Looking Together

Do We Believe in Masterpieces?

Thursday, October 10–Thursday, October 31, 2024
10:30 am–12:00 pm
Jean S. and Frederic A. Sharf ϲʿֱֳor Center (130.10)
Ticket Required

Occurring every Thursday 

Members
$128.00
Nonmembers
$160.00
Add to Calendar 2024-10-10 10:30:00 2024-10-10 12:00:00 Do We Believe in Masterpieces? 10/10/2024-10/31/2024, 10:30am-12pm Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, 465 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA Museum of Fine Arts, Boston tickets@mfa.org America/New_York public

Works of art are considered both priceless and highly valuable, unique yet often ranked in terms of quality, the result of inspiration while also a response to specific social needs. What weight does each of us give to skill, invention, meaning, and ambition as we determine what we consider to be a great work of art? Can one identify “good, better, best” when comparing Greek vases or Copley portraits? What is the impact of changing taste and cultural differences? Without discussing current market value or dollar signs, this Looking Together uses the concept of quality to engage in close conversation with ϲʿֱֳ works, from Japanese screens and Greek bronzes to Donatello’s Madonna of the Clouds, 䲹dzٳٱ’s Man at His Bath, and Robert Rauschenberg’s transformation of a cardboard carton. 

Barbara T. Martin, Alfond Curator Emerita of Education

Wheelchair accessible symbol

Wheelchair accessible

Upcoming Dates and Times

Thursday, October 10–Thursday, October 31, 2024

Occurring every Thursday 

Thursday, November 7–Thursday, December 5, 2024

Occurring every Thursday except November 28

Ticket Information

Tickets must be purchased prior to the start of the first session; individual sessions are not available.

To order tickets by phone, call 1-800-440-6975 ($6 processing fee applies); to order in person, visit any ϲʿֱֳ ticket desk.

Ticketing Policies

Bag Checks

All bags are subject to inspection by Museum staff. Backpacks, large bags, all liquids including hand sanitizer and sunscreen, and outside food or drink are not permitted. Exceptions are made for medical or religious needs. All bags are strongly discouraged, and any bags larger than 11” x 15” must be checked in the Coat Room upon entry. Read our full bag check policy.