Boston Public Library
Boston Public Library
4.5
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Libraries
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9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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About
The main branch of the Boston Public Library opened in 1852 as the first free, publicly-funded municipal library in America. The library, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, houses over 20 million items. Enjoy a free tour of the building to learn about its history and marvel at the treasured artworks and architecture that spans three centuries. After that, sit back for a cup of tea in one the library’s tea lounges. When you're done, go shopping or check out the restaurants in Back Bay, the busy district where the library is located. – Tripadvisor
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Back Bay
Wander around this quintessential neighborhood in the heart of Boston for high-end shops, restaurants, and the feeling of city bustle. Its most identifiable skyscrapers, the Prudential Center and John Hancock Tower, are highlights of the city skyline. Visit Newbury street to explore unique and trendy boutiques – as well as every other kind of store imaginable – all housed in beautiful brownstone buildings. In nice weather, restaurant patio seating is packed with Bostonians and tourists alike soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the food. Commonwealth Ave offers a beautiful stroll down residential tree-lined streets. Keep walking towards the Charles River and enjoy a beautiful view by the water. In warmer months, people run and bike on paths running along the esplanade, and sail and kayak on the Charles River. Boylston street, also full of shops, bars, and restaurants, is the finish line of the Boston Marathon. Head towards Copley Square and check out the Boston Public Library, which is particularly beautiful from the Dartmouth street entrance.
How to get there
  • Copley • 1 min walk
  • Back Bay • 5 min walk
See what travelers are saying
  • GoalieMarty
    Ottawa, Canada201 contributions
    Gorgeous building
    The building housing the Boston Public Library (BPL) is simply gorgeous. We took the free guided tour which was extremely interesting and informative. Our guide was a very classy lady who made us appreciate the architecture and the history of the building and the library. Our tour started at 11 AM, lasted about 75 minutes and I highly recommend it. If we wouldn't have been on that tour, we wouldn't have been able to appreciate BPL in its full splendour. In my opinion, this is a must see/do activity when in Boston.
    Visited December 2019
    Written January 1, 2020
  • Sundaram R
    Chennai District, India58 contributions
    Boston public library a modern one with great book collections
    It was a fantastic experience to visit a modern library in great style 2 days back.it is in the heart of the city ,with Copley square at stone's throw.it is strongly suggested to take advantage of free guided tours lasting approx 1 hour,to admire the artitectural glory of this building. The books available here cover A to Z.you can go through the various language books of the world.WiFi is available.one can browse and read books old and new of one's choice. After spending a considerable time one can enjoy a fabulous coffee in Newsfeed coffee For information of book lovers - it is learnt that a regular member can lend for short time a good number of books for reading.
    Visited January 2020
    Written January 4, 2020
  • Wanderlust777
    Lutherville, Maryland1,171 contributions
    A wonderful free tour helps you appreciate the building and its artwork
    Time your visit to the library to take advantage of the free art and architecture tour of the building offered daily. Our guide was very knowledgeable and engaging. Not only did we learn about the history of the building and the strong personalities involved in its constructruction, but we also received a great introduction to the three mural cycles inside. The tour lasts an hour, but you should also set aside some additional time to explore the newer annex and to visit the fascinating exhibit in the Map Room, which shows how maps were used to visualize and communicate US economic and demographic data in the 19th century.
    Visited February 2020
    Written February 18, 2020
  • Heidi H
    39 contributions
    One of my favorite places in the entire world!
    Years ago, my Art History professor included a slide of the courtyard of the Boston Public Library in his discussion and I thought to myself, someday, I am going there. I remembered that when I was planning my first trip to Boston in the early 1990's and casually added it to my list of things to do. Little did I know that it would become the first thing on my list to do upon my return. I am only sorry to say that it has taken me so long to return. I fell in love with this building then and I still am awestruck by the classic architecture, breathtaking murals and of course, the lion sculptures (Kind of a sentimental family thing, I inherited my great grandparent's lion which I climbed on as a kid, although mine is well loved and no longer as beautiful.) Only thing that could top this visual feast for the eyes, would be to include a really great glass of chardonnay and Andrea Bocelli's music and having the museum all to myself. Other than that, it's perfect in every way. Since I was last here, they have added a quaint bar (which actually seemed romantic to me and I wished my husband was with me) and a tea room. You need reservations which I did not have. Book this before you leave home, you do not want to miss out like I did. If I would have known this existed, I would have made reservations for both, not necessarily on the same day. I have no idea of prices of anything but that would not concern me as I would just be happy to be there. It was a rainy afternoon when we visited which had followed close to 100 degree temperatures and the library was crowded with tourist like me who had cameras in hand to take photos of everything, to be able to remember our experiences. You know when you take photos of the Grand Canyon and then look at them and are disappointed, well that is how my photos turned out. They do not compare in the least to seeing this library in person. Do not miss the Sargent gallery. My personal favorite is the Prophets, it's certainly not the most impressive but still it's my favorite. I stopped by the Bookstore which is incredibly small and purchased some notecards. Big mistake in not purchasing more than one of each mural, so buy more, you will be happy when you get home and at one dollar a piece, they are a bargain. The quirky book socks are also a bargain at three dollars and my son had to have a pair. Even my son, loved this place and I was grateful that he did not complain as I dragged him all over the library. Enjoy your time, do not rush and if you have the entire day to spend there, then I envy you.
    Visited July 2023
    Written July 31, 2023
  • Kelly C
    Illinois9 contributions
    Wish this was my library
    I love libraries and have visited many “important “ libraries. This is the most inviting library I’ve visited. It is light and airy & welcoming and designed for real people to use and enjoy. In addition, there is the fabulous historical section (oldest public library in the nation) with marvelous architectural details, mosaics, ....and Singer Sargeant frescos on the top floor. It even has a restaurant and tea room!
    Visited January 2020
    Traveled with friends
    Written January 22, 2020
  • hrobinson1114
    Nashville, Tennessee2,731 contributions
    Not NYPL, but worth a stop
    Not as awe-inspiring as the New York Public Library, but still worth your attention. Some beautiful photo ops, but surprisingly, compared to NYPL, it’s harder to get good photos without crowds obscuring your shots. Free. Pretty. Stop to see the murals and architecture. I spent probably half an hour here. But on another note, I felt guilty entering the main reading room because I felt like I was intruding on all the people actually there to study (there were a lot of us milling around). This is not a huge space, so extra people snapping photos, no matter how quietly, are likely noticeable.
    Visited February 2022
    Traveled solo
    Written February 5, 2022
  • Adam T
    York, United Kingdom881 contributions
    Worth a quick walkaround
    We stopped in on the way to Fenway and it was a nice break. The reading rooms are beautiful and the art gallery was a surprising find, with good description cards of the pictures for a quick self-guided tour. It’s free so worth a look if you’re in the area. The cafe also looked really nice if you have a little more time.
    Visited September 2019
    Written August 15, 2020
  • Elizabeth H
    Burlington, North Carolina12 contributions
    Don't miss this when you are in Boston!
    If you love art, especially art commissioned for the public, this is a distinctly American building, based on European traditions...full of beautiful murals. It is easy to imagine using this as an inspiring place to study, read or reflect. You can spend a fairly small amount of time and get a big payoff!
    Visited October 2021
    Written October 18, 2021
  • MidwestKathM
    Detroit, Michigan828 contributions
    A must-see for architecture and art enthusiasts!
    This 1895 building designed by Charles McKim is a masterpiece inside and out! From the minute you walk in the front door, you will be amazed! Be sure to look up and down and all around!! Some of America's finest artists have work in this building, most notably Augustus St. Gaudens (sculptural details), Daniel Chester French (bronze doors), and John Singer Sargent (murals in the 3rd floor gallery). French painter Pierre Puvis de Chavannes did the awesome murals at the top of the main staircase. The Abbey Room features murals depicting Sir Galahad's Quest of the Holy Grail. The Reading Room is awesome with its arched ceiling; check out the sculptures displayed along the bookcases. Sit outdoors in the courtyard to relax. No admission; public restrooms. We also stopped in the 1972 Philip Johnson addition (home of the circulating collection) to see its modern (Brutalist) take on the library and its 2016 renovations. We were intrigued by the huge wall mural made of actual books!
    Visited July 2021
    Written July 17, 2021
  • lamontravel
    California410 contributions
    A must-visit when in Copley Square!
    I wanted to visit the library as it was across the street from our hotel, and looked beautiful. I was not disappointed. It is one of the most beautiful public libraries I’ve ever visited. The historic feel, with the Washington room and the large study halls were consistent with the old town of Boston. The architecture and marble stairs were reminiscent of the era in which it was built. There was an interior garden where people were sitting, reading, studying and relaxing. I would highly recommend a visit to this library. A quick visit can be done in 30 minutes, but I’d love to go back and spend some time just taking in the surroundings.
    Visited August 2021
    Traveled with friends
    Written August 28, 2021
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions

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4,094 reviews
Excellent
2,999
Very good
988
Average
94
Poor
13
Terrible
4

Heidi H
Orlando, Florida, United States39 contributions
Jul 2023
Years ago, my Art History professor included a slide of the courtyard of the Boston Public Library in his discussion and I thought to myself, someday, I am going there. I remembered that when I was planning my first trip to Boston in the early 1990's and casually added it to my list of things to do.

Little did I know that it would become the first thing on my list to do upon my return.

I am only sorry to say that it has taken me so long to return. I fell in love with this building then and I still am awestruck by the classic architecture, breathtaking murals and of course, the lion sculptures (Kind of a sentimental family thing, I inherited my great grandparent's lion which I climbed on as a kid, although mine is well loved and no longer as beautiful.)

Only thing that could top this visual feast for the eyes, would be to include a really great glass of chardonnay and Andrea Bocelli's music and having the museum all to myself. Other than that, it's perfect in every way.

Since I was last here, they have added a quaint bar (which actually seemed romantic to me and I wished my husband was with me) and a tea room. You need reservations which I did not have. Book this before you leave home, you do not want to miss out like I did. If I would have known this existed, I would have made reservations for both, not necessarily on the same day. I have no idea of prices of anything but that would not concern me as I would just be happy to be there.

It was a rainy afternoon when we visited which had followed close to 100 degree temperatures and the library was crowded with tourist like me who had cameras in hand to take photos of everything, to be able to remember our experiences. You know when you take photos of the Grand Canyon and then look at them and are disappointed, well that is how my photos turned out. They do not compare in the least to seeing this library in person.

Do not miss the Sargent gallery. My personal favorite is the Prophets, it's certainly not the most impressive but still it's my favorite. I stopped by the Bookstore which is incredibly small and purchased some notecards. Big mistake in not purchasing more than one of each mural, so buy more, you will be happy when you get home and at one dollar a piece, they are a bargain.

The quirky book socks are also a bargain at three dollars and my son had to have a pair. Even my son, loved this place and I was grateful that he did not complain as I dragged him all over the library.

Enjoy your time, do not rush and if you have the entire day to spend there, then I envy you.
Written August 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kelly C
Illinois9 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
I love libraries and have visited many “important “ libraries. This is the most inviting library I’ve visited. It is light and airy & welcoming and designed for real people to use and enjoy. In addition, there is the fabulous historical section (oldest public library in the nation) with marvelous architectural details, mosaics, ....and Singer Sargeant frescos on the top floor. It even has a restaurant and tea room!
Written January 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

hrobinson1114
Nashville, TN2,731 contributions
Feb 2022 • Solo
Not as awe-inspiring as the New York Public Library, but still worth your attention. Some beautiful photo ops, but surprisingly, compared to NYPL, it’s harder to get good photos without crowds obscuring your shots.

Free. Pretty. Stop to see the murals and architecture. I spent probably half an hour here. But on another note, I felt guilty entering the main reading room because I felt like I was intruding on all the people actually there to study (there were a lot of us milling around). This is not a huge space, so extra people snapping photos, no matter how quietly, are likely noticeable.
Written February 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Adam T
York, UK881 contributions
Sep 2019
We stopped in on the way to Fenway and it was a nice break. The reading rooms are beautiful and the art gallery was a surprising find, with good description cards of the pictures for a quick self-guided tour. It’s free so worth a look if you’re in the area. The cafe also looked really nice if you have a little more time.
Written August 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Elizabeth H
Burlington, NC12 contributions
Oct 2021
If you love art, especially art commissioned for the public, this is a distinctly American building, based on European traditions...full of beautiful murals. It is easy to imagine using this as an inspiring place to study, read or reflect. You can spend a fairly small amount of time and get a big payoff!
Written October 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

MidwestKathM
Detroit, MI828 contributions
Jul 2021
This 1895 building designed by Charles McKim is a masterpiece inside and out! From the minute you walk in the front door, you will be amazed! Be sure to look up and down and all around!! Some of America's finest artists have work in this building, most notably Augustus St. Gaudens (sculptural details), Daniel Chester French (bronze doors), and John Singer Sargent (murals in the 3rd floor gallery). French painter Pierre Puvis de Chavannes did the awesome murals at the top of the main staircase. The Abbey Room features murals depicting Sir Galahad's Quest of the Holy Grail. The Reading Room is awesome with its arched ceiling; check out the sculptures displayed along the bookcases. Sit outdoors in the courtyard to relax. No admission; public restrooms. We also stopped in the 1972 Philip Johnson addition (home of the circulating collection) to see its modern (Brutalist) take on the library and its 2016 renovations. We were intrigued by the huge wall mural made of actual books!
Written July 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

lamontravel
California410 contributions
Aug 2021 • Friends
I wanted to visit the library as it was across the street from our hotel, and looked beautiful. I was not disappointed. It is one of the most beautiful public libraries I’ve ever visited. The historic feel, with the Washington room and the large study halls were consistent with the old town of Boston. The architecture and marble stairs were reminiscent of the era in which it was built. There was an interior garden where people were sitting, reading, studying and relaxing. I would highly recommend a visit to this library. A quick visit can be done in 30 minutes, but I’d love to go back and spend some time just taking in the surroundings.
Written August 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

BeachStone2C
Helsinki, Finland2,775 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
Boston Central Public Library consists of two architecturally impressive buildings; McKim and Johnson buildings. The former is older one and more impressive. It was completed at the end of the 19th Century. It has architecturally awesome Lobby, Staircase and Halls. The main entrance is in the Johnson building as well as cafe. There are free tours on daily bases. I would’ve certainly taken one had my schedule been more flexible. Free entrance.
Written January 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

jeannie410
Orlando, FL22 contributions
Jul 2021
This is another hidden gem. It’s a beautiful building inside and out. They’re not offering the guided art and architecture tours right now, but you can explore on your own. The employees are very helpful in finding your way around and telling you about interesting things to see.
Written August 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kelly
Prairieville, LA27 contributions
Dec 2021
I can't honestly say what I like most about this library, but the art! Oh, the art. From the moment you step in, you're surrounded by jaw-dropping art. I could've stayed here for a whole afternoon, but didn't have time. Will definitely visit again on my next trip.
Written January 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Boston Public Library - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Boston Public Library

Boston Public Library is open:
  • Sun - Sun 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Mon - Thu 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
  • Fri - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.

We recommend booking Boston Public Library tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 19 Boston Public Library tours on Tripadvisor





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