Boston Museums, Zoos and Concert Halls Mark MLK Day With Free and Low-Cost Events

Boston's museums, concert venues and zoos have lined up tributes to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for the Jan. 16 federal holiday, and many of the offerings cost nothing. State and federal buildings and schools will be closed for the day.

The city holds a particular place in King's story. He completed a Ph.D. in systematic theology at Boston University in 1955 and met his future wife, Coretta, while living here.

The Museum of Fine Arts will mark the occasion with an open house, now in its 21st year of offering free admission to Massachusetts residents on the holiday, in partnership with Citizens Bank. Tickets are handed out in person on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors can see "Frank Bowling's Americas," "Making Past Present: Cy Twombly" and "LIFE Magazine and the Power of Photography," which closes that day.

The museum's schedule also includes interactive painting and music from DJ WhySham in the Shapiro Family Courtyard, plus a short talk and performance in the "Touching Roots" exhibit at 1:00 and 2:30 p.m. At noon, a discussion will look at how "The Embrace" was made. The new public art mural honors the work and lives of both Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King.

The Institute of Contemporary Art will again waive admission from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. On view will be "Rose B. Simpson: Legacies," "Jordan Nassar: Fantasy and Truth," and "To Begin Again: Artists and Childhood." Timed tickets are required and become available 24 hours ahead of opening.

Music is a major part of the day. The Boston Children's Chorus will present "Becoming King," its 20th annual MLK tribute concert, at 4 p.m. at Symphony Hall. The program reflects on King's life and legacy, including the years he spent studying philosophy in Boston. Tickets range from $15 to $75.

Earlier, at 1 p.m., the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra will give its yearly tribute concert at Faneuil Hall, staged with the Museum of African American History and conducted by Marta Zurad. Admission is free, but seats must be reserved in advance.

For those who prefer the outdoors, Franklin Park Zoo in Boston, home to lions and tigers, and Stone Zoo in Stoneham, where visitors can see bears and reindeer, are both free on the holiday. Zoo New England publishes a list of animals commonly seen at each location in winter.

The 53rd annual MLK Memorial Breakfast begins at 9 a.m. at the Boston Convention Center. The keynote speaker is Jelani Cobb, a writer for The New Yorker and dean of the Columbia Journalism School. The gathering honors King's legacy and highlights the role of education in the pursuit of social justice. Tickets cost $50, and the event will be streamed online at no charge.