Boston art scene

Must-Visit Museums and Galleries

The Museum of Fine Arts is an essential stop this season. Explore The Visionary Art of Minnie Evans through October 26 and Rituals for Remembering, featuring works by María Magdalena Campos-Pons and Ana Mendieta. From Van Gogh to East Asian masterpieces, the galleries glow under autumn light, offering a perfect pairing of art and the season.

The Institute of Contemporary Art on the waterfront showcases bold contemporary exhibitions alongside stunning harbor views. Its dynamic exhibitions and waterfront location make it a must-see destination in the crisp fall air.

Boston’s SoWa district is a hub of creativity. The Affordable Art Fair takes place October 23 to 26, bringing more than 60 galleries to SoWa Power Station with original works priced under $10,000. Every first Friday, over 80 artist studios in the South End open their doors, giving visitors an insider’s glimpse into Boston’s vibrant creative pulse.

Nearby, the Copley Society of Art, America’s oldest nonprofit art association, hosts rotating exhibitions throughout the fall. Its Fresh Paint event brings artists and collectors together in a lively, interactive experience.

For sculpture lovers, the Boston Sculptors Gallery in SoWa features innovative exhibitions by local artists. HarborArts in East Boston transforms the waterfront into an open-air gallery, with bold installations that are especially striking in the soft autumn light. Boston University’s College of Fine Arts also presents rotating shows like Atlantic Exchange, highlighting cross-cultural dialogue between local and international artists.

The Boston Triennial

The Boston Triennial is a free citywide celebration of contemporary art that occurs once every three years. It transforms galleries, museums, and public spaces into a showcase of local and international talent. Exhibitions span painting, sculpture, photography, and more, turning Boston into a living art experience set against the brilliant colors of fall.

Experience the Triennial alongside the MFA and other city galleries, then return to The Eliot’s Back Bay retreat to relax, reflect, and toast the season. For a seamless artistic getaway, learn more about our Boston Triennial Package here.