts; and Musical Instruments. Open seven days a week, the MFA’s hours are Saturday through Tuesday, 10 am–5 pm; and Wednesday through Friday, 10 am–10 pm. Admission (which includes one repeat visit within 10 days) is $25 for adults and $23 for seniors and students age 18 and older, and includes entry to all galleries and special exhibitions. Admission is free for University Members and youths age 17 and younger. Wednesday nights after 4 pm admission is by voluntary contribution (suggested donation $25), while five Open Houses offer the opportunity to visit the Museum for free. The Museum’s mobile MFA Guide is available at ticket desks and the Sharf Visitor Center for $5, members; $6, non-members; and $4, youths. The Museum is closed on New Year’s Day, Patriots’ Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The MFA is located on the Avenue of the Arts at 465 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115. For more information, call 617.267.9300, visit mfa.org or follow the MFA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

###