Boston is home to many wonderful museums that specialize in very different styles and eras of art. Several of these institutions offer free or voluntary donation admission on certain nights, which will allow you to experience them without breaking the bank.

Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts is a world-renound institution that collects and displays many forms of art and cultural artifacts from around the world. The museum is open by voluntary donation on Wednesdays after 4:00 PM. The MFA’s website suggests a $25 donation for entry, though it is not required. The MFA offers a great survey of more traditional artistic works and artifacts ranging from the ancient to the modern.

If you’re interested in something less traditional, the Institute of Contemporary Art might be for you. Located on the South Boston waterfront, the ICA specializes in contemporary art of all types. The ICA is free to all after 5:00 on Thursdays. The ICA website does not suggest a donation in lieu of their $15 general admission. The ICA specializes in less traditional artwork, dance, music, video, and performance. Its collections, exhibitions, performances, and building architecture reflect that focus.

Boston’s Childrens Museum sits on Fort Point Channel near South Station. The Children’s Museum offers a multitude of hands-on activities that engage children of all ages and interests. Admission is $1 on Fridays after 5 PM, making this unique place accessible to families after work. Many of the activities carry a math, science, and engineering focus.

The Blue Star Museums program offers additional discounts for members of the military and their families. A collaboration between the National Endowment for the arts, Blue Star Families, and The National Endowment for the Arts the program “Each summer since 2010, Blue Star Museums have offered free admission to the nation’s active-duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserve, from Memorial Day through Labor Day.”

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