By Lisa Nault
Staff Writer

Warm hearts and bright smiles, that’s what love brings. It comes in many forms: significant others, lifelong friendships, parents, cuddly house pets, siblings, or even a favorite book.

On Feb. 14, many people commemorated the love in their lives by doing something special to show that they care. To celebrate, the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) began  “Love At the MFA.” Whether someone is looking to embrace the holiday feeling or they are just not in the mood for love, the MFA has something in store for them with month-long this event.

One new treat for visitors at the museum is the self-guided love tour. People can take a tour of the museum’s galleries as they look at specific works of art located in the special brochures: “True Loves” and “Broken Hearts.” Both tours have a special element to them. There are hearts with an arrow in them throughout the museum. If spotted, then somebody has just found Cupid’s favorite photo spots.

At these locations, you can take a photograph with whomever is with you on the journey and share it on Twitter or Instagram under #mfaLove or submit the picture on mfa.org/love. By ‘sharing the love’, visitors will receive a complimentary two-for-one admission coupon for the month of February and can be entered for a chance to win an exclusive MFA experience.

The self-guided tours and photo opportunities are not the only ways the MFA spreads the love. On Friday, Feb. 13, the MFA hosted an “Arts + Hearts” party which allowed guests to stroll through the galleries and enjoy specialty cocktails. As a special pre-Valentine’s Day treat, one of the attendees to the event was the Boston Globe’s renowned “Love Letter” columnist, Meredith Goldstein. On Thursday, Feb. 12, the museum held a “Sound Bites” concert featuring the Boston Conservatory Honors Trio who played Beethoven, Shostakovich, and Astor Piazzolla’s Tango “The Four Seasons.”

If you did not make it to the party or concert, do not be disappointed. There are several other events occurring after Valentine’s Day to ensure as many people as possible can enjoy the entertainment provided by the MFA. This week the MFA is holding a “Things I Love” event focusing on activities that children who are on school break can enjoy.

On Thursday, Feb. 19, an African dance and drumming performance will be held. The lively world show is free for everyone with admission. On Friday, Feb. 20, another performance will occur. This event will focus on traditional Chinese classical folk dances. The event is also free with admission and is a  perfect way to continue celebrating the Chinese New Year, which is this Thursday.

To analyze Gustav Klimt’s “Adam and Eve” in a deeper sense, people can go to the MFA on Feb. 25 for a discussion with MFA staff. The discussion will include information on technique, the history behind it, and stories related to his work.

Despite all the snow Boston has gotten in the past few weeks, the museum is open and available to warm everyone with the feeling of love. You can experience your love of art in a different way at the MFA this month. You can go by yourself or with someone who is special to you and you will have a great trip either way.