12 must-see masterpieces at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Quick answer
The MFA Boston's must-see works are Monet's La Japonaise, Gauguin's Where Do We Come From?, Sargent's Daughters of Edward Darley Boit, Copley's Paul Revere, Menkaure and his queen, Van Gogh's Portrait of Joseph Roulin and Homer's Fog Warning. Galleries rotate.
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The 12 key works, by area
The museum often changes where works hang and some galleries close without notice. Areas are indicative; confirm on the free floor plan.
- 1
European Impressionism
La Japonaise — Claude Monet (1876)
Camille Monet in a kimono among fans: Monet's nod to Japonisme, on a grand scale.
- 2
European Impressionism
Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going? — Paul Gauguin (1897–98)
A huge canvas painted in Tahiti, a philosophical testament on the cycle of life.
- 3
European Impressionism
Portrait of Joseph Roulin — Vincent van Gogh (1888)
The Arles postman, a friend of the painter, in vibrant colour.
- 4
European Impressionism
Dance at Bougival — Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1883)
A couple mid-waltz at a riverside dance hall on the Seine.
- 5
Art of the Americas
Paul Revere — John Singleton Copley (c. 1768)
The craftsman and Revolution hero portrayed with his tool in hand.
- 6
Art of the Americas
The Daughters of Edward Darley Boit — John Singer Sargent (1882)
Four girls in a dim room: an enigmatic composition that influenced modern portraiture.
- 7
Art of the Americas
Fog Warning — Winslow Homer (1885)
A fisherman in his boat facing approaching fog; silent tension.
- 8
Ancient World · Egypt
Menkaure and his queen (c. 2490–2472 BC)
A royal pair in slate from Giza: one of the great Old Kingdom sculptures.
- 9
Japanese art
Japanese art collection and Tenshin-en garden
One of the most important collections outside Japan, with a Japanese-style garden.
- 10
Art of the Americas
Portraits of George Washington — Gilbert Stuart
Stuart's portraits fixed the public image of the first president. Check which are on view that day.
- 11
European Impressionism
Claude Monet: more works
Look for other Monet paintings in the collection; the museum holds one of the largest selections in the United States.
- 12
Ancient World
Greek and Roman sculpture
A solid introduction to classical art before the rest of the museum.
How to see them all in one visit
Begin with the Ancient World and Egypt, move to Impressionism and finish in the Art of the Americas. Our 2-hour route follows this order. If a gallery is closed, the day's floor plan shows where each work has moved.
Frequently asked questions
What famous artworks are at the MFA Boston?
Monet, Gauguin, Van Gogh, Renoir, Sargent, Copley, Homer and Egyptian sculptures such as Menkaure and his queen.
Where is Monet's La Japonaise?
In the 19th-century European Impressionism galleries. Locations can change; check the day's floor plan.
Does the MFA have Van Gogh?
Yes, including the Portrait of Joseph Roulin (1888).
Does the MFA have Egyptian art?
Yes: Menkaure and his queen is among the most important pieces in the Ancient World galleries.