We’re thrilled to welcome you and your group back to the MFA! It has been a while, so please review these resources and tips. You may find answers to some questions and we hope the information helps make your group’s visit smooth and inspiring. If you need to change your reservation or are running late, please contact MFA Group Experience at 617-369-3310 or groups@mfa.org.
Getting Here
When You Get Here
Inside the Museum
Tips for Your Visit
Reporting Urgent Issues
Before Your Group Visit
- Visit current and upcoming exhibitions to help plan your visit.
- If you have specific artworks in mind to see or have planned activities, it’s a good idea to check Gallery Updates close to your visit date to find out about any gallery changes or closures.
- If you plan an activity for your group, bring the following supplies: pencils (no pens or markers), writing boards, paper, or notebooks.
- Plan to divide into smaller groups for the visit. For safety and ease of movement through the galleries, School/Youth groups must have at least one adult chaperone per small group of 12 or fewer students.
Getting Here
- Free bus parking is available in the bus lot adjacent to the Schools and Groups Entrance on a first-come, first-served basis.
- If arriving by MBTA or by car, visit Getting Here for more information.
When You Get Here
- Groups enter through the Schools and Groups Entrance on Museum Road, around the corner from the main entrance, on the west side of the building.
- Arrive a few minutes before your scheduled time. MFA staff will greet groups outside and assist with the entrance process and guidance on payment if necessary. Plan to wait outside briefly before entering. (Access groups enter immediately on arrival.)
- Groups scheduled for guided field trips arriving more than 30 minutes late will convert to self-guided field trips.
- For University Member groups, late arrivals should enter through the Huntington Avenue Entrance and coordinate a meeting place directly with their faculty member or other university group leader.
Inside the Museum
Belongings
MFA Staff will assist with storing coats, large bags, and backpacks in bins for each group inside the Schools and Groups Entrance. Medical bags will be labeled by MFA staff and may be carried in the Museum galleries.
Outdoor Lunch Only
Unfortunately, the MFA is not currently able to accommodate indoor lunch. Groups are welcome to utilize outdoor lawn areas (weather permitting).
Restrooms
A large number of restrooms are located on Level G below the Sharf Visitor Center, including two everyone or single-occupancy restrooms. The number of restrooms available near the Schools and Groups Entrance is limited.
Accessibility
The Schools and Groups Entrance is accessible with a level entrance. The MFA galleries, dining options, and shops are all accessible. More information can be found at Accessibility. For questions or any accessibility accommodations such as Assistive Listening Devices, ASL interpretation, please contact access@mfa.org.
Tips for Your Visit
Below is some information to help you have a great visit at the MFA.
- Have fun visiting the galleries, looking closely, and having conversations about the artwork.
- To keep the art safe, stay at least an arm's length (about 12 inches) from the art.
- Do not eat or drink in the galleries.
- Please walk, don’t run, in the galleries.
- Feel free to take photos unless a “no photos” sign is posted. No flashes or selfie-sticks, please.
- Security guards walk on routes throughout the Museum to keep visitors and the artwork safe and are here to help.
Reporting Urgent Issues
The MFA is committed to being a place where everyone belongs and does not tolerate acts of harassment or harmful behavior. To report an urgent issue or complaint, or if you encounter harassment or discrimination, please call MFA Group Experience at 617-369-3310 or return to the Schools and Groups Entrance so that we can address the matter.
For medical or safety emergencies, call MFA Protective Services at 617-369-3236.