I dunno...fire codes, priceless pieces of art scattered throughout the building, bathrooms are only able to be cleaned on certain schedules since you can't close them all at the same time...the staff getting overwhelmed trying to keep everyone and everything safe. Those are probably all the silly reasons they made people wait in a line.

The problem wasn't that the

By anon on Tue, 01/17/2017 - 5:27pm.

The problem wasn't that the museum was at capacity. They weren't holding the line until some people exited.

The problem was an inefficient procedure for letting people in. Which accomplishes nothing towards protecting the art, staff, or bathrooms.

Midafternoon

By Irma la Douce on Mon, 01/16/2017 - 3:57pm.

Very short line, less than 5 minutes to get in at about 2 pm. And less than 10 minute wait to get in to The Clock at about 2:30, though The Clock line was longer when I left.

If they only knew...

By Robk on Mon, 01/16/2017 - 4:39pm.

...there was no line at the Fenway Entrance.

The existence of a workaround

By anon on Tue, 01/17/2017 - 5:29pm.

The existence of a workaround helps prove that the line at the front entrance is a result of pointless bureaucracy, rather than something unavoidable or important.

I have been an MFA employee

By anon on Mon, 01/16/2017 - 5:51pm.

I have been an MFA employee for 14 years. I would advise anyone to use the Fenway (rear) entrance during open house days as there is hardly ever a line. I also strongly recommend not bringing backpacks or large bags as they are required to be checked. The lines for the bag check can be an hour wait or longer. Go light and enjoy.

I have never worked for the MFA

By BostonDog on Mon, 01/16/2017 - 6:19pm.

But unless the money is a hardship I'd recommend paying the normal entry fee and going on a regular day. Fewer crowds and nothing wrong with supporting institutions like this.

Do they still offer a free

By LadyKatey on Mon, 01/16/2017 - 6:51pm.

Do they still offer a free 2nd visit within 10 days? That made the price seem a lot more reasonable. I became a member a few years ago so I'm not sure if they still do it.

Yes!

By zoey on Mon, 01/16/2017 - 11:00pm.

Yes, you may visit again within 10 days if you paid for a regular ticket.

Wednesdays

By Saul on Tue, 01/17/2017 - 1:46pm.

The admission charge is also voluntary on Wednesday evenings (and it's open till 10).

http://www.mfa.org/visit

Library Passes

By Irma la Douce on Tue, 01/17/2017 - 3:39pm.

BPL card holders can reserve an MFA pass in advance (you have to select specific date) and admits 2 adults for $10 each. The library also has reduced-admission passes for the ICA, Gardner, the Aquarium, Zoo New England and other institutions.

http://www.bpl.org/general/circulation/museum_passes.php

In Cambridge, the passes for

By anon on Tue, 01/17/2017 - 5:28pm.

In Cambridge, the passes for museums people want to visit are all booked months in advance.

Massachusetts EBT Card

By Felicity on Mon, 01/16/2017 - 7:39pm.

Massachusetts EBT Card Holders Receive $3 Admission Per Person for up to Four People

http://www.mfa.org/news/ebt-admission-discount

It's free every Wednesday,

By eherot on Tue, 01/17/2017 - 6:39pm.

It's free every Wednesday, people! And open until 10! (and still the best deal in town ;-))

Long line at the MFA this morning

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