MFA's Door Plan, A Concern

One of our readers was not quite so thrilled with the door situation at the Museum of Fine Arts. Specifically, Maryel Locke raised a very logical concern about the MFA’s plan to close the West Wing doors to the public in favor of entrances on the Fens and Huntington.

"The Museum of Fine Art's splendid new entrance at the Fenway, opening June 20, is a long block's walk from parking or the T-stop. Those of us with any kind of infirmity muster their strength to see the art inside, not waste energy walking to the entrance (or the Huntington entrance) and returning afterward to car or T. Most of those who are fine will not like the extra walk. After all, you spend your time inside the museum standing and walking, except when eating or seeing movies. And if there is rain or snow, the walk outside will be much worse. Everyone likes entering easily by the West Wing. Why does the MFA want to be inhospitable?"

Naturally, I asked the MFA for a response. Here it is:

The West Wing entrance is going to be closed to the general public after the historic entrances are renovated. However, both the State Street Corporation Fenway Entrance and the Huntington Avenue Entrance will have drop-off areas for visitors and handicap accessible ramps. Also, the Museum's Manager of Accessibility, in the MFA's Visitor Services Dept., can work with any visitor who needs special arrangements to enter the Museum.