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The practical details — how the museum handles tickets, accessibility, dining, kids, and what visitors can carry into the galleries.
How the museum handles tickets.
Tickets are sold by the museum directly. This section describes how that process works — exchanges, group visits, and how QR codes are presented at the door.
Do children and babies need a ticket even though admission is free for them?
Children 0–6 enter free, but the museum still issues a complimentary ticket for capacity tracking. It is added to the order at checkout on the museum's official site at no charge.
How are tickets sold?
Tickets are sold by the museum directly through its official website and at the door, including timed-entry slots. This site does not handle ticketing — it only describes how the museum's process works.
How are online tickets presented at the door?
The museum scans a QR code shown on a phone at the entrance — Apple Wallet and Google Wallet are both supported, and printed tickets are also accepted.
How does the museum handle ticket exchanges and refunds?
The museum allows ticket exchanges for a different date and time before the scheduled entry. Refund policies depend on the ticket type — special-exhibition tickets are typically non-refundable, per the museum's terms.
How does the museum handle group visits?
The museum runs a group-visits programme: parties of 10 or more receive discounted rates and dedicated entry coordination. Group bookings are arranged with the museum directly, typically at least two weeks in advance.
Practical details.
Visitor amenities and facilities: coat check, shops, dining, gallery hours, and how guided tours operate.
Is there a coat check?
Yes — coat check is available near the Huntington Avenue and Fenway entrances. There is no fee, but tipping is welcome.
Can I visit a gift shop without buying a ticket?
Yes. The MFA Bookstore and the main Museum Shop are free to enter and do not require admission.
Can I get something to eat?
The museum has several dining options — a sit-down restaurant, a casual cafeteria, and a coffee bar in the Shapiro Family Courtyard. All are open during museum hours; the restaurant accepts reservations.
Are all the galleries open?
Most are. From time to time individual galleries close for reinstallation or conservation. Daily gallery updates are posted at the entrances.
Can we stay in the museum as long as we like?
Yes. Once admitted, you may stay until closing. Last entry is thirty minutes before close.
Are guided tours offered?
The museum runs free gallery tours daily — themes rotate and are listed in the museum's program calendar. Self-guided tours are also available through MFA Mobile on Bloomberg Connects.
How membership works.
Membership and ticketing are administered by the museum directly. This section describes how the system operates from a visitor's point of view.
How does museum membership work?
The museum operates its own membership programme. Members present a physical or digital card at the entrance and are admitted free at any time the museum is open. Membership is administered by the museum directly.
How are special-exhibition tickets handled?
The museum allows members to exchange special-exhibition tickets for a different timeslot subject to availability. Special-exhibition tickets are otherwise non-refundable, per the museum's published terms.
Where is membership information published?
Membership and ticketing are handled by the museum directly through its official site and on-site membership desks. This page is informational only.
Access support.
Wheelchairs, gallery stools, level entrances, service animals, and pre-visit accommodation requests.
Are wheelchairs available?
Manual wheelchairs are available free of charge at coat check, on a first-come basis. A limited number of motorised scooters are also available.
Are gallery stools available?
Yes — folding stools are available at the entrances and at several points across the galleries.
Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
The museum is fully accessible by wheelchair. The level entrance for visitors who need it is located on the Fenway side of the building.
May I bring my service animal?
Service animals are welcome throughout the museum. Pets and emotional support animals are not permitted in the galleries.
What about special accommodation requests?
The museum's access team coordinates accommodations directly. This editorial guide can pass questions on at info@hubheritage.com, but bookings are arranged with the museum at least a week before the visit.