College and University Programs

The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, welcomes higher education audiences to engage deeply with its collections, programs, and spaces. Whether connecting with the Museum as part of a class or with friends and family, the MFA offers many ways to deepen learning, inspire curiosity, and connect with others.

Student Opportunities

There are many ways to become more involved with the MFA. Consider applying for an internship or staff position, and learn more about MFA Ambassadors.

Research

Looking for information about works of art in the MFA’s collections? Search our collections database and library of videos.

Events for College Students, Faculty, and Staff

Spotlight Talk

Conservation Spotlight Talk: Van Gogh’s Technique

Thursday, August 14, 2025
5:30 pm–6:00 pm

Meet in Sharf Visitor Center

In Person
Spotlight Talk

Conservation Spotlight Talk: Japanese Swords

Friday, August 15, 2025
4:00 pm–4:30 pm

Meet in Sharf Visitor Center

In Person
Spotlight Talk

Conservation Spotlight Talk: Japanese Swords

Friday, August 15, 2025
5:00 pm–5:30 pm

Meet in Sharf Visitor Center

In Person
Spotlight Talk

Conservation Spotlight Talk: Van Gogh’s Technique

Saturday, August 16, 2025
1:30 pm–2:00 pm

Meet in Sharf Visitor Center

In Person
Guided Tour

Conservation Up Close: Medieval Made Modern

Thursday, August 21, 2025
4:00 pm–4:40 pm

Meet in Sharf Visitor Center

In Person
Guided Tour

Conservation Up Close: Medieval Made Modern

Thursday, August 21, 2025
6:00 pm–6:40 pm

Meet in Sharf Visitor Center

In Person
Guided Tour

Conservation Up Close: Calligraphic Drawing

Friday, August 22, 2025
5:00 pm–5:40 pm

Meet in Sharf Visitor Center

In Person
Guided Tour

Conservation Up Close: Calligraphic Drawing

Friday, August 22, 2025
6:00 pm–6:40 pm

Meet in Sharf Visitor Center

In Person
Spotlight Talk

Conservation Spotlight Talk: Japanese Buddhist Sculptures

Friday, September 5, 2025
4:00 pm–4:30 pm

Meet in Sharf Visitor Center

In Person
Spotlight Talk

Conservation Spotlight Talk: Japanese Buddhist Sculptures

Friday, September 12, 2025
5:00 pm–5:30 pm

Meet in Sharf Visitor Center

In Person
Distance Learning

World Religions in Art: Hinduism

Thursday, October 16, 2025
1:10 pm–1:50 pm

Recommended for Grades 6–12 and College/University students

Online
Distance Learning

Contemporary Native American Art

Thursday, November 6, 2025
1:10 pm–1:50 pm

Recommended for Grades 6-12 and College/University Students

Online
Educator Workshops

Teaching with Jewish Ritual Art: Intentional Beauty across Global Communities

Thursday, November 6, 2025
4:30 pm–6:30 pm

Recommended for K–12 educators and college faculty

In Person
Distance Learning

World Religions in Art: Buddhism

Monday, November 17, 2025
12:10 pm–12:50 pm

Recommended for Grades 6–12 and College/University students

Online
Distance Learning

World Religions in Art: Judaism

Thursday, January 22, 2026
1:10 pm–1:50 pm

Recommended for Grades 6–12 and College/University students

Online
Distance Learning

World Religions in Art: Christianity

Monday, February 9, 2026
1:10 pm–1:50 pm

Recommended for Grades 6–12 and College/University students

Online
Educator Workshops

Teaching with Hindu Art: Depictions of the Divine in Prints, Paintings, and Sculptures

Thursday, March 26, 2026
4:30 pm–6:30 pm

Recommended for K–12 educators and college faculty

In Person
Distance Learning

World Religions in Art: Islam

Tuesday, March 31, 2026
10:10 am–10:50 am

Recommended for Grades 6–12 and College/University students

Online

Visiting the Museum

The MFA offers many opportunities to learn, unwind, and connect with others through exhibitions, programs, and social events.

A College Student’s Guide to the MFA

Designed with college students in mind, check out these tips for exploring the MFA in person and remotely while learning about how museums operate.

Museum Admission and Discounts

University Membership Program

The University Membership Program offers free ticketed admission to students, faculty, and staff with a valid ID from participating colleges and universities in Massachusetts.

Interested in learning more about how your institution can participate in the University Membership Program? Contact us at [email protected] or 617-369-4136.

Pozen Community College Access Program

The Pozen Community College Access Program offers free ticketed admission to students, faculty, and staff with valid ID from community colleges across the Commonwealth. Museum admission is available for 15 schools, in 24 locations, that comprise the Massachusetts Community College System.

New Hampshire and Maine Colleges and Universities

Students, faculty, and staff attending New Hampshire and Maine colleges and universities are eligible for free ticketed admission with a valid ID. In addition, undergraduate students from New Hampshire and Maine attending school in other states are also eligible for free ticketed admission with a valid student ID and a proof of residence. Free admission is generously provided by the Lunder Maine Student Membership Program and the McLane Family New Hampshire Student Membership Program.

Group Visits

Self-guided visits are available for college groups that are part of the University Members program. To learn more and to reserve your group visit, see University Member Group Visits.

Sponsors

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.

“Fabric of a Nation” Resource Guide

Featuring key works, quotes, and discussion questions drawn from “Fabric of a Nation,” this online thematic resource guide was designed for students and educators to explore the art of quilt making as an instrument of social change, storytelling, and artistic craft.

Stay Informed!

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College Students Respond to the Collection

These insightful essays by the MFA Ambassadors, the Museum's group of work-study college students, present new, unexpected, and thoughtful perspectives on some familiar works found throughout the Museum’s galleries.

Read the Essays