Museum of Fine Arts, Boston: Highlights of the MFA's Art of the Americas Wing

The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, unveiled its Art of the Americas Wing on November 20, 2010. The 121,307-square-foot, four-story addition--the focal point of the museum's $345 million expansion--features 53 distinct galleries and period rooms. From the Lower Ground (LG) level's prehistoric Native American and ancient Central and South American artifacts to the 20th-century works displayed on Level 3, the Art of the Americas Wing tells the story of the evolution of American creativity.

On a visit to Boston in March 2011, I had my first opportunity to tour the Museum of Fine Arts' new wing, and I was impressed not only by the collection, but by the sophistication with which the structure was designed and the care and precision with which its galleries have been arranged. The Art of the Americas Wing houses more than 5,000 works: double the number of American creations previously displayed. And you could spend the better part of a day exploring even without venturing out into the remainder of the museum.

So, how does one go about choosing 10 art objects to feature in a photo gallery of highlights? It isn't easy. I'm not an art critic, but, I've never been shy about sharing my candid opinions with you, so in the pages that follow, you'll discover the 10 exceptional masterpieces I believe every visitor to the MFA's Art of the Americas Wing should view.