Summary: Boston's finest and most comprehensive art museum is like a world unto itself: art galleries from all periods and cultures; three restaurants; two gift shops; lecture and film series; gallery talks; concerts all season long; and an extraordinary lineup of special exhibits. The museum is especially well-known for its collections of European paintings, European and American decorative arts and furnishings, Egyptian sculpture, and Asian fine and decorative arts.

The Museum of Fine Arts is so vast and the collections so extensive that your first step should be picking up a free map at the information desk. The galleries are laid out in the shape of a two-story figure eight, with two courtyards in the middle. This makes it relatively easy to navigate, and to see as much as you like without any dead-ends or doubling back.

Recommended Exhibits
We realize that any listing of the "best things to see" is a purely personal catalog. But because the museum can be so overwhelming, we believe that a guide, no matter how subjective, can provide much-needed direction to first time visitors. So here are our recommendations:

Don't miss the room of French Impressionists. The MFA has a particularly large and fine collection, including one each in Monet's "haystacks", "Rouen Cathedral" and "water lilies" series. These are presented in a large, bright gallery which highlights their focus on shimmering, pure color. The gallery is in the European paintings section on the second floor. It should not be hard to find; since this is the most popular spot in the museum, you can simply follow the crowds flocking to it.

The collection of Egyptian sculpture and artifacts is unsurpassed outside of Egypt. Children are always drawn to the mummies, and the figurative sculpture and tomb artifacts make us ponder the lives and times of these ancient peoples, as well as the intrepid explorers who discovered them.

The collection of musical instruments (open only selected hours; call ahead) is a delightful catalog of the ways in which people have made music in all cultures and through all centuries. It is difficult to see these gems without wanting to touch them and hear them, but rest assured, they are played by Boston musicians from time to time.

The wing devoted to Asian art, with its rich wood trim, shoji screens, and subdued lighting, heightens our awareness of the inner self, and the need for order and simplicity in our lives.

We always enjoy a stroll through the "period" rooms, which include an early 19th century mansion from Peabody thought to have been designed by Samuel McIntyre, and sumptuous wood carving in the rooms from Hamilton Palace, a Scottish castle.

Amenities
The MFA has three restaurants. As a rule of thumb, the higher up you are, the more expensive (and elegant) the meal. We especially enjoy treating ourselves to brunch at the Museum of Fine Arts Restaurant on the second floor.

Getting There
The MFA is located in the Fenway area, one mile west of Copley Square. It is easily accessible via public transportation by taking the Orange Line to the Ruggles stop or the Green Line E trolley to the Museum of Fine Arts stop.

To learn more the museum, including its collection and special exhibits, as well as hours and admission fees, visit the Museum of Fine Art's web site.

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