Summer 2015 Events at the MFA

Photo by Alex Lau

As Matthew Teitelbaum plans to take over for Malcolm Rogers as newly appointed Ann and Graham Gund Director, the Museum of Fine Arts is gearing up for a transition. But don’t fret, between the new and extremely popular Japanese exhibits as the must-see attractions, as well as a special yoga series, the MFA already has some events to look forward to. That said, the museum is bringing more events your way this summer including outdoor concerts, lectures, film screenings, and more.

Here, discover some of the events happening at the MFA this season.

FILMS
—Film Series—
June 4-June 28, times and locations at the MFA vary; See more info here.

Experience great cinema this summer with some new indie releases and contemporary world films. Sit in on conversations with directors, see potential award winners, and meet more talented individuals. The Roxbury Film Festival is also returning as New England’s largest film festival devoted to celebrating films by, for, and about people of color.

June 4: American Denial
June 10-July 2: The Films of Roy Andersson
June 17-28: The Roxbury Film Festival

PARTY
—The Summer Black-Tie Party—
Tickets start at $150, Saturday, June 6, from 8 p.m.-11 p.m.; See more info here.

For the young and stylish city folk, enjoy a night of music, light bites, and cocktails with a full bar. Held at the Shapiro Family Courtyard, the Summer Party is a chance to bid on pieces at a silent auction while also taking in a chic scene. The annual event raises funds for the MFA, and some of the proceeds go to the Museum Council Special Exhibition Fund.

LECTURE
—Gilded-Age Bostonians and Old Japan: An Ironic Love Affair—
$20, Wednesday, June 10 from 7 p.m.-8 p.m.; See more info here.

Through examples from the museum’s Japanese art collection, Mount Holyoke College professor and author Christopher Benfrey explores the “ironic” nature of the relationship between two very different nations and cultures.

MUSIC
—Sound Bites: Nancy Lee Clark Concert Series—
Second Thursdays of the month, June-August, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.; See more info here.

Small group ensembles will perform together in the Linde Family Wing for Contemporary Art in the genres of classical, folk, and world. Check out the schedule below.

June 11: Koto, Shamisen, Voice, world, jazz
July 9: Egle Jarkova and Rui Urayama: An Evening of Piano and Violin, world
August 13: Soundscapes: The Music of Andrew Norman, world

CULTURE
—Juneteenth—
Free with admission, Wednesday, June 17 from 6 p.m.-9:45 p.m.; See more info here.

Spend the evening at the museum honoring the end of slavery in the United States, while also paying tribute to creativity. The MFA is hosting tours, demonstrations, music, lectures, and more. Check out some the activities below.

Spotlight Talk: “Gordon Parks: Back to Fort Scott”
Community Mural Making
Drawing in the Galleries
Performance Art: Amalia Pica’s Now, Speak!
Dance: Floorlords
See more Juneteenth events here.

MUSIC
—Elaine and Jerome Rosenfeld Concerts in the Courtyard—
Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m., July 1-August 26; See more info here.

Enjoy more music under the stars with some of the city’s finest folk, world, and jazz performers. During the concerts, the MFA will offer food and drink from the summer Courtyard menu. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, sit back and relax. (But don’t confuse this series with the BPL’s Concerts in the Courtyard series!) Check out the schedule below.

July 1: Ghost Train Orchestra, jazz
July 8: Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni BA, world
July 15: Orfeas, world
July 22: Revolutionary Snake Ensemble with Special Guest Jason Palmer, brass
July 29: Sam Lee, world
August 5: Patty Larkin, folk
August 12: Dom Flemons, folk
August 19: Aurelio, soul
August 26: De Temps Antan, folk

COURSE
—Expats: Artists in America and England—
$120 for four-session tickets, $35 for individual sessions, July 14-August 4, from 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.; See more info here.

Sit in on four different weekly lectures inspired by the MFA’s Conservation in Action project. You’ll hear insights from experts on artists famed for bridging the Atlantic.

Week 1, July 14: John Singleton Copley and Benjamin West: Trans-Atlantic Sensations
Week 2, July 21: Tomatoes, Buckwheat Pancakes, and Art for Art’s Sake: James Abbott McNeill Whistler in London
Week 3, July 28: John Singer Sargent: From the Royal Academy to the MFA
Week 4, August 4: David Hockney: A Yorkshire Lad in LA

LECTURE
—The Trip: Andy Warhol’s Plastic Fantastic Cross-Country Adventure—
$20, Thursday, August 6 from 7 p.m.-8 p.m.; See more info here.

Author Deborah Davis documents Andy Warhol’s trip across America in 1963 as an up-and-coming artist. She’ll explore all the numerous notable names he met along the way including Peter Fonda, Elizabeth Taylor, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and more. A book signing will follow the lecture.

More summer fun including events, concerts, and getaways this way »