The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston houses a nice selection of classic and contemporary art. There are plenty of big names here alongside old artifacts. The contemporary art and the special exhibits change frequently, and both are worth visiting. Although it's a bit pricey, with passes available from the local suburban libraries, admission is just $5 and a bit more for special exhibits, which makes it a bit more affordable. If you're interested in a particular collection, call ahead of time, as it seems that the contemporary art wing is regularly closed for new installations.
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