Health

MFA reopens after lengthy COVID-19-related closure

BOSTON — The Museum of Fine Arts opened its doors to members Wednesday after six months. Members lined up outside before the opening eager to see the Monet’s and Vangough’s that have stayed unseen for nearly half a year.

“It’s been a long time and I’ve been waiting for this day,” Stephen Rubin, an MFA member, said.

Under new guidelines 75 people will be allowed in the MFA per hour, but there’s no time limit once you’re inside.

“We’d like people to not crowd around works of art if they can. We’re also asking that they wash their hands frequently and that they keep their mask on above their nose at all times,” Maggie Scott said.

Scott is the museum’s new safety officer, a position created specifically for the new norm we’re living in. Before opening the MFA conducted air quality studies and implemented new cleaning protocols.

“It is wonderful. It is so exciting to see visitors back in the galleries. It is a historic moment for the museum and I feel very privileged to be a part of it,” Scott said.

Right now there are two exhibits open at the MFA, “Women Take the Floor” and “Black Histories, Black Futures.” The entire Art of the America’s wing is also open.

“It’s just brilliant to be back and have that sense of normalcy and have the sense of elevation,” Dena Snyder said.

Snyder is a member and brought her two young girls to see the Women Take the Floor exhibit.

“My kids are in hybrid school much like most of our kids in Massachusetts are and they have the day off. So what better place to be on the first day the MFA opens,” Snyder said.

The museum took a massive financial hit while being closed for so long. MFA Director Matthew Teitelbaum is hoping Wednesday’s reopening will launch a comeback for the MFA.

“We lost millions. We covered it through philanthropy, we covered it through the use of our endowment funds and we will continue to do so but it is a challenging time. Today represents a recovery, a new beginning,” Teitelbaum said.

There is reason for hope for the MFA’s future. Saturday is the first day the museum is open to the public and tickets are already sold out for the weekend. The museum will be open Wednesdays through Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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