Perhaps the best way to see museum for the first time is with the "one hour tour" which brings you to the best of the best. The tour covers India, Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas with dates ranging from 2548 BC to 1883. Artists include Paul Revere, Renoir, Rembrant, and Donatello. This tasting will give you enough of a feel for what's available to plan your own explorations. A great time to visit is on Wednesday evenings when the museum is open from 4 to 9:45 pm. No fee is charged, but a donation is requested. With smaller crowds, this is a great date spot.

Permanent exhibitions include Picasso, Durer, Jim Dine (spanning quite an era). There is also an extensive exhibit on Egyptian art and life in pharaonic times; African tribal art including some interesting wooden sculptures, and Greek sculpture from the classical era. There is also a area which recreates an 1800's New England House, rooms and all.

The Gift shop is a treasure trove, and a bit pricey. They do have other venues in Boston. If I recall correctly, the first Friday of every month brings with it concerts,cocktails and appetizing tid bits. Admission is $12. Kids under 18 are free.

When there is a travelling exhibit, you need to call ahead for tickets, and the price is around $15 during the week and a bit higher on the weekend.

The museum has many different features, lots of pieces from ancient civilizations (Ancient Roman and Greek times). The part of the museum that is my favorite is the section containing the old musical instruments. Also they have a fashion section with old dresses. I also like the sections of old furniture and those that are set up into old style bedrooms, similar to that of Versailles Palace in France. Looking at exhibits can be fun. For some, however, the museum may get old quickly. It's a little pricey, too, so splurge for the exhibit as it will make it all more worth while.