Boston to feature exhibit of Spanish art

• By CYNTHIA V. CAMPBELL
• Travel editor
• Published: Apr 20, 2008 - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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Experience the sophistication of New England this spring and summer with a visit to Boston. Plan your trip around a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts, which will be showing a groundbreaking exhibit of early 17th-century Spanish art.

The El Greco to Velazquez: Art During the Reign of Philip III exhibition opens today, April 20, and runs through July 27. It features a fascinating collection of paintings, sculpture and decorative art from 1598 to 1621. The masterpieces created at and for the court of King Philip III reflect the grandeur of the period. Works by two of Spain’s great painters, El Greco and Diego Velazquez are among those on display. The exhibit includes portraits and still lifes along with religious pieces.

While at the museum, don’t miss the contemporary Spanish works in the exhibit, Antonio Lopez Garcia, also running through July 27, in the Foster and Rabb Galleries.

Planned in conjunction with the exhibit, the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel is offering an “El Greco to Velazquez” package that includes overnight accommodations and two un-timed VIP passes to the exhibit. Rates for the package start at $305, per night, double occupancy. Guests may upgrade to the hotel’s club level for an additional $100 per night or to the Museum of Fine Arts Suite for an additional $300 a night. The hotel opened in 1912 and is located in historic Back Bay on the site of the original Museum of Fine Arts. Call (800) 441-1414.

Several other packages also are being offered by Boston hotels. Eliot Hotel, 370 Commonwealth Ave., is minutes away from the MFA, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Symphony Hall and restaurants on Newbury Street and Copley Square. The hotel’s El Greco package runs from $429-$549, per night, and includes a luxurious one-bedroom suite; two tickets to the El Greco exhibit and bake shop buffet breakfast for two. Children 17 and younger stay free with parents. Call (617) 267-1607.

The Liberty Hotel, 215 Charles St., is carved out of a 19th-century jail. Built in 1851, the National Historic Landmark building is one of the country’s most stunning “reuse” developments and sits at the foot of historic Beacon Hill. El Greco packages run from $389 to $689 and include a luxurious room overlooking the Charles River, two tickets to the exhibit and overnight valet parking. Use corporate code “El Greco” exhibition when booking. Call (866) 507-5245.

All packages are based on availability.

The Boston Museum of Fine Arts is open daily. Special exhibition tickets include general admission to the museum. In addition to special exhibits and exceptional permanent collections, the museum has a Japanese garden and bookshop. To learn more, visit the Web site: http://www.mfa.org.

The Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau has an extensive Web site offering suggestions for accommodations, restaurants, seasonal events and more. Contact http://www.bostonusa.com.

Natchez Trace doings
The Natchez Trace Parkway is recognizing National Park Week today, April 20, through Sunday, April 27. Theme for the week is “Kids in Parks,” and the Parkway sets aside Saturday, April 26, as Junior Ranger Day.

Youngsters and their families are invited to join ranger-led programs at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Parkway Visitor Center at Milepost 266, just north of Barnes Crossing in Tupelo, Miss. A new Junior Ranger activity book will be available. Once completed, children will be awarded Junior Ranger badges and certificates.

The Parkway also is presenting a special exhibit Arrange for Change which deals with climate change in the National Parks. It teaches visitors about the diversity of the National Park Service, the parks themselves and how we are interconnected with our environment. The exhibit will be on display through April 30. Call the center at (800) 305-7417.

Chattanooga value
Plan a family road trip to Chattanooga, Tenn. Once in town, people can put their car in dry-dock and enjoy the city’s free electric shuttle buses, and many attractions are within easy walking distance of one another.