Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts is the outstanding location for this year’s reception. MFA is one of the top art museums in the world with a collection that encompasses nearly 450,000 objects representing all periods and cultures. During the reception, you will be able to walk through the Museum, looking at the artwork and enjoying this magnificent building while it is open only to APS/DFD. The reception is included in the registration fee for those who register as APS Members, Nonmembers, Graduate Students, and Retired Members. Additional tickets may be purchased for $120 each.

Complimentary transportation to and from the reception will be provided between the Hynes Convention Center and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Buses will begin departing at 6:15 pm from the Boylston St. entrance at the Convention Center on the Lower Level.

It is approximately a 15 minute walk to the Museum.

Before the Reception

1. Please make sure you have your Reception ticket with you. Tickets will be collected at the Museum.   
2. Pick up anything you have checked at the Convention Center Coat Check before the Reception.  It will not be open after the Reception.
3. It will be easier for you if you do not bring your backpack to the Reception, where you will either have to carry it all evening or possibly face lines at Coat Check at the Museum. However, please do not be late for the buses by going back to your hotel to drop it off after the last session ends at 6:08 pm.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. How do I get to and from the Reception?
First, be sure to have your ticket with you. It willbe collected at the Museum.
There will be buses between the Convention Center and the Museum of Fine Arts. They will run beginning at 6:15 pm, departing from the Boylston St. Entrance of the Convention Center. They will pick guests up atthe two entrances to the Museum all evening and return to the Convention Center. The last bus will leave the Museum at 10:30 pm.

You can also walk to the Museum, which takes about 15 minutes.

2. Why shouldn’t I bring my backpack?
You will 1) have to carry it around all evening – and could damage the art accidentally. (Backpacks are one of the leading causes for damage to artworks.)
Or, 2) you could check it at one of the 5 Museum Coat Checks but they may have long lines. However, it ismore important that you get the bus to the Reception than that you take your backpack to your hotel after 6:15 pm. Note: the Coat Check at the Convention Center will close at 7:30 pm so don’t leave it there.
 
3. Where will the food and drink be in the Museum?
Look for the food and drink icons on the floorplan linked below and you will see there is food and drink throughout Levels 1 and 2.

4. Can I go everywhere in the Museum andcan I bring my food with me?
You will be able to go everywhere that you can see on the floorplan.
Some wings will not be open and do not appear on the map. There are a few places you cannot take food and drink and you will see signs and tables there to leave your plate and glass. If you keep going however, you will come to more food and drink stations.

5. What are the highlights of the Museum?
The Museum of Fine Arts is the second largest in the United States. Highlights include:

• Gallery 255 – French Impressionists
• All 4 floors of the Art of the Americas including Gallery 132 Paul Revere bowl; Galleries 226–234 – 19th Century American Artists, like Mary Cassatt and John Singer Sargent; Gallery 326 EdwardHopper; and Gallery 328 Jackson Pollock
• The spectacular Sargent murals in the Rotunda
• Gallery 262 – Andy Warhol

6. Can I take pictures?
Yes, you can take pictures without flash. Tripods or selfie sticks are not allowed because of possible damage to the art.

7. Are there any special exhibits?
Yes, the Gund Gallery on the Lower Lever, accessible from the Shapiro Family Courtyard on Level 1 has a wonderful exhibit: Class Distinctions: Dutch Paintingsin the Age of Rembrandt and Vermeer. The Torf Gallery, (184), has an excellent exhibit showing the effect of Asian art on the New World.

8. Will any shops be open?
Yes, two shops on Level 1: by the Huntington Entrance and in the Contemporary Art area (near Gallery 163).

9. Is there free WiFi at the Museum?
Yes. Network: mfaguest. No password.

10. Is there parking?
Yes. There is a surface lot and a parking garage on Museum Road. There is a discounted charge of $13.

11. Will there be music?
The Boston Public Quartet [Room 250] and the pianist Tae-Hyung Kim [Bravo] will provide musical accompaniment for the reception, performing works of Bach, Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, Schumann, Mendelssohn and other composers.

The One Foot Rule: Please stay one foot away from all artworks.

Thank you and Enjoy the Museum!

MFA Floorplan

Download the MFA Floorplan (PDF): /sites/default/files/documents/MFA_Floorplan-APSDFD.pdf