Fenway Entrance
The stairs leading up to the MFA can be seen in the background. In the foreground, we see one half of a work called “Night and Day” by Antonio Lopez Garcia, which is a giant bronze sculpture of a baby’s head.
Image: Cody Storey
Tenshin-En
The entrance to Tenshin-En, a 10,000-square-foot Japanese rock garden. This roofed gate was built in Kyoto and reconstructed by Japanese carpenters on site.
Image: Cody Storey
A Place for Contemplation
Tenshin-En means "Garden of the Heart of Heaven." This contemplative space was created in the karesansui style.
Image: Cody Storey
Plant Life
More than 70 species of plants are featured in the garden, both American and Japanese.
Image: Cody Storey
Local Boulders
The garden has more than 150 boulders, some of which weigh up to eight tons. They were taken from Boston’s North Shore and placed in the garden using ancient methods.
Image: Cody Storey
A Bridge
The boulders are placed as if they were landmasses within an ocean, hence the bridge connecting one landmass to the “mainland.”
Image: Cody Storey
Bamboo Fencing
Delicate bamboo sticks create a barrier to preserve the patterns carefully drawn in the sand.
Image: Cody Storey
Bamboo Fencing Construction
A simple detail of the low bamboo fencing that lines the walkway through the garden.
Image: Cody Storey
Rock Isles
The two central rock groupings symbolize two mythical isles said to bring immortality and prosperity to those who viewed them.
Image: Cody Storey
Art of the Americans Wing
The newest wing of the MFA highlights the exterior surroundings. It was designed by British firm Foster + Partners.
Image: Cody Storey
The Calderwood Courtyard
During the summer months, the MFA hosts a series of concerts in this courtyard.
Image: Cody Storey
Sunken Courtyard
The sunken courtyard creates seating around its edges.
Image: Cody Storey
Transition
Plants are used to transition from the grassy lawn to the modernist building.
Image: Cody Storey