10:00 am–10:00 pm
Visit the MFA on Friday, July 12, to enjoy free admission during Highland Street Foundation Free Fun Friday! Participate in hands-on art-making activities, join engaging tours, and see thought-provoking exhibitions—all for free.
Check out this year’s Community Arts Initiative Artist Project, “Mindful Mandalas,” a collaborative work of art created by students from Boston neighborhoods. And don’t miss “Toulouse-Lautrec and the Stars of Paris” and “Gender Bending Fashion.”
The MFA is one of 100 cultural venues from around the state offering free admission this summer, thanks to support of the Highland Street Foundation. Learn more about Free Fun Fridays.
Art-Making Activities
Abstract Art
9:30 am–2 pm, Huntington Avenue Lawn
Drop in to create a miniature abstract painting inspired by the work of Jackson Pollock. Inside the Museum, take a look at Mural, the largest painting Pollock ever made, on view in Gallery 155.
10–10:30 am and 1–1:30 pm
Summer Lanterns
10 am–4 pm, Education Center in the Druker Family Pavilion, Room 159
In Gallery 232, find the painting Study for Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose, by John Singer Sargent. In it, there’s a girl with a paper lantern. Come to Room 159 and make your own paper lantern to celebrate the beautiful summer weather.
1–1:30 and 2:30–3 pm
Tours and Walks
Family Art Walks: Summertime Magic
10:45 am, 12:15 and 1:45 pm, Meet at Sharf Visitor Center
Summer can be a magical time to spend outdoors. Join MFA educators for a walk through the galleries to find depictions of summertime in art!
Guided Highlights Tours
Meet at Sharf Visitor Center
10:30–11:30 am | Highlights of the Museum Collections
11–11:30 am | Three Masterpieces in Asia
11:30 am–12:30 pm | Art of the Americas
Noon–12:45 pm | Introduction to the Contemporary Collection
12:30–1 pm | 3 in 30 Minutes
1–2 pm | Art of the Ancient World
2–3 pm | Art of Europe
3–4 pm | Art of the Americas
4–5 pm | Art of Europe
5–6 pm | Highlights of the Museum Collection
Gallery Activities
Artist Toolbox Carts
11 am–4 pm
Painting | Gallery 242
Marble Sculpture | Gallery 233
Discover how artists turn a blank canvas into a finished painting or transform a block of stone into a sculpture. Drop by and handle the tools and materials that artists use. Ask questions and discuss techniques.
10–10:30 am and 2:30–3 pm
Family Art Cart
10 am–4 pm, Shapiro Family Courtyard
Explore the Museum with one of our family-friendly tote bags, includes sketchpad and colored pencils. Choose from a variety of self-guided activities, such as puzzles and scavenger hunts!
Additional family resources are available at Sharf Visitor Center including Art Connections Activity Cards in English and Spanish; MFA Guide Kids’ Tour; and Materials Bingo.
Dining Options
MFA Sidewalk Cafe $
11 am–8 pm, Huntington Avenue Entrance
An outdoor spot to purchase snacks and beverages. Weather permitting.
Garden Cafeteria $
10 am–4 pm, Linde Family Wing for Contemporary Art, Level G
Perfect for families: a comfortable cafeteria offering a salad bar, pizza, sandwiches, snacks, and desserts. Enjoy outdoor eating if the weather is nice!
Taste Café and Wine Bar $
10 am–9 pm, Linde Family Wing for Contemporary Art, Level 1
Coffee, espresso, tea, and wine, as well as sandwiches, salads, and artisanal desserts.
New American Café $$
10 am–8 pm (lunch service begins at 11:30 am), Shapiro Family Courtyard
Tableside service in the MFA’s glass-enclosed courtyard, featuring dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients. Choose from a wide selection of hot and cold small plates, entrées, and salads.
465 Bar and Restaurant $$$
Opens July 10, 11:30 am–10 pm (last seating 8:30 pm)
The MFA’s newest dining venue features executive chef Brian Flagg’s seasonal menu emphasizing fresh local ingredients, with an environmentally friendly and innovative root-to-stalk approach.
Additional Information
Accessibility
The MFA is committed to accessibility for all visitors. For information, visit Accessibility, e-mail access@mfa.org, or call 617-267-9300 or 617-369-3188 (TTY). Wheelchairs and walkers are available at all entrances, first come, first served.
Tickets
Tickets are required for free Museum admission, available at all ticket desks.
Groups
Given the popularity of Free Fun Fridays, we recommend groups opt to visit on another day to fully enjoy all the MFA has to offer. For more information, please follow these links: Adult and University Groups; School Group Visits; Nonprofit Agencies and Community Organizations.
However, if you would like to visit as a group on Free Fun Friday, July 12, help us serve you better by completing the group visit request form.
Parking
On-site parking at the Museum can fill up quickly—especially during popular exhibitions, holidays, and free days—we encourage you to take advantage of public transportation. Visit Getting Here for more information.
There will be no bus parking on July 12.
Sponsors
Made possible though the support of Highland Street Foundation.