In the still life paintings of Dutch artist Rachel Ruysch (1664–1750), floral and fruit arrangements appear alive and rich with movement. These...
October 15–November 5, 2025
Rachel Ruysch: Art, Science, and Society
Rachel Ruysch, A Still Life of Flowers in a Glass Vase on a Marble Table before a Niche (detail), 1742. Oil on panel. Museum purchase with funds donated by Rose-Marie and Eijk van Otterloo, in support of the Center for Netherlandish Art.
Rachel Ruysch, A Still Life of Flowers in a Glass Vase on a Marble Table before a Niche (detail), 1742. Oil on panel. Museum purchase with funds donated by Rose-Marie and Eijk van Otterloo, in support of the Center for Netherlandish Art.
Discover the groundbreaking work of Rachel Ruysch, a pioneering still life painter whose lush compositions bring together the worlds of art, botany, and early modern science. Explore how Ruysch’s work emerged from and contributed to a vibrant cultural moment in the Netherlands—one shaped by scientific discovery, artistic innovation, and shifting roles for women. In this course, inspired by the exhibition “Rachel Ruysch: Artist, Naturalist, and Pioneer,” join curators and scholars to uncover how the artist’s exquisite paintings reflect global networks, microcosmic ideas, and the flourishing intersection of knowledge, beauty, and commerce in 17th- and 18th-century Europe.
Ticket Packages
Purchase the discounted four-session course package. Please note that this course package is not available after the date of the first session.
Tickets (Member / Nonmember)
In-Person $96/$120
Online $52/$68
In-Person Package Livestream Package
For more information and to purchase tickets for individual sessions, select from the section below.
Upcoming Events
Lecture
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
1:00 pm–2:30 pm
The popular term “renaissance man,” meaning a person with extensive knowledge, is rooted in the richly interdisciplinary world of the early modern era...
Lecture
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
1:00 pm–2:30 pm
Visually compelling depictions of flora and fauna by Rachel Ruysch and her contemporaries not only demonstrate virtuosic artistic talents, they also...
Lecture
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
1:00 pm–2:30 pm
How does Rachel Ruysch’s work illuminate the rich history of flower painting in the Netherlands? What ties can be drawn between her still lifes and...
Ticket Information
To order tickets by phone, call 1-800-440-6975 ($6 processing fee applies); to order in person, visit any MFA ticket desk.
Livestream Tickets
The livestream ticket gives access to a live feed of the event that can be watched remotely. You must be logged in to the account used to purchase the ticket in order to access the livestream on the Video Content page. Please log in at least 5 minutes before the start of the event to test your connection.
Livestream ticket holders must watch the event live; there is no recording of the event available for viewing at a later time.
Bag Checks
All bags are subject to inspection by Museum staff. Backpacks, large bags, all liquids including hand sanitizer and sunscreen, and outside food or drink are not permitted. Exceptions are made for medical or religious needs. All bags are strongly discouraged, and any bags larger than 11” x 15” must be checked in the Coat Room upon entry. Read our full bag check policy.