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Such a magnificent building! The old part of it throws you straight to the Harry Potter books vibe. Amazing architecture, frescas and beautiful courtyard making you want to stay there for hours. Definitely one of the top attractions in the central part of Boston you can't miss when you visit the city.
The Boston Public Library is right by Copley Square and very close to Newbury Street, making it a great morning stop before the shops open The historic McKim Building is gorgeous, especially Bates Hall with its massive arched ceiling, huge windows, and iconic green reading lamps. The architecture, murals, staircases, and courtyards make it feel more like a historic European building than a regular public library Founded in 1848, the Boston Public Library was the first large free municipal library in the United States. The historic building is also a great spot for photography Free admission, beautiful architecture, and usually much more relaxed than Boston's major tourist attractions. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area
WOW, WOW, WOW !!! Grandaughter wanted to visit and glad she did. We rode train in from Brookline to avoid parking (stop right at library). We entered right at opening, and the initial gasp of enjoyment my Granddaughter let out was worth the visit. We explored for hours, enjoyed lunch in the café (attached) and reasonable priced. Just a very very beautiful spot to lose yourself for a few hours. So many photo opportunities.
I wish I did more research prior to visiting Boston. We were in the area and wanted to check it out, on Fridays they close at 5pm and we got there at 445pm and they were already telling people the library was closed. So we entered and went to the left to use the restroom, we took the elevators up which entered into the large reading room area where people can work and study. Reminded me of a museum, it was beautiful inside but we didn't get a chance to really explore the whole library. If you visit, allow yourself time to look and explore.
To think we almost left Boston without stopping into the library. It would have been our loss. This library was so impressive. We entered the new section by the cafe. The staff were very friendly and helpful. There were people at almost every table on three different floors. The children's section was very cute. The library appeared to have an extensive collection for both adults and children. We walked into the older section of the library and we were amazed. It was definitely more like a museum. The murals on the wall and ceiling were stunning. The outside fountain area was beautiful. There were people taking photos for special events and many people like us just in awe of our surroundings. What a great find!
The Boston Public Library is an institution. It is famous for being the first large, free municipal library in the United States, established in 1848. Known as a "palace for the people," it is renowned for its stunning Renaissance Revival architecture, the iconic Bates Hall reading room, and an extensive collection of over 23 million items. My niece loved taking pictures of the outside building as well as the inside areas near the fountain. On certain days and times, you can watch live broadcasts from GBH inside the cafe.
This is an absolutely gorgeous library, the older section houses fantastic art and feels more like a museum than a library. It also has the Courtyard Tea Room (reservations available on Open Table) for traditional afternoon tea on the main level. I was able to peek inside but it was being prepared for a private event. Adjacent to the tea room is the Map Room Lounge for small bites and cocktails. Very cool. Bates Hall was amazing to walk into, but it was full of people studying, so I limited my visit to one end of the hall. In between the older part and the newer part of the library (where most of the books are, and a coffee shop/gift shop as well) is the Norman B. Leventhal Map & Education Center. They currently have a super interesting display called "Declarations: Printing a New Nation" with original copies of the Declaration of Independence in various formats. It was also really interesting to see the display of the maps of Boston over time and how the city changed. A must see if you are in Boston!
The Boston Public Library holds more than 23 million items, estimated to be among the three largest collections in the country, including books, maps, manuscripts, letters, drawings, and other original works dating back as early as the 10th century. Notable items include first edition folios by William Shakespeare, original music scores from Mozart to Prokofiev's "Peter and the Wolf;" and the personal library of President John Adams. The Library continues to make its impressive special collections accessible to the public through a robust digitization program, all available online at Digital Commonwealth. At the Boston Public Library, books are just the beginning! The outdoor garden area , private tea room restaurant and even a study hall ! Another check off my bucket list for sure ,a dream wedding venue too ( just saying )
The John Singer Sargent murals are not to be missed. They are breathtaking to view in this first municipal public library.
Stayed nearby and decided to go explore! This review is not on any of the actually library services but on the architecture and overall general visit. I've seen so many on socials talk about the great hall...but legitimately I was roaming around for a good hour exploring both the old and new building. So many gorgeous architectural details that stopped me in my steps. The new building is also very open and spacious. There appears to be a lot of amenities for library patrons including a vast tech center, cafe, seating. Need to return back to explore the courtyard and the tea rooms! I also saw they offer free tours! Love this free activity! Highly recommend visiting!
Basically the love child of a historic library and a palatial museum This stunner is a beautiful way to spend some time, study, or work. From the courtyard puppet shows on Saturdays, to the majestic lions on the grand staircase, and gallery nooks and alcoves, I couldn't believe this place was free! Well done, Boston!
Wow! What a stunningly beautiful library. Didn't expect it to be this big. There are two sections, the old and the new. The new section is a normal library, there were several floors. I can't remember, but it was at least 3 stories. There is even a library just for teens and another library for young children inside the Boston Public Library. On the first floor, there is a cafe with drinks and snacks to purchase. And the old section is more like a museum. The architecture is stunning and beautiful! It's like walking back in time to the victorian days. There is a beautiful courtyard to enjoy the view and relax. If you are visiting Boston, this is a must visit! Highly recommend. Don't miss a chance to visit this wonderful library. You will not regret. We had a great time here.
I love libraries and read about Boston Public Library before my visit, so I decided to put it on my itinerary. It is located in Copley Square and free to visit! The building is beautiful and well maintained. But it's not where the library was always located at. It was the first free public in the country. Boston has many firsts in terms of education and supporting free schooling for everyone. It's an example that we need to keep following and not dissolve the Education Dept. But I digress, because I think education is the key to a better world and we don't see to get that! This building opened in 1895. McKim Building Lobby is elegant and majestic. The Puvis de Chavannes Gallery is adorned with beautiful murals, the creation of French painter Pierre Puvis de Chavannes. The Bates Hall reminded me of the scene with Morgan Freeman in "Seven", has the green lamps and the elegant setting of a study hall I would love to spend serious time inside. Edwin Austin Abbey painted a beautiful room that was named after him, very elegant. The highlight was Bates Hall where you can admire John Singer Sargent's murals, on big scale (my photos don't do them justice). Boston Public Library is one of the prettiest I have ever visited. I am glad I added to my own walking tour. I do hope you will visit it also when in town. Can spend as much or little as you need. No one rushed us out of there. You do your own tour. It is an amazing place for bookworms, a palace of literature that's still standing that hosts beauty, art and education!
7 days ago
The library is huge! There are maps that help guide you but I was still a bit confused since it was my first time there. We ended up asking for a bit of help for directions on where to go. The library is stunning though! Definitely something to see when visiting. There were a lot of people visiting and taking photos. read more
2 days ago
We came here on a Sunday to visit the Courtyard Tea Room for their Sunday Brunch Tea. They don't open until 11AM, which is fine, but it was pouring and windy due to the Nor'easter that was occurring and perhaps in that situation, they should open slightly early to allow those with reservations access to wait inside. Only other gripe - The amount of homeless people walking through, using the restroom to dry off, etc was ridiculous. I get this is a liberal city, but there are many tourists from all over the world and they shouldn't be subjected to the dirty restrooms, those shaking their wet trash bags onto others, etc. There was security up front where you enter, they should monitor a little better. Aside from those issues - The library's architecture was beautiful! Spacious and grand with lots of mosaic and beautiful stone, like marble work throughout. It's a very nice building with a gorgeous courtyard worth visiting when the weather is nice. read more
11 days ago
What a beautiful building ever bibliophile should check out. It's the one of the largest libraries in the US, but even for a non-local, it's worth checking out the space, even if it's just to get out of the weather for a bit. There are tours on occasion (not enough) but there's also an audio tour you can do from your phone, or you can just wander around. There's also a half that's more modern, but I was there for the historic part, which was amazing. Make sure to check out the murals by John Singer Sargent. Don't miss out on their temporary exhibits. The one on the Declaration of Independence had some original texts on display, which was great to see. There's also a couple of cafes on site. Plenty of space to read or research. The inner courtyard feels like something out of Italy if you just want to enjoy the outdoors while in the shade. It's worth the visit just to wander around inside and look at the art and architecture. read more
Such a magnificent building! The old part of it throws you straight to the Harry Potter books vibe. Amazing architecture, frescas and beautiful courtyard making you want to stay there for hours. Definitely one of the top attractions in the central part of Boston you can't miss when you visit the city. read more
The Boston Public Library is right by Copley Square and very close to Newbury Street, making it a great morning stop before the shops open The historic McKim Building is gorgeous, especially Bates Hall with its massive arched ceiling, huge windows, and iconic green reading lamps. The architecture, murals, staircases, and courtyards make it feel more like a historic European building than a regular public library Founded in 1848, the Boston Public Library was the first large free municipal library in the United States. The historic building is also a great spot for photography Free admission, beautiful architecture, and usually much more relaxed than Boston's major tourist attractions. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area read more
WOW, WOW, WOW !!! Grandaughter wanted to visit and glad she did. We rode train in from Brookline to avoid parking (stop right at library). We entered right at opening, and the initial gasp of enjoyment my Granddaughter let out was worth the visit. We explored for hours, enjoyed lunch in the café (attached) and reasonable priced. Just a very very beautiful spot to lose yourself for a few hours. So many photo opportunities. read more
I wish I did more research prior to visiting Boston. We were in the area and wanted to check it out, on Fridays they close at 5pm and we got there at 445pm and they were already telling people the library was closed. So we entered and went to the left to use the restroom, we took the elevators up which entered into the large reading room area where people can work and study. Reminded me of a museum, it was beautiful inside but we didn't get a chance to really explore the whole library. If you visit, allow yourself time to look and explore. read more
To think we almost left Boston without stopping into the library. It would have been our loss. This library was so impressive. We entered the new section by the cafe. The staff were very friendly and helpful. There were people at almost every table on three different floors. The children's section was very cute. The library appeared to have an extensive collection for both adults and children. We walked into the older section of the library and we were amazed. It was definitely more like a museum. The murals on the wall and ceiling were stunning. The outside fountain area was beautiful. There were people taking photos for special events and many people like us just in awe of our surroundings. What a great find! read more
The Boston Public Library is an institution. It is famous for being the first large, free municipal library in the United States, established in 1848. Known as a "palace for the people," it is renowned for its stunning Renaissance Revival architecture, the iconic Bates Hall reading room, and an extensive collection of over 23 million items. My niece loved taking pictures of the outside building as well as the inside areas near the fountain. On certain days and times, you can watch live broadcasts from GBH inside the cafe. read more
This is an absolutely gorgeous library, the older section houses fantastic art and feels more like a museum than a library. It also has the Courtyard Tea Room (reservations available on Open Table) for traditional afternoon tea on the main level. I was able to peek inside but it was being prepared for a private event. Adjacent to the tea room is the Map Room Lounge for small bites and cocktails. Very cool. Bates Hall was amazing to walk into, but it was full of people studying, so I limited my visit to one end of the hall. In between the older part and the newer part of the library (where most of the books are, and a coffee shop/gift shop as well) is the Norman B. Leventhal Map & Education Center. They currently have a super interesting display called "Declarations: Printing a New Nation" with original copies of the Declaration of Independence in various formats. It was also really interesting to see the display of the maps of Boston over time and how the city changed. A must see if you are in Boston! read more
7 months ago
The Boston Public Library holds more than 23 million items, estimated to be among the three largest collections in the country, including books, maps, manuscripts, letters, drawings, and other original works dating back as early as the 10th century. Notable items include first edition folios by William Shakespeare, original music scores from Mozart to Prokofiev's "Peter and the Wolf;" and the personal library of President John Adams. The Library continues to make its impressive special collections accessible to the public through a robust digitization program, all available online at Digital Commonwealth. At the Boston Public Library, books are just the beginning! The outdoor garden area , private tea room restaurant and even a study hall ! Another check off my bucket list for sure ,a dream wedding venue too ( just saying ) read more
15 days ago
The John Singer Sargent murals are not to be missed. They are breathtaking to view in this first municipal public library. read more
Stayed nearby and decided to go explore! This review is not on any of the actually library services but on the architecture and overall general visit. I've seen so many on socials talk about the great hall...but legitimately I was roaming around for a good hour exploring both the old and new building. So many gorgeous architectural details that stopped me in my steps. The new building is also very open and spacious. There appears to be a lot of amenities for library patrons including a vast tech center, cafe, seating. Need to return back to explore the courtyard and the tea rooms! I also saw they offer free tours! Love this free activity! Highly recommend visiting! read more
3 months ago
Basically the love child of a historic library and a palatial museum This stunner is a beautiful way to spend some time, study, or work. From the courtyard puppet shows on Saturdays, to the majestic lions on the grand staircase, and gallery nooks and alcoves, I couldn't believe this place was free! Well done, Boston! read more
Wow! What a stunningly beautiful library. Didn't expect it to be this big. There are two sections, the old and the new. The new section is a normal library, there were several floors. I can't remember, but it was at least 3 stories. There is even a library just for teens and another library for young children inside the Boston Public Library. On the first floor, there is a cafe with drinks and snacks to purchase. And the old section is more like a museum. The architecture is stunning and beautiful! It's like walking back in time to the victorian days. There is a beautiful courtyard to enjoy the view and relax. If you are visiting Boston, this is a must visit! Highly recommend. Don't miss a chance to visit this wonderful library. You will not regret. We had a great time here. read more
I love libraries and read about Boston Public Library before my visit, so I decided to put it on my itinerary. It is located in Copley Square and free to visit! The building is beautiful and well maintained. But it's not where the library was always located at. It was the first free public in the country. Boston has many firsts in terms of education and supporting free schooling for everyone. It's an example that we need to keep following and not dissolve the Education Dept. But I digress, because I think education is the key to a better world and we don't see to get that! This building opened in 1895. McKim Building Lobby is elegant and majestic. The Puvis de Chavannes Gallery is adorned with beautiful murals, the creation of French painter Pierre Puvis de Chavannes. The Bates Hall reminded me of the scene with Morgan Freeman in "Seven", has the green lamps and the elegant setting of a study hall I would love to spend serious time inside. Edwin Austin Abbey painted a beautiful room that was named after him, very elegant. The highlight was Bates Hall where you can admire John Singer Sargent's murals, on big scale (my photos don't do them justice). Boston Public Library is one of the prettiest I have ever visited. I am glad I added to my own walking tour. I do hope you will visit it also when in town. Can spend as much or little as you need. No one rushed us out of there. You do your own tour. It is an amazing place for bookworms, a palace of literature that's still standing that hosts beauty, art and education! read more
1 month ago
Spent so much time truly enjoying this library. They have alot of gorgeous murals and places to see inside. Not just books . It truly was a wonderful experience and i recommend anyone visit n the Boston Area to visit this library. read more
What a special time. Food was beautiful, even if a few pieces didn't taste perfect. The lobster sammie was great, I found the cake sammie a bit gummy. Tea was perfect though. They make you feel so special. That is the reason to come here. This is not a weekly trip. This is a celebration. So special. The scone was ok, others just loved it. I did love the homemade jam for it OMG so good. We sat at a long table (11 of us) and it was a bit spread out and hard to talk with anyone not next to or across from you. Just fyi. Only get 90 minutes and they manage you politely to this which was a nice touch. Wait staff is perfect. read more
Boston Public Library is a grand, large, and beautiful library! One could spend an entire day exploring this library in Copley Square. I walked through multiple floors, explored different rooms, and found the famous Grand Staircase, aka the McKim building's main staircase, guarded by a pair of lions by sculptor Louis Saint-Gaudens. This is such a gorgeous place to take photos. A literary sanctuary, and one of the most beautiful libraries in the US! read more
11 months ago
This is a must-see building in downtown Boston for visitors to the area. Completed in 1895, this National Historic Landmark is a fine example of Renaissance Beaux-Arts Classicism. I stopped here for a quick visit during a conference in mid-November 2025. With free admission, you can visit the Bates Room - a gorgeous reading room with a spacious interior and green banker's lamps. But it's very important to keep quiet so you do not disturb people working. Also, you'll find a Roman courtyard in addition to the historical markers to honor the Massachusetts infantry which served during the Civil War. Please note that it can get crowded with tourists in the afternoons. Outside the main entrance, take a look at the two statues which represent the sciences (on the left) and the humanities (on the right). Also, you can capture a full panorama view of the library from across the street (toward Trinity Church). read more
1 year ago
Tourist standpoint: Add this library to your itinerary. It's free to enter and it's honestly a work of art. There are plenty of places to sit if you need a rest from your other activities, but obviously be considerate of the folks in there who are reading/studying. It is a very popular attraction so be prepared for it to be crowded. This will be a quick stop to take photos, admire architecture, and catch a breath so you wont have to allot much time for this stop. read more
Came to visit on my walk to Fenway and based on my rekindled love of books, I wanted to see what a big city public library would have to offer. A couple weeks earlier I had seen a video on Instagram showing a Boston library that was insanely beautiful inside and hoped this would be it. However when we first entered off what we figured was the main entrance by the Boston Marathon Finish Line, we didn't initially see anything that matched the video. It was very nice and spacious (3 stories) split into different sections with plenty of signage to different areas, but it was too modern to be what I saw in the video. We considered just leaving but thankfully I opted to ask one of the librarians about where I could find the library in the video. It was a part of this same library, just in a different section through a separate hallway. Definitely worth a visit. This whole other part of the library is very beautiful and if I lived nearby, I'd definitely be coming here to read. They also have a bar/cafe area inside this area where you can enjoy a bevy and book. Outside gardens were filled with people reading and working. The huge inside reading rooms were completely filled, it was almost surreal to see that many people just sitting quietly working/reading. The inside art and architecture was also quiet a sight that gave it's own ambiance. There were so many different areas, nooks and crannies, to get lost in a good book. Definitely worth a visit and just make sure to find the non modern portion, just make sure to ask or use one of the other entrances to the library. read more
9 months ago
11 months ago
Breathtaking. A must visit if you are in the area. Gorgeous courtyard, murals and rich history. read more
Such an amazing historical public library. We enjoyed every moment here. The library is fully functioning still and have a lot of historical elements that you can view. Architecture of the library is so great to look at. Highly recommended! read more
11 months ago
I wish I'd done more research before going because I'd had this historic image of the library, but we entered through the modern side that looked like a regular library so I was a bit disappointed as I'd heard it's beautiful. But thennnnn as we walked more of the library, we came up on the historic part and then I knew okay this is what everyone is talking about. I forget the name but the quiet reading library portion w/the green lights was so cool and just like the movies. It was a quiet space and most people respected it. There's also a QR code you can scan that give you a briefing on all the galleries in the library so I sat in the quiet space w/the green lights and read up on the other galleries, then walked through them and was so much more meaningful to learn about the architecture and paintings. There's also a bar inside the library, we didn't check it out, I believe it's called the Map Room Lounge or something. Definitely add this library to your stop while in Boston. read more
4 months ago
Beautiful library! Wow! Feels like a museum. Lovely exhibits and amazing art. They have a pretty courtyard, a quiet and fabulous study room, a tea shop/restaurant, gift shops, and so much more. Such an impressive building! read more
Part museum, part, historical landmark, part library, hundred percent worth visiting when you're in Boston. When could easily spend hours here. There's so much history and architecture and beauty and knowledge here. and it's all free. read more
Stunning! Very cool architecture, the actual library looks like out of a Harry Potter movie while other sections like the ceilings look like you are in an Italian church. Free to enter. Photography allowed as long as you don't use flash, shutter noise and do not disturb others. read more
2 years ago
I really think that this is a must visit for anyone that is visiting Boston. The art and architecture of this place is absolutely beautiful. The study room (I forgot the exact name of it) is stunning. It feels like a scene from Harry Potter or something. But be mindful if you come to this library. Although a lot of tourists come here, it is still an active library where people study and learn. Best of all, it's free to visit! read more
6 months ago
Pleasant surprise. Major Harry Potter vibes! Best thing is that it's free. Recommend when in town. read more
1 year ago
This place is absolutely beautiful, but it's also super busy. We decided to check it out on a Thursday afternoon and it definitely was constantly full of people. Unfortunately, we only got into one room outside of the main entrance area before a fire alarm started going off and the entire building had to be evacuated.We would have loved to been able to explore a little bit more and check out other areas. read more
2 years ago
Still one of my favorite places to visit in Boston! The architecture is truly beautiful and I love being able to study in their main hall. I also appreciate the modern portion of the library that holds several computers, a cafe and tables to read and chat. 10/10 would recommend to anyone to visit once. read more
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Back Bay
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