Launch includes debut of audio tours using Knisper software to improve clarity for all users, especially those with hearing loss

BOSTON (October 5, 2023)—The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), has unveiled a new collection of multimedia tours on the free Bloomberg Connects app, a partnership made possible through the support of Bloomberg Philanthropies. MFA Mobile on Bloomberg Connects, available for download from Google Play or the App Store, provides a deep dive into select artworks and exhibitions throughout the Museum, offering rich audio and video content that amplifies visitors’ in-gallery experiences and can also be explored at home.

On Bloomberg Connects, visitors can discover multimedia tours for exhibitions like Fashioned by Sargent—the first to examine the complex relationship between John Singer Sargent’s iconic portraits and fashion. Through speakers such as exhibition curator Erica Hirshler, contemporary artist Jas Knight, costume professional Penny Pinette and Paul Fisher, Professor of American Studies at Wellesley College, the multimedia tour gives new insight into John Singer Sargent’s creative practice—from painting style and technique to perspectives on gender and class.

Also available is an audio tour for Strong Women in Renaissance Italy—an exhibition exploring the lives and experiences of women in Renaissance Italy through works from the 14th to the early 17th century. Reflections on the exhibition by curators Marietta Cambareri, Victoria Reed and Simona Di Nepi; MFA conservators and Wellesley College Professor Jacqueline Marie Musacchio offer a new perspective on female creativity, power and agency.

Additional MFA content on Bloomberg Connects includes tours dedicated to Art and Jazz; Art of Ancient Greece, Rome, and the Byzantine Empire; and Masterpieces of Egyptian Sculpture from the Pyramid Age; as well “Translating Stories,” which features audio stops in the Art of the Americas Wing spoken in English, Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, as well as Wabanaki, a Native language of this region.

MFA Mobile supports the Museum’s accessibility efforts, providing text transcripts and audio descriptions of artworks for visitors who are blind or have low vision. Additionally, a new partnership with Audus Technologies uses their Knisper software to make voices clearer and easier to understand, particularly for individuals who are hard of hearing. The MFA is the first museum in the U.S. to deploy Knisper’s software in its mobile tours, allowing hearing impaired visitors to better enjoy the Museum’s art collection through audio stops.

“I want to thank Bloomberg Philanthropies and Bloomberg Connects for making MFA Mobile possible,” said Matthew Teitelbaum, Ann and Graham Gund Director. “Each stop on MFA Mobile offers an unexpected way for visitors to engage with a work of art, and a new opportunity to make a connection. By offering access to the diverse stories of our community on MFA Mobile, we hope to share the excitement we feel as we interact with these objects every day.”

About the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

The MFA brings many worlds together through art. Showcasing masterpieces from ancient to modern, our renowned collection of nearly 500,000 works tells a multifaceted story of the human experience—a story that holds unique meaning for everyone. From Boston locals to international travelers, visitors from across the globe come to experience the MFA. Through both art and audience, the Museum brings together diverse perspectives—revealing connections, exploring differences, creating a community where all belong.

Open six days a week, the MFA’s hours are Saturday through Monday, 10 am–5 pm; Wednesday, 10 am–5 pm; and Thursday–Friday, 10 am–10 pm. Plan your visit at mfa.org.

More about Bloomberg Connects

Bloomberg Philanthropies launched the Bloomberg Connects app in October 2019. A free digital guide to cultural organizations around the world, Bloomberg Connects makes it easy to access and engage with arts and culture from mobile devices, anytime, anywhere. The app offers the ability to learn about current exhibitions at a portfolio of participating cultural partners through dynamic content exclusive to each organization. Features include expert commentary, video highlights, pinch-and-zoom capability and exhibition and way-finding maps.

More about Bloomberg Philanthropies

Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in more than 570 cities and over 160 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on five key areas for creating lasting change: the Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s giving, including his foundation and personal philanthropy as well as Bloomberg Associates, a pro bono consultancy that works in cities around the world. In 2019, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $3.3 billion. For more information, please visit bloomberg.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter and TikTok.

More about Audus Technologies

Audus Technologies, based in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, is committed to improving the quality of the lives of those who are experiencing some form of hearing loss. Hearing loss distorts people's ability to communicate and therefore to connect with their family, friends and coworkers. It can result in social exclusion, miscommunication and lower productivity. Knisper software helps people who are experiencing hearing loss to continue to be able to communicate with others and in doing so improve the quality of their lives dramatically. Knisper software is available for broadcast, telco and workspace solutions.