A community of thinkers, makers, and observers at MIT who explore the arts as a vital part of their education and expression.
The MIT Arts Scholars program brings together undergraduate and graduate students who share a deep commitment to the arts, whether as creators, researchers, or engaged audiences. Over the course of the academic year, members take part in exclusive events and thoughtfully curated experiences across disciplines, both on campus and in the wider cultural community. The program is presented by the MIT Office of the Arts with generous support from the Council for the Arts at MIT.
Subscribe below to receive notifications of upcoming events and track your participation as you work toward becoming an Arts Scholar. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with peers and immerse yourself more fully in the arts at MIT.
How to Participate: Sign Up and Subscribe Here
Current MIT students enrolled in any course of study are invited to participate in the MIT Arts Scholars Program.
Upcoming MIT Arts Scholars Events
From soulful live performances, private world-class concerts, to curated museum tours, join us for a season of exciting events. Experience them with a community that shares your passion and curiosity for the arts. Events are subject to change, with new additions announced throughout the year.
Fall 2025: Season of Icons and Imagination
An Evening with Yuja Wang and the Boston Symphony Orchestra
Arts Scholars will be in front-row seats as Yuja Wang, one of the most dazzling pianists on the planet, lights up Symphony Hall with her fearless technique and style, joined by the Boston Symphony Orchestra in a program of Bernstein, Copland, and Prokofiev.
October 23, 2025
7:30PM
Boston
Sculpting with Yarn: A Chunky Knitting Workshop
A private workshop led by a local fiber artist, this session explores the sculptural possibilities of oversized yarn, just in time for winter. Through bold, textured stitches, chunky knitting transforms simple fiber into gentle forms that speak of warmth, care, and the season’s spirit. Designed as a quiet pause in the semester, the gathering brings the group together in a cozy, small-scale setting. All materials are provided.
November 6, 2025
5:00PM
MIT Campus
A Once-in-Boston Performance: Yo-Yo Ma Plays Bach’s Complete Cello Suites
This fall, Yo-Yo Ma brings Bach’s complete suites for solo cello to Symphony Hall, performing them in a single evening for the first time in his home city of Boston. The concert has long been sold out, and the Celebrity Series of Boston has invited the MIT Arts Scholars to attend this highly anticipated event. More than a concert, it is an invitation to listen closely to the music, to one another, and to the world around us, in an evening of extraordinary intimacy and timeless resonance.
November 21, 2025
8:00PM
Boston
Inside The Nutcracker: Performance & Private Backstage Tour
Chosen by popular vote, this classic holiday outing brings us to Boston Ballet’s iconic Nutcracker once again. A night of whimsy, joy, and seasonal magic in one of the city’s most beloved theaters, made even more special with a private backstage tour for Arts Scholars after the show!
December 3, 2025
8:00PM
Cambridge
The Arts Scholars Winter Dinner (by invitation)
Surrounded by friends old and new, the final celebration before the close of 2025 will be filled with food, laughter, and conversation reflecting on the season’s shared experiences. It is both a toast to the year’s highlights and a festive sendoff into the winter break!
December 10, 2025
5:00PM
Cambridge
Arts Scholars: IAP Workshop Series
Stay tuned for a series of hands-on workshops this IAP, designed for Arts Scholars to explore, create, and experiment together.
January, 2026
TBD
MIT Campus
Spring 2026 (Work in progress)
Programming is still in development, with more events to be confirmed later this year.
Arts Scholars Go Off the Record with Trevor Noah
Join fellow Arts Scholars for a memorable evening of wit, insight, and cultural commentary as Trevor Noah takes the stage at the Chevalier Theatre. Known internationally for his sharp observational humor and compelling storytelling, Noah will deliver a stand-up performance that weaves together personal anecdotes, social critique, and reflections on contemporary life. This show is part of his “Off the Record” tour, where audiences can expect a fresh, spontaneous experience that blends comedic mastery with intellectual edge.
February 2, 2026
8:00PM
Medford
A Jazzy Evening with Dianne Reeves
Arts Scholars will travel across the river to the Berklee Performance Center for an evening with jazz legend Dianne Reeves. A five-time Grammy Award winner, Reeves is celebrated for her soulful voice, masterful improvisation, and gift for storytelling through song. Her concerts feel like intimate musical conversations that are both uplifting and deeply personal, blending tradition with a sound uniquely her own.
February 6, 2026
8:00PM
Boston
Arts Scholars in the Fiddler’s House with Itzhak Perlman
Arts Scholars will join audiences at Symphony Hall for an evening with violinist Itzhak Perlman. Renowned worldwide for his virtuosity, warmth, and unmistakable sound, Perlman will perform with the Klezmer Conservatory Band and a cast of all-star collaborators to celebrate the 30th anniversary of his Emmy-winning PBS special In the Fiddler’s House. Get ready to laugh, smile, and maybe even dance in the aisles!
February 15, 2026
7:00PM
Boston
The Premiere of The Moderate
Arts Scholars head to Central Square Theater this March for The Moderate by MIT’s own Ken Urban! A sharp, thought-provoking look at technology and ethics, plus a possible post-show talkback with the playwright!
March TBD, 2026
Cambridge
The Return of the Vienna Philharmonic and Lang Lang
The Vienna Philharmonic makes its first Boston appearance since 2003, with BSO Music Director Andris Nelsons conducting at Symphony Hall. At the heart of the program is pianist Lang Lang, whose charisma and artistry lit up his sold-out Celebrity Series recital that Arts Scholars attended last season. Together, these extraordinary artists bring late-Romantic passion and 20th-century brilliance to life in a concert of rare power and spectacle.
March 3, 2026
7:30PM
Boston
Arts Scholars x Boston Ballet
Arts Scholars voted to make Boston Ballet’s Winter Experience part of this year’s season. It’s an evening of dance that pushes past tradition into something vivid and alive: movement that feels electric, theatrical, and made for right now. A program chosen by the community, for the community, promising a night that’s as bold as it is unforgettable.
March 13, 2026
7:30PM
Boston
Arts Scholars to Experience Renée Fleming and Dvořák’s New World
Soprano Renée Fleming joins the Boston Symphony Orchestra for a luminous evening at Symphony Hall. One of the most beloved voices in the world, Fleming brings her radiant artistry to a program that pairs the intimacy of song with the grandeur of symphonic sound. The concert culminates in Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, From the New World, a work of soaring melodies and deep emotion that has captivated audiences for generations.
March 26, 2026
7:30PM
Boston
Guided Tour: Hanging Nasturtiums at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Arts Scholars will spend the afternoon at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in small-group tours through its extraordinary collections of art, architecture, and rare objects. This participatory visit coincides with the museum’s most anticipated spring tradition, when cascades of bright orange nasturtiums spill from the courtyard balconies, transforming the Venetian-style palace into a lush greenhouse oasis. A rare chance to experience the Gardner’s treasures and its seasonal gardens in bloom, all in one visit.
April TBD, 2026
Boston
Event Details to Come
Stay Tuned for updates.
April TBD, 2026
Boston
Welcoming May with Beethoven’s Ode to Joy
In the first days of May, the Arts Scholars will gather for a radiant Sunday afternoon with the Boston Symphony Orchestra as Beethoven’s Ode to Joy rings out in Symphony Hall. A perfect way to welcome the final month of the semester, this performance promises uplift, energy, and celebration.
May 3, 2026
2:30PM
Boston
End-of-Year Arts Scholars Dinner
Our final gathering of the year: good food, good people, and a chance to celebrate the moments we’ve shared. Location and RSVP to come.
May TBD, 2026
Cambridge
Past Events
Behind Closed Doors at the MFA: An Arts Scholars Exclusive
Experience the MFA as it is rarely available, closed to the public on a Tuesday afternoon yet open exclusively to Arts Scholars for a private guided tour. The visit will highlight Rachel Ruysch’s luminous still lifes, vivid with botanical abundance and striking realism, alongside treasures from the museum’s renowned collections.
October 14, 2025
1:30PM
Boston
A Premiere of Magic, Mind, and Perception
Arts Scholars are invited to The Attestation, a site-specific performance by CAST Visiting Artist Jeanette Andrews. This limited premiere brings illusion into close focus, with each showing crafted for a small audience and shaped by magic as a lens for exploring attention, wonder, and the edges of perception.
October 3, 2025
8:00PM
MIT Campus
Arts Scholars Night Out: Hamilton + Cast Talkback
Winner of the Tony, Pulitzer, and Grammy, Hamilton delivers razor-sharp lyrics, high-energy choreography, and a soundtrack that made American history ridiculously catchy. Prime center seats are reserved for the Arts Scholars, with an exclusive post-show talkback with members of the cast and crew!
September 25, 2025
7:30PM
Boston
Built to Listen: An Insider’s Look at the Architecture of Sound at MIT
Join MIT’s Campus Construction team for a private tour of the new music building (opened in spring 2025) and Thomas Tull Concert Hall. This behind-the-scenes visit will be led by Senior Project Managers of MIT’s Department of Campus Construction, who oversaw the multi-year development of this major capital project from design through completion. This is a special opportunity to meet and hear directly from the team that brought blueprints to life, and explore how performance spaces are imagined, built, and fine-tuned for the best tunes!
September 11, 2025
11:30PM
MIT Campus
The Season Begins: Friends and Art in the Making
Whether attending for the first time or returning for another season, Arts Scholars will gather in the heart of MIT at the Wiesner Student Art Gallery with curator Sarah Hirzel and artist Coco Allred. Throughout the evening, drop in to enjoy snacks and drinks, connect with fellow Scholars old and new, and take part in hands-on printmaking, bookmaking, and animation.
September 9, 2025
6:00PM
MIT Campus
Arts Scholars x Boston Pops: Cynthia Erivo
The Wicked film star brings her powerhouse voice and dazzling talent to the Pops’ opening night celebration at Symphony Hall!
May 8, 2025
7:30PM
Boston
Arts Scholars to 2025 Eugene McDermott Award Public Lecture: Es Devlin
A highly anticipated lecture between artist and designer Es Devlin and architect and curator Paola Antonelli about Devlin’s wide-ranging artistic practice. This exciting and surely inspiring event is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required due to limited seating. Arts Scholars will have priority seating.
May 1, 2025
5PM
MIT Campus
Arts Scholars Private Dinner with Artist Es Devlin
Over this roundtable dinner, Devlin will share insights into her creative process, her belief in audiences as temporary societies, and the power of collective participation in art. Join for a night of conversation, Q&A, and artistic exchange with one of the most influential designers of our era.
April 28, 2025
7:30PM
MIT Campus
Arts Scholars to A Design Conversation with Artist Es Devlin
Join us in a rare, studio-style setting for a behind-the-scenes conversation with Es Devlin—the visionary artist behind some of the most awe-inspiring stage designs and public installations of our time. From the Metropolitan Opera to the Super Bowl, Devlin transforms spaces into living, breathing experiences.
This special invitation-only session is designed for those who are curious about architecture, art, theater, and the future of creative expression. Be part of an intimate dialogue with Devlin, whose groundbreaking work spans stage design, public art, AI-driven sculpture, and immersive installations across the globe.
April 28, 2025
5PM
MIT Campus
Arts Scholars x Boston Athenaeum: A Private Tour of Stories and Treasures
Explore the historic Boston Athenaeum on a private guided tour organized exclusively for the Arts Scholars. Step into the rich history and architectural beauty of one of the nation’s oldest independent libraries, a renowned center of culture and scholarship since 1807. This special visit includes an expert-led viewing of the Athenaeum’s remarkable special collections. Discover rare books, manuscripts, and artifacts that have profoundly shaped cultural and literary history.
April 17, 2025
Boston
Back by Popular Demand: Tufting Workshop
Dive into the art of tufting in this highly requested, 100% hands-on fiber arts workshop. Led by professional instructors, this session covers the fundamentals of tufting, combining skill-building with the excitement of crafting your own rug. The highlight of the workshop is creating alongside fellow Arts Scholars—friends who share your passion for creativity—in a fun and supportive environment. Perfect for first timers!
April 5, 2025
Boston
Theater and Insight: A Man of No Importance with Talkback
The Arts Scholars are invited to take a trip to the South End and 1960s Dublin through A Man of No Importance, a deeply moving musical. At its heart is Alfie Byrne, a bus conductor whose passion for theatre drives him to stage Oscar Wilde’s Salome in his local church. With humor, tenderness, and unforgettable songs, the story celebrates community, identity, and the quiet bravery it takes to embrace one’s true self. After the performance, members will take part in an exclusive talkback with Assistant Director Isaac Tardy and actor/singer/dancer Aimee Doherty, who will share insights into the creative process and the decisions that give this story its emotional resonance.
March 22, 2025
Boston
Arts Scholars x Boston Ballet: Swan Lake + Meet the Maestra on Stage
Tickets have been reserved for members to enjoy Boston Ballet’s Swan Lake, described by Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen as “one of the world’s most iconic and beloved classical ballets. This production showcases the depth of talent within our Company, from the principal roles to the precision of the iconic corps de ballet scenes. The second act is one of the greatest pieces of corps de ballet choreography. It’s absolutely brilliant. One huge spectacle.”
But the magic doesn’t end with the final curtain: after the performance, members will have the rare opportunity to step onto the very stage where this timeless masterpiece comes to life. There, Boston Ballet Assistant Conductor Alyssa Wang will welcome the group for a private meet-and-greet, bringing them even closer to the artistry behind the production.
March 5, 2025
Boston
Boston Symphony Chamber Players at MIT
One of the world’s most distinguished chamber music ensembles sponsored by a major symphony orchestra and made up of principal players from that orchestra, the Boston Symphony Chamber Players include first-chair string and wind players from the Boston Symphony Orchestra. A part of the MIT Artfinity Arts Festival and the inaugural season of events in the Edward and Joyce Linde Music Building at MIT. A limited number of tickets has been reserved for the Arts Scholars to attend their performance of works by Makan, Copland, and Brahms in the brand-new Thomas Tull Concert Hall at MIT.
March 2, 2025
MIT Campus
A Friday Evening with Lang Lang at Symphony Hall
One of the world’s most celebrated pianists, Lang Lang, returns to Boston with a mesmerizing solo recital! Members will enjoy prime front-row balcony seats with an unobstructed view as he brings to life Romantic-era masterpieces by Fauré, Schumann, and Chopin—a captivating experience for both longtime admirers and those new to the genre.
As part of the evening, members are also invited to a private pre-concert gathering in the hall where Chief Marketing Officer of Celebrity Series of Boston, will offer behind-the-scenes insights into the concert’s production and her role in the leading arts presenter.
February 28, 2025
Boston
Composer Patrick Harlin & Prof. Susan Solomon: From Antarctica to the Amazon
Guest Composer Patrick Harlin leads a public talk with Professor of Environmental Studies and Chemistry Susan Solomon about music, science, and literature. The discussion explores themes of sustainability and exploration, Harlin’s work The Wilderness Anthology, Solomon’s interdisciplinary approaches to environmental awareness, and the combined insights of artistic and scientific perspectives in understanding our changing world. Followed by a reception in the new music building!
February 21, 2025
MIT Campus
Arts Scholars x LIST: An Exclusive First Look with Pedro Gómez-Egaña
Gather at our very own MIT’s List Visual Arts Center for a behind-the-scenes tour of The Great Learning, the upcoming exhibition by Pedro Gómez-Egaña. Discover the artistry and intricate details behind his dynamic vision and large-scale installations. Following the tour, enjoy a private Arts Scholars-only reception where you’ll have the opportunity to meet the artist, catch up with fellow members, and reflect on the work of a visionary redefining the boundaries of contemporary art.
February 12, 2025
MIT Campus
Arts Scholars x Reuning & Son Violins: A Rare Insider’s Tour
Step into the world of extraordinary craftsmanship with an unparalleled opportunity to tour the Reuning & Son Violins workshop in Brookline. Revered globally for their collection of instruments, This rare invitation grants access to their working workshop, a space steeped in tradition and artistry where master luthiers breathe life into wood, shaping violins that resonate on the stages of the world’s greatest concert halls. Engage in conversations with luthiers whose hands restore the voices of both student instruments and those of virtuosos. The experience culminates with a thoughtful reception, inviting you to reflect on the delicate interplay of skill, dedication, and artistry that elevates music itself. This is more than a tour—it’s a moment to witness where passion meets perfection.
February 3, 2025
Brookline
Arts Scholars x Harvard Art Museums: Colorful Guided Tours
Discover the Harvard Art Museums through a private guided tours of their galleries and learn how the legacy of art is preserved and reimagined for future generations. As part of this exclusive collaboration, gain rare access to the Forbes Pigment Collection—a kaleidoscopic archive of color that has shaped the art world for centuries. Though its active role in conservation limits entry, this visit offers a profound connection to the materials that define art’s essence.
This outing is paired perfectly with the paint-making workshop, both offer an in-depth, expert-led exploration of the materials and techniques that bring colors to life.
January 30, 2025
Boston
Arts Scholars x Hannah: Paint Making Workshop
Join us for a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn how to make watercolor paint from scratch. Discover the joy of hand-mixing natural pigments with binder to create vibrant, ready-to-use colors for your canvas. Prepare to get a little messy and have a lot of fun! The session will be led by fellow Arts Scholar and artist Hannah Gazdus, a graduate student in the MechE department with over seven years of experience in paintmaking.
January 28, 2025
MIT Campus
Wynton Marsalis & Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra
The Celebrity Series of Boston has extended an exciting and exclusive invitation to the Arts Scholars: In addition to attending the highly anticipated concert at Symphony Hall, members will have the unique opportunity to go behind the scenes for a pre-show soundcheck and Q&A session with the legendary Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. The evening’s concert will be equally unforgettable, featuring a captivating program of jazz standards, 20th-century classics, and original compositions.
January 22, 2025
Boston
Arts Scholars x Japan Society of Boston: Suminagashi Workshop
Kick off the most creative time of the year at MIT (= IAP) with a meditative hands-on workshop on Suminagashi—the traditional Japanese art of paper marbling. Led by experts from the Japan Society of Boston, this session explores the history of the art practice while guiding members in creating stunning and one-of-the-kind Suminagashi designs to take home.
January 17, 2025
MIT Campus
Arts Scholars x Joanne Chang: The Art of Baking
Join us at the beloved Flour Bakery near MIT for a delightful conversation with founder and James Beard Award–winning pastry chef Joanne Chang! Discover how baking can be both a creative science and an art form, learn about the experiences and inspirations that have shaped her craft. Whether you’re a budding baker or simply someone who appreciates the sweeter side of life, don’t miss this chance to explore the art of baking with one of the most celebrated chefs in Boston and beyond.
January 16, 2025
Cambridge
End of Term Dinner
Celebrate the end of the semester on the last day of classes with great company, delicious food, and a preview of Spring 2025!
December 11, 2024
MIT Campus
Movies Night: GATTACA
Coolidge Corner Theatre’s Science on Screen® series creatively pairs screenings of classic, cult, and documentary films with lively introductions by notable figures from the world of science, technology, and medicine.
Attend a special Science on Screen® screening of the sci-fi classic GATTACA (Presented in 35mm!) at the iconic Coolidge Corner Theatre, featuring an in-depth introduction by molecular epidemiologist and Harvard professor, Immaculata DeVivo. Professor DeVivo will offer unique insights into the scientific themes explored in the film.
December 9, 2024
Brookline
The Nutcracker
In Boston, The Nutcracker is much more than a holiday show—it is a cherished tradition and a dazzling celebration of artistry. This spectacular production features some of the most technically challenging choreography in classical ballet, set to Tchaikovsky’s enchanting score. The Arts Scholars will come together to experience this beloved holiday classic, sharing in the shimmering wonder and timeless magic that has captivated audiences for generations.
December 4, 2024
Boston
The Nutcracker Special: Roundtable with the Maestra
An exclusive opportunity to meet Alyssa Wang, Assistant Conductor of the Boston Ballet, ahead of the Arts Scholars’ visit to The Nutcracker. Beloved for its charm and significance in the ballet repertoire, this historical score will be explored through Alyssa’s fresh perspective as a conductor. She will provide insights into the intricate behind-the-scenes work that brings the production to life, including musical interpretation, dancer coordination, and the complex synchronization between the orchestra and the stage. Alyssa will also discuss how the production evolves each year, blending modern innovations with its storied legacy.
As a young, multifaceted musician and trailblazer in her field, Alyssa’s career is a source of inspiration, highlighted by her role as Co-Founder, Artistic Director, and Principal Conductor of the Boston Festival Orchestra.
December 3, 2024
Cambridge
Concert & Conversation with the Berliner Philharmoniker at Goethe
The evening will begin with a concert featuring a Violin Trio and a Clarinet Quartet from the Berlin Philharmonic. This will be followed by a conversation with Boston Symphony Orchestra CEO Chad Smith and Berlin Philharmonic General Manager Andrea Zietzschmann about the responsibilities of large ensembles to connect with new audiences and communities, their organizations’ approaches to community engagement and education, and their priorities for the future. You are also invited to meet and connect with Boston-area educators, musicians, and students dedicated to making a difference.
November 21, 2024
Boston
Berliner Philharmoniker at Symphony Hall
The world-renowned Berliner Philharmoniker returns to Boston with Music Director Kirill Petrenko as part of their highly anticipated 2024 U.S. tour. Experience the awe-inspiring power and intricate beauty of Bruckner’s Fifth Symphony in this unforgettable evening, presented by the Celebrity Series of Boston.
November 20, 2024
Boston
Dinner & Artists’ Guided Tour: The Interdisciplinarity of Sustainability
Join us for an evening of dinner, dialogue, and discovery at the heart of MIT with a guided tour of the Interwoven exhibition in the Wiesner Gallery. Meet MIT artists and scholars who bridge engineering and the arts to address climate change, bringing people together across disciplines to explore sustainability and reimagine academic boundaries.
November 15, 2024
Cambridge
Private Tufting Workshop: A Hands-On Exploration of Fiber Arts
Step into the world of tufting within a friendly and supportive setting. This private session introduces the fundamentals of tufting, offering a stress-relieving experience that blends skill-building with the joy of crafting a one-of-a-kind personal masterpiece.
November 3, 2024
Boston
Drawing After Modernism: Tour and Workshop with Jonathan Duval
MIT Museum Curator Jonathan Duval leads a tour and workshop focused on the Drawing After Modernism exhibition. The session will explore how architects like Frank Gehry and Zaha Hadid utilized drawing as an essential tool for creative expression, redefining architectural conventions and pushing the boundaries of modernist traditions in the 1970s and 1980s.
October 17, 2024
Cambridge
MFA Closed House Guided Tour + Afternoon Tea
Join us for a *very* private guided tour of the current exhibitions at the Museum of Fine Arts on a quiet Tuesday afternoon, when the museum is closed to the public. Following the tour, enjoy a casual chat over candid reviews and discussions of the art with fellow scholars.
October 8, 2024
Boston
Mamma Mia! + Talkback
Chosen by the MIT Arts Scholars through a member vote, the group will attend MAMMA MIA! at Citizens Opera House. This beloved musical, celebrated for nearly 25 years, brings together heartwarming characters, a captivating story, and unforgettable ABBA hits, making it the ultimate feel-good experience. Following the performance, the group will enjoy an especially arranged exclusive talkback with the cast and crew.
October 1, 2024
Boston
Arts Scholars Dinner with Artist: Jeanette Andrews
The first Arts Scholars + Artist Dinner of the season, featuring magician and CAST Visiting Artist Jeanette Andrews. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with the awe-inspiring artist in a relaxed and conversational setting right here on campus.
September 26, 2024
MIT Campus
Welcome Back Picnic
Reconnect with fellow members, share your ideas for the program, and be among the first to see the full reveal of our Fall events lineup while enjoying refreshments and fun snacks. We’ll also be holding a vote for an upcoming outing and a live ticket lottery!
September 10, 2024
MIT Campus
Boston Pops Star Wars: The Force Awakens in Concert
Kick off the season at Symphony Hall with the Boston Pops. Enjoy the magic of this iconic film’s score live, followed by an exclusive meet-and-greet with Maestro Keith Lockhart.
September 5, 2024
Boston