Beautiful building. Free and easy entry. A working library that doubles as a museum. Fascinating decor.
Even if you have never opened a book in your life, and you happen to be in Boston, this is a must visit. The walls, the ceilings, the exterior, ALL are worth spending hours admiring. Every time my wife and I are in Boston, we make a point to spend several hours visiting this truly amazing facility.
Please visit, I promise, you will thank me later.
We almost didn't go in and we are so thankful we did! Beautiful marble everywhere, magnificent paintings/murals! takes roughly 20 minutes to see.
I recently visited the Boston Public Library on a wet and cold Sunday afternoon after some advice from locals. I was not sure what to expect, but the tour was truly fascinating and well worth a visit.
The tour started at 2pm and lasted just over an hour. There is a remarkable history behind the library, the first free public library in the US (the tour guide did explain some caveats to this).
The architecture and art outside and within the library is truly inspiring. The library takes inspiration from Italy, France and the UK. Some highlights include a controversial statue, two interesting lions and wonderful pieces of art.
The tour guide was extremely engaging and knowledgeable, which made the tour so interesting. The tour is free and well worth a visit.
I was strolling down Boylston Street and had time before my dinner reservations and decided to stop into the Boston Public Library. What a suprise I received. First of all the architecture is quite beautiful. The stairs to the second floor deserve your attention as they are a focal point. We were surprised to see an exhibition of Shakespeare original books on display (free entrance by the way) which were on loan from the Library of London. Fascinating way to spend an hour looking at books published hundreds of years ago. My one regret is that we stopped in so late in the day and so near to closing time. I will absolutely visit again. (PS. My visit date was January 2017 but that was not a choice on the pull down menu.)
