MFA Opens Main Entrance, Three Galleries

The Museum of Fine Arts on Thursday officially opened its flagship entrance on Huntington Avenue. It's part of a $504 million expansion which the museum says it's on track to complete, despite the economic downturn.

In addition to the renovated main entrance, the museum also opened three galleries: one for 20th-century art, one for Italian Renaissance art, and the Sargent Rotunda, showcasing the famous John Singer Sargent murals.

The museum also announced it will waive admission once a month for the next nine months. Director Malcolm Rogers called the "9 in '09" program especially important now.

"It's very important that we adhere to our core mission and send out signs that we are strong, that we're leaders in the community," Rogers said. "And the community day is an example of that."

Early in April, Rogers announced cuts intended to save $6 million. It included nearly three dozen layoffs. He says the MFA is not planning any more cuts.