Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Kids
On Top of the World
The
Prudential Center Skywalk Observatory
, 800 Boylston St. (
&
617/
859-0648;
www.topofthehub.net), offers a 360-degree view of Boston and
far beyond. From the enclosed observation deck on the 50th floor of the
Prudential Tower, you can see for miles, even (when it's clear) as far as the
mountains of southern New Hampshire to the north and the beaches of
Cape Cod to the south. Away from the windows, interactive audiovisual
exhibits chronicle the city's history. The admission price includes a narrated
audio tour, available in versions targeted to adults and children.
Wings Over
Boston,
a dramatic aerial video tour of the city, screens in the on-site thea-
ter. Also here are fascinating exhibits, including video presentations about
refugees, on the history of immigration to Boston. Call before visiting,
because the space sometimes closes for private events. Hours are 10am to
10pm daily. Admission is $11 for adults, $9 for seniors and college students
with ID, and $7.50 for children under 12; adults must show a photo ID to
enter the building.
To begin, pick up a floor plan at the information desk or take a free guided tour
(weekdays except Mon holidays 10:30am-3pm, Wed at 6:15pm, and Sat-Sun
11am-3pm). The I. M. Pei-designed West Wing (1981) contains the main entrance,
an auditorium, and an atrium with a tree-lined “sidewalk” cafe. There are also a restau-
rant and a cafeteria. The excellent Museum Shop carries abundant souvenirs and a
huge book selection.
An ambitious expansion project began in 2005. While construction proceeds, the
museum is rearranging some collections and closing some exhibition spaces. Check
ahead before visiting if you have your heart set on seeing a particular piece of art.
Three special exhibitions scheduled to coincide with the lifespan of this topic high-
light the MFA's particular strengths: current events viewed through the prism of antiq-
uity in
Art & Empire: Treasures from Assyria in the British Museum
(Sept 22,
2007-Jan 13, 2008); iconic photography in
Karsh 100: A Biography in Images
(Sept
23, 2008-Jan 18, 2009); and a fresh perspective on beloved artists in
Titian, Tin-
toretto, Veronese: Rivals in Renaissance Venice
(Mar 15-July 19, 2009).
465 Huntington Ave.
&
617/267-9300.
www.mfa.org. Admission $17 adults, $15 students and seniors when entire
museum is open; or $15 and $13, respectively, when only West Wing is open. Children 7-17 $6.50 on school days
10am-3pm, otherwise free. Free for children under 7. Admission good for 2 visits within 10 days. Contribution wel-
come ($17 suggested) Wed 4-9:45pm. Surcharges may apply for special exhibitions. No admission fee for Museum
Shop, library, restaurants, or auditoriums. Entire museum Sat-Tues 10am-4:45pm, Wed 10am-9:45pm, Thurs-Fri
10am-5pm; West Wing only, Thurs-Fri 5-9:45pm. Closed Jan 1, Patriots Day, July 4, Thanksgiving, and Dec 25. T:
Green Line E to Museum or Orange Line to Ruggles.
Museum of Science
For the ultimate pain-free educational experience,
head to the Museum of Science. The demonstrations, experiments, and interactive
displays introduce facts and concepts so effortlessly that everyone winds up learning
something. Take a couple of hours or a whole day to explore the permanent and tem-
porary exhibits, most of them hands-on and all of them great fun.
Kids
