MFA Celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day with Free Open House

Join MFA for their annual MLK Day Open House, presented in partnership with Citizens. This year, the MFA offers free admission—including access to “Fashioned by Sargent”—for Massachusetts residents. Celebrate the legacy of Dr. King by surrounding yourself with art making, performances, and talks with members of our community!

For 21 consecutive years, Citizens has sponsored MFA Boston’s MLK Day Open House—allowing the Museum to welcome more than 120,000 visitors into our galleries to enjoy free performances, tours, talks, art-making activities, and more.

Events and Activities

• Drop-In Art Crown Making | 10 am–4 pm | Druker Studios, Linde Family Wing

  • Create your own wearable headpiece or crown using wire, beads, and other embellishments.

• Free Guided Tours | 11am, Noon & 1pm | Meet at Sharf Visitor Center

  • Wondering where to start your visit? Experience the Museum on a free 60-minute guided tour. Led by knowledgeable guides, look closely at artwork across the MFA’s collections. Learn more about old favorites and discover something new! Tours are free and no registration required. Participants of all ages and experiences are welcome.

• MFA Boston Job Fair | 11 am–2 pm | Shapiro Family Courtyard

  • Learn about engaging, dynamic, and fun career opportunities at MFA Boston, and take part in open interviews for security officer positions. Learn more about job openings at the Museum and find out how you can apply.

• Welcome Remarks | 11:15 pm | Shapiro Family Courtyard

  • Hear from Matthew Teitelbaum, Ann and Graham Gund Director, and Lisa Murray, Massachusetts president, Citizens Bank, as they welcome you to the MLK Day Open House.

• “Freedom” presented by Boston City Singers | 11:30am | Shapiro Courtyard

  • Boston City Singers presents “Freedom,” a program of spirituals and folk songs celebrating MLK Day 2024. Founded in 1995 in Dorchester to provide outstanding opportunities—musical skills and beyond—for young people ages 4 through high school, Boston City Singers perform music from many ages and cultures while learning the many concepts and skills it takes to be a successful adult. Known for its family atmosphere, the program acknowledges and welcomes diversity of all kinds. The Tour Choir, which has toured globally for the past 16 years, is conducted by Jane Money, founding artistic director, and Kimani Lumsden, world rhythm ensemble director.

• Music from DJ WhySham | 1–3:30 pm |Shapiro Family Courtyard

  • Enjoy music from Dorchester native DJ WhySham, a visionary, activist, traveler, sister, godparent, and Boston’s “community DJ.” She is a three-time nominee for DJ of the Year at the Boston Music Awards and was the only woman nominated for Producer of the Year at the the 2021 New England Music Awards. In 2021, she was named to WBUR’s Artery 25 list of artists of color transforming Greater Boston’s cultural landscape.

• Pop-Up Restaurant | 10am-5pm | Garden Cafeteria

  • Enjoy Latin soul food infused with the flavors of co-owner Julissa Walker’s Dominican upbringing, including the can’t-miss Cuban biscuit sandwich and other tasty flavors nestled between fluffy, buttery biscuits.