The Museums of Boston

Museum of Fine Arts

Museum of Fine Arts Exterior Museum of Fine Arts Interior

The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), founded in 1870, is one of the most comprehensive art museums in the United States. Located in the Fenway neighborhood, it houses nearly 500,000 works spanning ancient to contemporary art. The MFA is renowned for its extensive collections of Impressionist paintings, Egyptian artifacts, and Japanese art. It also features masterpieces by Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Monet. The museum’s commitment to education and cultural exchange is evident through its exhibitions, programs, and partnerships. Continually evolving, the MFA remains a vital institution for art lovers, scholars, and the Boston community.

Notable Pieces: Rembrandt, Hassam, and Monet

Artist In His Studio by
Camille Monet and a Child in the Artist's Garden in Argenteuil by Claude Monet At Dusk (Boston Commons) by Childe Hassam

Artist in His Studio by Rembrandt van Rijn

Medium/Technique: Oil on panel, Dimensions: 9 3/4 x 12 1/2in., Collections: Europe, Classifications: Paintings.

Artist in His Studio is a painting by Dutch master Rembrandt van Rijn, created around 1628. This early work captures a young artist standing in a dimly lit studio, contemplating a large canvas. The composition emphasizes the vastness of the workspace, with the artist appearing small in comparison, possibly reflecting the challenges of artistic creation. The painting is notable for its dramatic use of light and shadow, a hallmark of Rembrandt’s style. Housed in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Artist in His Studio offers insight into the introspective and experimental nature of Rembrandt’s early career.

At Dusk (Boston Common at Twilight) by Childe Hassam

Medium/Technique: Oil on canvas, Dimensions: 42 x 60 in., Collections: Americas, Classifications: Paintings.

At Dusk (Boston Common at Twilight) is an Impressionist painting by American artist Childe Hassam, created in 1885–86. It captures a winter evening in Boston Common, with figures strolling along snow-covered paths under the glow of streetlights. Hassam’s use of soft, atmospheric brushstrokes and a muted color palette evokes a sense of quiet elegance and urban charm. The painting reflects his fascination with city life and light effects, influenced by French Impressionism. Now housed in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, At Dusk remains a celebrated example of American Impressionism and Hassam’s poetic vision of Boston’s streetscapes.

Camille Monet and a Child in the Artist's Garden in Argenteuil by Claude Monet

Medium/Technique: Oil on canvas, Dimensions: 21 3/4 x 25 1/2 in., Collections: Europe, Classifications: Paintings.

Camille Monet and a Child in the Artist's Garden in Argenteuil is an Impressionist painting by Claude Monet, created in 1875. The artwork depicts Monet’s wife, Camille, and a child—possibly their son—surrounded by lush flowers in their garden in Argenteuil, a suburban retreat near Paris. Monet’s loose brushstrokes and vibrant color palette capture the fleeting effects of sunlight and movement, hallmarks of Impressionism. The scene reflects his love for nature and family, offering a glimpse into his personal life. Housed in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, this masterpiece exemplifies Monet’s ability to transform everyday moments into poetic beauty.

Hours and Location

465 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115

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