BOSTON—A museum in one of America’s most historic cities will celebrate the opening of a new wing by giving free admission for a day.
On Saturday, Nov. 20, Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) will open its new “Art of the Americas Wing” to the public. In celebration, on that day, admission will be free for all.
The MFA is one of the largest museums in America. Founded in 1870, the museum is home to more than 450,000 objects that represent all periods and cultures. The construction of the new wing increased the size of the building by 28 percent from 483,447 square feet to 616,937 square feet.
The new wing now houses more then 5,000 works from the museum’s American collections.
According to an MFA press release, “It represents the most expansive initiative focused on American art and culture happening in the world today, broadening the definition to include works from North, Central, and South America that span the course of three millennia, up to the late 20th century.”
On Saturday, Nov. 20, Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) will open its new “Art of the Americas Wing” to the public. In celebration, on that day, admission will be free for all.
The MFA is one of the largest museums in America. Founded in 1870, the museum is home to more than 450,000 objects that represent all periods and cultures. The construction of the new wing increased the size of the building by 28 percent from 483,447 square feet to 616,937 square feet.
The new wing now houses more then 5,000 works from the museum’s American collections.
According to an MFA press release, “It represents the most expansive initiative focused on American art and culture happening in the world today, broadening the definition to include works from North, Central, and South America that span the course of three millennia, up to the late 20th century.”
“These beautifully designed spaces enrich the visitor experience and set a dramatic stage for the museum’s Art of the America collections in a unique setting—Boston—where much of this country’s history took shape,” said Malcolm Rogers, director of the museum since 1994, in a statement.
On Nov. 12, trustees and guests were invited to the museum for a preview of the new wing. Among honored guests and speakers were Sen. Scott Brown (R-Mass.), Rep. Michael Capuano (D-Mass.), and Boston’s Mayor Thomas Menino.
Dignitaries of the Americas were also in attendance, including representatives from Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile. Other international dignitaries included representatives from the countries of Germany, Italy, Portugal, Great Britain, Ireland, and Turkey.
“It is truly remarkable, for somebody that comes from a family of artists to be able to go through those doors and be part of history; it is something in my wildest dreams I never would have imagined I would have had the opportunity to do,” said Sen. Brown during the event.
On Nov. 12, trustees and guests were invited to the museum for a preview of the new wing. Among honored guests and speakers were Sen. Scott Brown (R-Mass.), Rep. Michael Capuano (D-Mass.), and Boston’s Mayor Thomas Menino.
Dignitaries of the Americas were also in attendance, including representatives from Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile. Other international dignitaries included representatives from the countries of Germany, Italy, Portugal, Great Britain, Ireland, and Turkey.
“It is truly remarkable, for somebody that comes from a family of artists to be able to go through those doors and be part of history; it is something in my wildest dreams I never would have imagined I would have had the opportunity to do,” said Sen. Brown during the event.
Mayor Menino proudly presented a proclamation to the MFA and proclaimed Nov. 20 to be MFA day. To celebrate, the mayor announced that on this day there would be a free community day open to the public.
“I also want to thank all of you for the commitment to nourishing the minds and the spirits, to promoting cultural diversity, an understanding that’s so important,“ said Mayor Menino. ”To fostering an appreciation of history, science, the arts.”
The opening ceremony will take place on Nov. 20 at 10:30 a.m. in the museum’s Shapiro Family Courtyard.
“I also want to thank all of you for the commitment to nourishing the minds and the spirits, to promoting cultural diversity, an understanding that’s so important,“ said Mayor Menino. ”To fostering an appreciation of history, science, the arts.”
The opening ceremony will take place on Nov. 20 at 10:30 a.m. in the museum’s Shapiro Family Courtyard.
