Any holiday would not be complete without some form of decorative ornament in your home. And art ornaments from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, can turn a holiday display into something much more personal, especially when the decorations reflect the art, history, and culture you already love. A traditional tree is beautiful on its own, but imagine reaching into a box of ornaments and finding something that is inspired by art or history. Suddenly, decorating becomes a little more interesting.
One of the pleasures of collecting these ornaments is that they don’t have to be limited to one holiday. While many look right at home on a Christmas tree, their artistic character makes them just as appealing for year-round decorating. Hang one from a decorative hook, display it on a shelf, add it to a centerpiece, or use it as a small accent in an art lover’s home. The goal isn’t simply to put something on a tree. It’s to surround yourself with objects that have a story.
A Little Dalí for the Holidays
Salvador Dalí is known for an unmistakable artistic style, and the MFA Shop’s felt ornament captures some of that playful spirit in a small, approachable format. Handmade by women artisans in Kyrgyzstan, it uses natural fibers and environmentally conscious materials.
It’s the kind of piece that can work beyond December, too. Display it in a studio, office, reading nook, or gallery wall arrangement whenever you want a little artistic personality in the room. For someone who enjoys Surrealism, it’s also a gift with plenty of character.
History Takes Center Stage
For history enthusiasts, ornaments inspired by ancient civilizations offer something different. A Tutankhamun design, for example, brings the visual drama of ancient Egypt into a modern holiday setting.
One version is crafted from hand-painted glass and draws attention to the famous pharaoh’s royal headdress with shimmering gold, blue accents, and jewel-like details. There’s even an unexpected whimsical element that gives the historic subject a contemporary twist.
Another Egyptian-inspired ornament is a mummy made from fabric and decorated by hand with embroidery, beads, and sequins. At about 4.5 inches, it’s large enough to make an impression while still fitting naturally into a seasonal display. Its handmade construction also gives it the warmth and individuality that mass-produced decorations often lack.
Celebrate the Masters
For admirers of fine art, what could be more fitting than decorating with pieces inspired by some of history’s best-known painters? A Van Gogh-inspired porcelain ornament brings his distinctive use of color into a holiday setting. Its compact, square shape makes it easy to incorporate into a collection of traditional and contemporary decorations, while the white ribbon keeps the presentation simple.
Monet and Hokusai also appear in the broader collection, giving shoppers an opportunity to choose decorations based on different artistic traditions and styles. Whether the recipient has a favorite painter or simply enjoys museums and beautiful objects, an art-inspired ornament can make a thoughtful gift.
The MFA Shop collection also includes hand-blown glass pieces embellished with crystals and other finely crafted details. These ornaments can catch the light from a Christmas tree beautifully, but they’re equally suited to anyone who enjoys displaying small works of decorative art throughout the year.
Art Ornaments: More Than a Holiday Decoration
What makes these pieces especially appealing is their versatility. Holiday art ornaments can be festive without being disposable, and an artistic design can have meaning long after the decorations come down.
They’re also easy to personalize as gifts. A museum enthusiast might appreciate an ancient Egyptian figure. A fan of Surrealism may gravitate toward Dalí. Someone who loves Impressionism could connect with a Van Gogh or Monet-inspired piece. Those personal connections make the gift feel chosen rather than simply picked from a shelf.
From legendary artists to remarkable figures from the ancient world, art ornaments from the MFA Shop offer a creative way to celebrate the holidays while keeping favorite works, cultures, and stories close at hand.
For more information about Art Socks and The Great Wave Poster Please visit: Museum of Fine Arts – Boston.