Fall in Boston means vibrant foliage, rainy days, and the perfect excuse to explore the city’s rich art scene. Even better – as an Emerson student, you can check out tons of museums, galleries, and exhibits at a free or discounted rate. Whether you’re interested in contemporary art or centuries-old classical pieces, this student discount guide highlights six budget-friendly museums to make the most of a fall day in Boston. So embrace your main character energy, grab your student ID, and start exploring top museums without breaking the bank.
Museum of Fine Arts Boston (MFA)
With an Emerson ID, students, faculty, and staff get free general admission and access to special exhibits within the museum. The MFA offers over eighteen ongoing and rotating exhibitions, and the discount is available on their website or in person. Amazingly, the MFA houses over 500,000 works of art! Gallery highlights include pieces by Monet, artwork from the Italian Renaissance, and an exhibit featuring five embalmed Egyptian mummies originating as early as 1700 BC.
Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA)
Emerson is a proud participant in the University Membership Program with several museums, including the ICA, allowing students, staff, and faculty to gain free admission with their Emerson ID. Free admission is available in person or online booking using the 2024 Emerson College promo code (EC2024ICA) on the ICA website. Check out the University Membership page to see updated promo codes. The Institute of Contemporary Art is located right on the Seaport waterfront and offers an array of new paintings, contemporary culture, and edgy performance art. With a year-long university membership beginning at $1,000, the Emerson student discount is a steal.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum opened its doors nearly 125 years ago near Back Bay Fens. It houses a tremendous collection of old and contemporary art, and beautiful courtyard gardens. In addition, it’s the location of the single largest property theft in the world in 1990! Admission is free in person with a valid Emerson ID and through their website using the discount code “EMERSON”. While visiting, take aesthetic Instagram profile pictures on the balconies overlooking the gardens. Fun fact: admission is free every day for anyone named Isabella!
Harvard Art Museums
Bring your family and friends and thank the contribution from the Estate of David Rockefeller! The Harvard Art Museums offers free admission to the public every day, Emerson student or not! The Harvard Art Museums, comprised of the Fogg, Busch-Reisinger, and Arthur M. Sackler museums, are located in Cambridge beside Harvard Square. Fifty galleries span three floors, including the recently restored Calderwood Courtyard. Discover artwork from Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup print to graystone masks crafted between the third and seventh centuries. Plus, block your calendar for the last Thursday of each month from 5-9 PM (including Halloween). In their Italian-inspired courtyard, explore Harvard Art Museums at Night, a free opportunity to enjoy an evening of art, food and drink from local vendors, and more. Registration is encouraged, opening two weeks before each event.
MassArt Art Museum (MAAM)
Located right down the street from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, hit both free spots on the same day. The MassArt Art Museum is open Thursday through Sunday and always offers free admission to the public, making it Boston’s only fully free contemporary art museum. Self-described as a “cultural laboratory,” the MAAM encourages college students to participate in museum-hosted art workshops, late-night events, and outdoor festivals throughout the year. Other rotating exhibitions feature contemporary art from artists around the world.
The McMullen Museum of Art
While the McMullen Museum of Art can be found outside of central Boston on the Brighton Campus of Boston College, it’s free to the public daily, offering free docent tours of the current exhibition each Sunday at 2 PM. No previous registration is required. In addition, the museum also hosts a variety of free events each month, like a fall decor workshop for felting pumpkins and scarves and enjoying hot apple cider and donuts. Other events include frequent “Art After Dark” events with open mic performances, multicultural food, and board games. This museum is definitely worth a visit to explore transdisciplinary art from diverse cultures.
This fall, bundle up, grab your Emerson ID and some friends, and take advantage of the endless opportunities and student discounts Boston’s museums have to offer. And always be on the lookout for more deals (like $1 admission to the Boston Children’s Museum every Sunday from 1-4 PM). But museums aren’t the only culture hubs worth exploring; read more about student deals in Boston, including discounted theater and ballet tickets, and fun food offerings here.
Jean DiGrande
Love this guide highlighting Boston’s treasure trove of art!