Artist Luisa Rabbia spent time at the Gardner Museum as an Artist-in-Residence in 2007, during which time she was inspired by photographs that Isabella Stewart Gardner collected while traveling in China in 1883.

Portrait of Aeltje Uylenburgh, aged 62 (1632), considered one of the finest Rembrandts in private hands, will be on view for the first time in the United States at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA). This masterpiece has been lent by Rose-Marie and Eijk van Otterloo of Naples, Florida, collectors of Dutch and Flemish art.

Audiences will scale the breathtaking Swiss Alps when the large-format film The Alps opens in the newly renovated Mugar Omni Theater. This powerful film centers on one man's quest to conquer the infamous North Face of the Eiger. Located at the core of the Alps, the Eiger is one of the world's most celebrated, yet treacherous peaks.

More than 60 reptiles are creeping, crawling, slinking and slithering their way to Museum of Science, Boston. Museum presents Lizards & Snakes: Alive! This traveling exhibit — New England's largest display of lizards and snakes — features animals from five continents, some familiar, others exotic.

Soprano Mary Dunleavy returns to Boston Lyric Opera to sing the role of Konstanze. Ms. Dunleavy was last heard at Boston Lyric Opera as Pamina in Die Zauberflote in 2000. Bass David Cushing sings Osmin following appearances with the Company in Un ballo in maschera, La traviata and others.

The Boston Youth Symphony (BYS), the premier ensemble of the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras (BYSO), under the artistic leadership of Music Director Federico Cortese, makes its Celebrity Series Boston Marquee debut at Symphony Hall on Sunday, March 9 at 3 pm.

Chorus pro Musica, led by Guest Conductor David Hodgkins, will present a special concert celebrating New England composers on March 7, at 8 pm, at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, 138 Tremont Street, Boston (opposite the Park St MBTA station). The performance includes a special tribute to Daniel Pinkham, who at his death in December 2006 left a substantial legacy of great works, many commissioned or premiered by Chorus pro Musica.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum exhibition showcases sumptuous Indo-Portuguese objects and reveals new discoveries about a rare silk embroidery in the Gardner Museum's collection. Exhibition will run through May 4, 2008.

Stewart Gardner Museum on Thursday, February 14th, 6:00-8:30 PM Experience the magic and romance of the Gardner at night; indulge in decadent cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and desserts; listen to live jazz; and explore romance-filled art – all in Boston's most enchanting setting.

Magnificent floral interpretations of great works of art will be on view throughout the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), during the 32nd annual Art in Bloom festival of flowers and fine art at the MFA from April 26–29, 2008.

Capping its Fall Season with the Company's 40th consecutive year performing The Nutcracker, Boston Ballet opens its 2008 winter/spring season with the Company premiere of John Cranko's Romeo & Juliet. The 2008 season will feature Boston Ballet in classical story ballets, world premieres from on-the-rise contemporary choreographers, and modern masterpieces.

Audiences will scale the breathtaking Swiss Alps when the large-format film The Alps opens in the Mugar Omni Theater on February 29, 2008. This powerful film centers on one man's quest to conquer the infamous North Face of the Eiger. Located at the core of the Alps, the Eiger is one of the world's most celebrated, yet treacherous peaks.