Free MFA Admission on MLK Day 2026: Museum of Fine Arts Open House

Join us for our annual MLK Day Open House. This year, the MFA offers free admission for Massachusetts residents. Celebrate the legacy of Dr. King by surrounding yourself with art making, performances, and talks with members of our community! Events and Activities Community Partners 10 am–3 pm Shapiro Family Courtyard Stop by to meet representatives from some of our community partners and learn about the great work they’re doing. Participating organizations include ArtSpark Boston, BAGLY, MFA Teen Programs, and YouthBuild Boston. Drop-In Art Making: Mixed-Media Collage 10 am–4 pm (last entry 3:45 pm) Druker Family Pavillion Create your own mixed-media collage on stretched canvas. For inspiration, head to Gallery 155 to take a closer look at Mark Bradford’s Backward C (2005), a large-scale artwork that looks like a painting but is actually made of cut- and ripped-up posters, flyers, maps, and other paper materials! ASL Tour and Art making led by Deaf artist Takiyah Harris 10:15–11:45 am Meet at the Linde Family Wing Entrance Join Haptic artist Takiyah Harris for a guided tour of art from across the MFA’s collection that celebrates the legacy of Dr. King. Afterward, join fellow Deaf community members to make art inspired by the tour. Advance registration encouraged. To RSVP please email: <a href="mailto:access@mfa.org">access@mfa.org</a>. Both the tour and art-making activity are led in American Sign Language with no voice interpretation. Guided Tours 11am, Noon, 1 pm, and 2pm Meet in Sharf Visitor Center Wondering where to start your visit to the MFA? Experience the Museum on a free 60-minute guided tour. Led by knowledgeable guides, look closely at artwork across the MFA’s collection. Learn more about old favorites and discover something new! Participants of all ages and experiences are welcome. ASL interpreter available at 2 pm ArtSpark Presents 11:30 am–Noon Shapiro Family Courtyard ArtSpark Boston presents a special performance by Dom the Composer. The singer-songwriter shares a selection of original music inspired by his artistic journey, presented in the spirit of honoring Dr. King’s enduring influence and vision for racial justice. ArtSpark supports creatives of color through resources, training, and community-focused programming across the greater Boston area. Songwriting and Social Justice: An Interactive Workshop by Carlos Herrand Pou 11:30 am–12:30 pm Riley Seminar Room Join Community Music Center of Boston (CMCB) faculty member Carlos Herrand Pou to explore the intersection of music and advocacy. Through interactive exercises, group discussions, and focused listening activities, learn how music can spark dialogue, build community, and inspire meaningful change. No songwriting experience required! Open to 30 participants on a first-come, first-served basis. Spotlight Talk: Mark Thomas Gibson’s Banner Project Noon and 1 pm Gallery 265 Learn about Mark Thomas Gibson’s monumental <a href="https://www.mfa.org/exhibition/the-banner-project-mark-thomas-gibson">“Banner Project,”</a> the latest installment in his ongoing Town Crier series exploring American history and the fast-moving politics of our present day. With Carmen Hermo, Lorraine and Alan Bressler Curator of Contemporary Art. ASL interpreter available at noon Spotlight Talk: Martin Puryear: Nexus 12:30 and 1:30 pm Gallery 268 Take a guided tour of the exhibition <a href="https://www.mfa.org/exhibition/martin-puryear-nexus">“Martin Puryear: Nexus”</a> —the first major survey of the artist’s work in nearly 20 years, which traces his distinctive approach to form, material, and craft. With Daisy Alejandre, curatorial assistant, Department of Contemporary Art. ASL interpreter available at 12:30 pm A Little History 12:30–1 and 1:30–2 pm Gallery 168 Experience “A Little History,” an interactive educational performance presented by Castle of Our Skins that tells the stories of nine legendary figures in Black History. Each is paired with originally composed poems and music by Anthony R. Green showcasing the figures’ importance in Black History. Learn about Phillis Wheatley Peters, Garrett Morgan, Madam C. J. Walker, George Washington Carver, Margaret Bonds, Ed Bland, Angela Davis, Bayard Rustin, and Barack Obama. ASL interpreter available at 1:30 pm Community Music Center of Boston: Instrument Petting Zoo 12:30–1:30 pm Riley Seminar Room Join CMCB faculty and staff for a hands-on instrument petting zoo, where curious musicians of all ages can explore a wide variety of instruments up close. Hear, touch, and try instruments from all musical families. This welcoming, interactive event is the perfect way to spark curiosity and inspire a lifelong love of music! ASL interpreter available Embrace and Evolve 1–2:15 pm Shapiro Family Courtyard ZUMiX presents a youth-driven performance centered around the theme “Embrace and Evolve.” The young performers carefully chose this theme after drawing inspiration from the art in the MFA’s collection. Experience several short pieces that embody the transformative power of the arts by embracing the present while revealing the evolution within movement and revolutionary work. Through a blend of original music and thoughtfully chosen covers, the performance invites us to envision a brighter tomorrow grounded in the realities of today. This is a collaborative effort between VOCES, Pop Rocks, Streetwise, and artist and change maker Zakiyyah. Living Water Performance 2:30–3:30 pm Shapiro Family Courtyard Enjoy a captivating concert from Living Water, a dynamic gospel group known for its powerful sound and unwavering commitment to spreading a message of hope and faith. Founded by Gary Lyon in 2006, this talented ensemble has made a lasting impact in the gospel scene through inspiring lyrics, rich harmonies, and uplifting melodies that speak to the soul.

Museum of Fine Arts

Abby

Alexandra 

Ellie

rajani

S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Roundups ⭐️

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added

Just added to Joyraft

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S19: interest based

Kid-friendly events in Boston

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

Boston Bars and Restaurants: Events and Openings

Food & drink experiences in Boston

Food & drink experiences 

Where

Free MFA Admission on MLK Day 2026: Museum of Fine Arts Open House

Website

Where?