Boston Public Library Reviews

The Boston Public Library is incredible the ornate design on the staircase as you walk in is spectacular. Being from the UK our libraries are pretty much empty so it was so interesting to see those scenes in the movies of American libraries being full of people studying are actually true!

I did not do a tour. I just went for about 20 mins to take pictures. It’s half modern and half old architecture. I entered through the modern section and thought I’d gone to the wrong library. Then I wandered around and found the older section. I felt better that I wasn’t the only one wandering around taking pictures. It’s very beautiful. I only wish I’d remembered to go outside near the fountain.

I’ve been to Boston many times, but never visited the library. We finally did after hearing recommendations from others, and we were not disappointed. It’s a very impressive place with many unique spaces. It’s worth spending some time to walk around and explore. Very glad we finally took the time to visit.

Hello Copley Boston Public library
Do you remember the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s? Holly Golightly associates the luxurious jewelry store Tiffany's with safety and calm and home.
My association with you feels the same. I lived in the Back Bay for many years, in my early 30s, and I would walk to you daily. I’ve enjoyed your courtyard in all four seasons, I watched you expand and create a lovely tea room. I've taken your architecture tour so many times that I have it memorized.

We even talked about getting married here, though the running joke was that I would probably fall down the big marble steps, because I’m so clumsy.

When I had children, we, too, came here as a family to pat the lions gracing the library steps.

Later, when I attended grad school at Emerson, I spent time in your stacks. Researching Joyce Carol Oates and drawing parallels between her and southern writers. Your stacks had all I needed.

We have since moved to North Carolina, but I come back to visit you with great frequency. I enjoy how even though you remain steady and solid and a standard bearer for research and you contain archives, you have also changed with the times. Your digital archives are excellent, and the addition of WGBH is excellent as well. Having a cup of tea and watching a live broadcast is such a treat.

I still find myself in your stacks. Rabbit holes of research. Emerging hours later. I still go to your beautifully lit reading room, and I edit, as I write in the glow of your beautiful green lights.

Thank you for providing such a safe, warm, welcoming space for decades.

This library is on of the best. The old section is a visual history of Boston and the new portion is a visit to as many books as I ever seen. It is a great place to view the past and the present in one building.

If you have the time, definitely attend a free tour (check the web site for times) as you will learn so much about the history of the library, its construction, the architect, the sculptures and sculptors, the painting and painters, the various types of marble used. Make sure to take your camera (no flash).

We did a guided tour in the evening. Our tour guide Gretcha was superb and very knowledgeable. The building itself is stunning and once the details were pointed out and the history that goes with it made the tour.
Highly recommend.

What a beautiful classic and historic feeling library. Looks like a movie set! Worth even a quick visit to peak your head in and look around.

Did not have this on our list but we were viewing the Trinity church and were told to go in to see the murals painted by Stuart. There was definitely some beautiful artwork in the library. Not a must see but worth a stop if you are near by.

An amazing building from the mid 1800's and its the third largest Library in the US, so you know there's plenty to read! Visiting the Library and relaxing with a book or magazine is free and, you can even have a Cocktail!! Are you interested in Maps? Check out the Leventhal Centre for Maps. Art is also something you can see in this historic building (s). Located on Boylston Street and generally open till 9PM.

Libraries are my happy place. This library specifically was magical. Couldn't sign up for a tour on the day I visited, but there are booklets at the entrance to do your own self-guided tour of the McKim Building built in 1895 and the modern addition completed in 2016.The courtyard with a fountain in the center is magical. So many people sitting at the tables and reading. The Map Room Tea Lounge is gorgeous. The modern addition is so wonderful. I loved every minute of my time spent in this magnificent historical site. If you like books and architecture, you will love the BPL.

Beautiful main reading room (with very few readers on our visit) and lovely murals by John Singer Sargent on the top floor. Would like more explanation of the Sargent murals - a laminated pamphlet provided by the museum doesn't identify most of the figures that appear.

I was so pleasantly surprised by our time at the library. It was raining and our hotel suggested this as a way to get out of the rain. There is a new side - and a historic old side. The new side has a nice little food/coffee cafe - the old side has a lovely tea room which we were not aware of or I would have 100% planned on having high tea there! There is also a nice bar for a cocktail or some appetizers. The building itself is beautiful and reminded me of European buildings. Inside there are many paintings. There are laminated cards on each level that explain the paintings. I would really recommend reading about them as you look. It gives them so much more meaning and interest. We wandered through the rooms. It is not very large - the main room is Harry Potteresque - the other rooms more simple. This is an interesting activity - great on a rainy day or a very hot one too.

You can feel the history at every step. Polish accent easy to find in the main hall. Impressive hall. Worth seeing . On the other hand, it's quite a strange feeling to visit among teachers

This is not simply any ordinary library you find in this country, but a beautiful architecture you will be amazed at. This place is built with history and heritage. All these beautiful interior constructs an extraordinary exquisite library with so much details. The experience reminds me of the Palace of Versailles. The Reading Room is a must-visit place of the library. I'll say this is one of the places worth checking out in Boston.

First time visit, absolutely stunning inside. So much history and culture, really great. Hopefully students aren't too disturbed by the visitors!

One of my most favorite things from my visit to Boston was the Boston Public Library. There area around the library is interesting with lots of things to see and do. The outside of the building was beautiful and the inside even more amazing. Of course they are a library so they have books but it doesn’t stop there. Take a walk around the building and you will find wonderful pieces of art. If you want to learn about the pieces they have giant sheets of information in the different rooms to give you all the info you need. There is a beautiful outdoor courtyard in the middle. They also have a fantastic tea room and bar area inside.

Amazing architecture. Well worth a visit. No admission fee. Would highly recommend a visit to this library. Great photo ops

A huge building. Superb architecture and rather John Singer Sarjeant paintings make it seem more like a church than a library. A lovely tranquil courtyard with a fountain.

A must if you visit Boston. The building and the square around it are beautiful. There are often vendors selling arts and crafts or food, musicians, etc in the square.

I dragged my family here and when we walked in the entrance lobby I think they wondered why on earth I had bought them here. However as soon as I walked them into Bates Hall that all changed, the room is absolutely stunning. It did feel a little awkward that the students were busy working away but you just need to be quiet and respectful. Make sure you check out the rest of the artwork in the library as it's truly breath-taking!

Beautiful architecture and inside it’s like a museum. Doesn’t take long to see it all and inspires one to read and learn in our first public library.

The library has two wings: the old wing and the modern one. There is not much to see in the modern wing, but moving left from the main entrance is where the walkway to the more popular old wing will be.

The library has a restaurant inside too which was pretty fancy, and the sculptures and the ceiling works are incredibly detailed and sophisticated, like those seen in Europe.

We just hapened to stumble upon it, but wkth the amount ofcrowds though, it is important to remain silent especially in the reading rooms since it is a library after all.

The BPL has a great collection of art and maps that tell many stories of the late 1800 hundreds and the history of our nation post civil war .

Multiple floors with escalators. Everything is spread out, attractively displayed. It has about everything you could ever want from books to videos to records. etc. Staff is very helpful. Go to the left after entering and up one ramp to experience the peaceful garden area for reading and meditating. Worth the visit to see this expansive library.

An absolutely beautiful building not to be missed. Tried to go on Memorial Day but it was closed. Luckily we had some spare time on the day we flew home so managed to fit it in. It is a must see when in Boston

A room in the old section has great murals by Sargent. It's Boston's Sistine Chapel. The murals are on the ceiling and the walls. It is a don't miss!

The great reading hall is a feast for the eyes. As a book lover this would be a dream to sit and read in for hours. I would not spend going there while not visiting something else though as the rest of the building is not very impressive. However with trinity church down the road it makes a good combination.

Absolutely stunning building. Breathtaking architecture, murals, etc. Pictures don't do it justice. Give yourself at least an hour to take it all in.

We visited Boston Public Library on 05/17. Initially, we expected nothing but a regular library, but this was full of surprises.

The front entrance and building is normal, but venture out to the courtyard and it'll take you into a beautiful new section, seeming straight out of Europe.

Will definitely be visiting again and spending more time in the second section - it seems perfect for studying or relaxing in too!

Beautiful building and amazing reading room.
It was a really nice place to spend a little time, and the cafe looked a good option although we didn’t try it.
So sad afternoon tea was impossible to book for weeks ahead, it is that popular.

Beautiful building to walk around with information about its history scattered in different rooms. Worth going in and seeing the beauty! Courtyard is dreamy.

If you are passing through the Back Bay neighborhood in Boston, a visit to this library is mandatory. The interior of the historic building is simply splendid.

The daughter of our next-door neighbor now lives in the Boston area, and she told us you must visit the library. I have to say she was right. With the high ceilings and the impressive murals on the walls, along with the large lions on the main staircase, the building is really something to see. The courtyard between the old and new areas was also very attractive with its fountain and statue. The new area contains most of the books, and while attractive, its only worth visiting if you need to find a book.

It’s all about the architecture which is absolutely stunning! I went with a mate and he had to comment on the incredible lion statues! I do have one small complaint and that's the amount of Mutants. It is a working library, but plenty of people here just having a sticky beak.

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.

This building is absolutely beautiful. It has SO much history, I just wish I knew what it was. I understand that we were in a library, but when you are taking 35 people on a guided tour and you're speaking so quietly that only the people within 4 feet of you can hear, you might as well not have a tour. It was an hour and 15 minutes and many of us maybe caught about 15% of what she said. Building gets 5 stars. I'm sure the tour guide would have too if we could have heard her.

Fabulous art and architecture in the state's oldest library. Located near Boston Commons and convenient to everything.

A free tour, virtually next to the Prudential Tower. The historic building deserves a visit with at least 1h for cute and to enjoy with peace.
With its impressive Renaissance architecture, it offers an inspiring and rich environment of history. The vast collection of books and works of art, plus free exhibitions and events, provides a unique experience. Careful staff and comfortable spaces make the visit even more pleasant. Impermeable for lovers of books and culture!.

We visited the library in November 2020. We were bombarded by panhandlers before entering the building. Police were all around so we felt safe but it’s such a bother.

A beautiful building which is still full functional and well used.
Absolutely worth visiting. A place you can spend one hour in or half a day. I was pushed for time so was there for 90 minutes and there was so much more I would have liked to see and read on the visit.

Great Modern library with good views and located conveniently to many hotels like the lenox. The library is free for everyone and is a historic building in the heart of the city!

Beautiful library and free entry. You are allowed to read some of the books and there is a good cafe if you require refreshments. Well worth a visit if you have time to spare.

I had no idea the public library was such an amazing place to visit! Everyone should check out the art and architecture.

We really enjoyed checking out the Boston Public Library. It is free. The interior was amazing -- marble stairways, fierce lions -- they don't make buildings like this anymore. The large reading room with the famous green lamps is spectacular. It only takes a few minutes to see this attraction but it is well worth your time.

A nice way to spend an hour or so, unfortunately some of the rooms or exhibits were not open for viewing but still plenty to see

Boston Public Library: A Treasure Trove of Art & Culture. Although it is not a museum, the Boston Public Library is crammed with spectacular paintings, tapestries, architectural details, and sculpture - plus a fabulous third floor gallery filled with John Singer Sargent murals.

Lovers of classic art and architecture will not be disappointed by the Boston Public Library. Not only does it feature an amazing gallery of art by John Singer Sargent but the main reading room boasts a domed ceiling and wooden reading tables and chairs that are truly lovely. Don't miss the interior courtyard with flowers, tables and a fountain. Highly recommended.

There are really two libraries. All of the following in pointed out in the free tours. The first, the original building that was the first public library in the country, is much more like a museum with noteworthy works of art scattered throughout. Also, the famous photo of the reading room is even more impressive in person. (if it is cold, do your reading here, an option to the outdoor courtyard). The recent expansion and renovation which can use another entrance or via the original building, certainly is more modern but still feels comfortable and works well in tandem with the old.

I’m not one to normally visit libraries, but I had a few hours to spare before checking out of my hotel nearby. The Grand Staircase, Chavannes Gallery, and Bates Hall were highlights worth visiting especially since it’s free. I’m glad I visited.

This is the most beautiful library I have ever visited. I am amazed at the buildings' classic architecture. It's a gorgeous landmark of magnificent paintings, sculptures and murals. I felt like am transported to Europe. I spent an hour enjoying this impressive historical library. A must place to visit in Boston.

Be prepared to spend hours enjoying the many facets of this very large library, a must see in Boston. There are many different rooms, the architecture is magnificent, reminiscent of the golden age, electronic access, quiet spaces to read or just enjoy the atmosphere. Consider it a museum

We went to Boston Public Library on Sunday. There spectacular paintings on the second and third floors. The staircase is amazing. Architectural details and sculptures are wonderful. Plus a fabulous third floor gallery filled with John Singer Sargent murals. The courtyard in the back is nice. The new area for kids and teens is nice.

This is a pretty low impact place to visit i.e. free; so if you're passing you need o drop in. Some pretty amazing architecture and the main reading room looks so good it's like a movie set.

It is very worth visiting if you are in Boston, you definitely experience the student atmosphere when you enter. It is interesting to see the number of books and the new areas based on new technologies

This is a huge library with incredible architecture, an enormous collection of books in every category, and wonderful seating and study areas throughout. If I lived here I'd happily spend lots of time enjoying this quiet cultural haven. The children's section is fantastic with a super cool reading area. One of my favorite attractions in Boston.

A great, peaceful place to sit and watch the world go by while reading your favorite book or magazine. There are plenty of spaces to sit as well as a cafe or two in this library complex.

You can't beat a free tour, and it's quite interesting learning about the Boston Public Library, it's past and how it has grown. Seeing the Bates Hall and the grand staircase are worth checking out with or without a tour. It's so impressive for a library.

Be part of every library scene you’ve ever seen in a US movie by visiting this beautiful museum. The reading room made famous by many movies is peaceful as is the courtyard with fountain. Get a book sit down and take in this architecturally amazing building which is one of the oldest in the US.

It is free to enter and a donation is something you will want to give on leaving just to keep this wonderful artifact open for the generations to come.

From the marble entrance hallway and stairs to the murals in the walls you would nearly forget they have millions of books between the walls but take one of the free tours on offer and marvel at this amazing structure.

Top spot for photos.

We visited for a photo op yesterday and even though very busy the light and views are lovely and worthy of a stop. The quad at the back is particularly lovely

Rob

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.

This amazing building is definitely worth a visit. Enter it up the steps from the Copley Square side and enjoy all the wonderful murals.

One of the largest libraries in the US. This amazing building has a beautiful alcove in the center. Beautiful marble throughout the building.there are amazing stairwells, Hugh statues And amazing paintings throughout the building. There is even a restaurant located in the library. This is a must see when in Boston.

A great place to see and it is free. Lots of Art and history. Many use as a rest stop when touring the city.

We enjoyed a tour around the library unfortunately we were un able to finish it as we had afternoon tea booked. The library is an amazing place,well worth the visit to get around probably two visits would be fitting. The afternoon tea was delicious very impressed, different from your average tea. The staff looked after us very well kept us filled up with tea.

The Boston Public library is a great place to visit! The new portion of the building is spacious and modern with a huge coffee sop at the front. The old building is not the easiest to find- but worth the hunt. Gorgeous architecture, quiet reading rooms, beautiful pieces of art and sculptures are everywhere. Highly recommended!

AMAZING is the only word i can use to describe this place.. You culd spend a week in this place alone.

We were amazed at the beauty of the Boston Public Library. Photos cannot do it justice -- you have to just stand in the Great Room in the silence (it's a real library, after all) and experience it first-hand. The artwork throughout the library is stunning, and the courtyard is a tranquil place to rest and maybe even read a good book. Don't miss out on visiting this iconic masterpiece!

The hop on and off trolley driver suggested it. Wow! It was beautiful and nice and cool on a hot summer day. Highly recommend. I spent 15 minutes max but didn't see the newer portion which is supposed to gorgeous, too.

another boston must see, love the architecture and the interior paintings and art was out of this world

A remarkable space! If you get a chance to visit Boston this should be a stop on your list! You don’t need much time but plan to walk the entire building, each space is different and stunning!

If you go to Boston it is a must-see place you have to immerse yourself in such a wonderful building since if contained inside and its beautiful architecture makes you huddle in a certain ancient and European environment in America is what makes it fascinating you must take time approx 2hrs is enough to admire so much beauty!

The Boston Public Library is a tremendously beautiful building, inside and out. There’s the fabulous renaissance style architecture, spectacular art on the walls, and the lion statues carved by Augustus St. Gaduins. Historically it checks a lot of boxes being the “first” in many areas and it holds an incredible array of material including medieval manuscripts, First Folios of Shakespeare, musical archives of Handel and Haydn, and on and on. It’s a beautiful place to walk through.

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.

Gorgeous library where the architecture is the star attraction. It is free to enter and you can roam most areas of the library but just be respectful of the people who are there studying.

Not at all what you might expect from a public library. The entrance hall and adjacent galleries are the most amazing display of murals including the story of Sir Galahad and the quest for the grail
There is a tea tea room of very good reputation but closed when we visited.
If you go to the back of the building you do find a mcc more normal library

If you visit Boston, you can not miss this stop, moreover with free admission. In the main rooms there are cards with explanations that are very useful for a visit without Guide.

What a beautiful building. Really imposing building and a must if you’re in Boston. Clearly a ‘working building’ so please keep quiet!!

Even if there was not a single volume in the entire building, it is well worth a stop. The Sargent murals are stunning.

If you like libraries, you may like to visit here. But you need to know there are two libraires located here. One is the ultra-modern section with computer stations everywhere as well as the home of the children’s library. The other is next door. If inside the new library, follow the signs to the Courtyard. For those with the pocketbook and interest, the Courtyard is the home of the Tea Room. It is pricey, however, people who have done it enjoyed the finger sandwiches and tea. Further past the tearoom is some fantastic artwork as well as two marble lions. This is the McKim Lobby with the Grand staircase. There is beautiful artwork on the walls in the staircase area. Don’t miss at the top of the stairs going to Bates Hall. It has long desks and cool green glass reading lamps. It is an amazing reading room. Find the Abbey Room with the intricate wood walls and tapestry paintings around the top border. This section of the library should not be missed. It is worth spending a few hours looking through the older part of the library. Very classic.

This is the most beautiful library I have ever seen. You will feel transported to Europe. We spent about an hour enjoying the architecture and visiting all the rooms. It was also a break from the chilly weather outside. Hard to believe that it is free!

The original building of this library has beautiful marble stairs and art throughout the building. Highly suggest visiting this location while in Boston

Absolutely stunning! almost makes one want to go back to school just to study in this library - so worth the time to visit

A wonderful, quiet place to explore and just be in. Beautiful architecture and art throughout. Very close to Trinity Church as well. Highly recommend.

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.

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!

A truly marvelous experience to walk through this architectural masterpiece! Every turn brought more beauty - and I simply couldn't get enough. While I went there to do a little geneology research, I was far more enchanted with the beauty of this building.

Beautiful library. Was crowded, particularly because they had a book sale going on, but definitely worth exploring. If you can make the free tour the visit would be even more interesting.

Lots of history, beautiful art, great outdoor space. There's even a cocktail bar IN THE LIBRARY! Highly recommend doing the free art and architecture tour (there's a sign by the entrance of the old building with info and times), where our guide was awesome and knowledgeable. Or just wander around (pamphlets provided everywhere explaining the history of the many paintings) or sit in the courtyard. Great place to spend an hour or two.

Architecture is amazing. Designed by McKim Mead White, opened 1895. Murals at top of staircase by French painter de Chavannes. 3rd floor gallery murals by John Singer Sargent. Check out the main reading room Bates Hall with 50’ barrel vault ceiling and oak bookcases and tables. Also great 2nd flr children’s library (1st in the nation).

One of the great free gems in Boston. Can use as a rest stop while in Copley Plaza with a/c in the summer and heated in the winter. Public accessible restrooms. Sit, read and even can get a bite to eat or a drink at the café. Free daily tours. Found all of this from the Boston walking tours from the free app Free Walking Tours Presents.

Loved this area of Boston. The Library is wonderful. Chiffley Square opposite had a market happening.

Such a beautiful place! Definitely a must see in Boston. I really enjoyed this visit. Wonderful place to make a stop.

Very good coffee. Salads and the clam chowder were tasty. Staff is pleasant. Depending on your politics, you may or may not be thrilled with live NPR delivered at table side. After a morning of library research, a pleasant lunch.

We were on a Historic Boston & Cambridge tour; we had time to walk around Copley square across from the library and go into the library, which was very worthwhile.

Go see the courtyard and enjoy the ornate statues and ceilings!

This is probably my favorite library anywhere. We are so lucky to have it. They have a fabulous selection of materials to borrow. I love the cafes in the library, nice areas to sit and relax, the beauty of the courtyard, the architecture and the art they have. It's such a beautiful place.

The main building's central staircase alone makes this a place to visit. The reading room is another. The map room is another - if you are into history. The oldest public library in the US, this is a must see if you are central Boston.

It's not real "looker" from the outside, it's big and boxy, but the interiors are out of this world. You'd swear you were in a European castle or cathedral. The stairway is very grand, and they have a beautiful courtyard as well. Amazing murals as well. When we were there, it looked like they were open to 7 pm, and so that let us see more of town prior to getting there. We found Boston to be very walkable, but there are lots of transportation options.

The Boston Public Library is an absolute treasure and a must-visit for anyone in Boston! I visited on a Sunday afternoon around 1:30 PM, and while the library was busy with visitors in every corner, it never felt overwhelming or overcrowded. There was no waiting or hassle to get in, which made the experience even better.

From the moment I stepped inside, I was in awe. The architecture is simply stunning, with intricate designs on the walls and beautiful paintings that give the space a grand, historic charm. It reminded me of the New York Public Library but with its own unique character.

The library is quite large, spanning two or three floors (at least that I saw!), and every area has something special to offer. My personal favorite was Bates Hall, the iconic reading room with its long wooden tables and green lamps—it felt like stepping into another era. The McKim Courtyard was equally breathtaking. It’s peaceful, aesthetically beautiful, and gave me major vintage movie vibes!

What I found even more fascinating is that this is America’s first and oldest free large public library, making it not only visually impressive but historically significant too. While entry is free for everyone, there are optional paid services like the café where you can enjoy tea, coffee, or snacks.

This library is a perfect stop for history buffs, architecture lovers, or anyone looking for a peaceful escape in the city. Highly recommend adding it to your Boston itinerary!

The closet thing you well get to Europe while being in the States. There is a mural about the quest to the Holy Grail. I was Amazed! You need to come visit this place when you are in the area. There is a big staircase when you enter. I have never seen a grand library like this before.

Love the library system and this one in particular. The wonderful news is that the library is also open on Sunday during the afternoon!!

A majestic building just outside Copley subway station. It looks more like a palace than a library, with a reading room supported by an arched roof and a grand staircase decorated with marble. Admission is free of charge, of course, so if you're ever in the neighborhood, you should drop by. The monastery-like courtyard is also worth a look.

The interior is stunning and impressive. Well worth the trip. And they even have a few card catalogue drawers - or whatever they were called.

This place is a must-see in Boston, even if you never read a book. A great piece of history. I would also like to highlight the lovely and helpful staff.

This was one of the best outings during our 5 days in Boston. We did the Saturday tour at 11:00 and learned so much about the architecture and history. It was over an hour long and not a dull moment.

The Boston Public Library is definitely one of the most visited cultural landmarks in Boston. The whole building blends classical and modern beauty, with the glorious marble staircase, the quiet, elegant courtyard garden, and the vibrant Bates Hall reading room. The artistic atmosphere is intense, especially the wall paintings of John Singer Sargent on the third floor. Open to the outside for free, the environment is spacious and quiet, a great place to read and learn, and also a great place to take photos. The moment of entering the library, as if time had slowed down, was a must-miss stop on the Boston trip to immerse yourself in the beautiful atmosphere of scent and art.

Beautiful building. A MUST SEE in Boston. The artifacts will leave you speechless. Surrounded by true Art.

Free entry all days. Excellent gothic structure with fantastic paintings. Also a quiet & beautiful backyard with cafe

The Art and Architecture tour of the Boston Public Library was just great! We enjoyed learning about it's history, art, and architecture. Tour is free. See BPL's website for information about participating.

my sister and i went to boston public library recently for afternoon tea. the room was nice and bright and nicely decorated and furnished. if you are expecting something solubrious then

The Sargent Murals were fascinating. The BPL staff were super helpful and friendly. It would be nice to have had a little more background/historical info about the murals and the artist. But overall, a great experience.

A beautiful building on Copley Square. It's well worth a visit to see the massive and ornate main reading room - I doubt there's many like it anywhere. Nice courtyard too. Probably about a 15 - 20 minute visit.

This is not just a historic site, it's an actual library. I love libraries, so I enjoyed walking around and seeing the architecture, but it was a very quick walk.
If you're in the area, it's worth >30 minutes to browse the building. If you want to stay and read, even better ;).

Even if you don't love libraries, this is a special place. The buildings are beautiful, there is a cute courtyard in the middle where you can read, relax, have a snack. I personally love libraries - I just love being around the books. There are some beautiful reading rooms. My teens were with me and they liked the glass elevator. :-) This place is beautiful and free - near Newbury Street shopping. There's no reason not to go.

Very nice building, inside and out. The courtyard is a place of serenity middle in Boston. Spend a few moments there and relax

What a feast for the eyes! This Renaissance Beaux-Arts Classic was built in 1870 by Charles McKim. The Grand staircase is made of yellow Siena marble. One of the most striking features of the stairs is a pair of Louis Saint-Gaudens lions. Exquisite murals adorn the walls of the grand staircase and second floor gallery. Stairway murals represent the disciplines of poetry, philosophy, and science while the mural in the gallery depicts "The Muses of Inspiration Hail the Spirit of Light."
Upstairs, murals titled the "Quest of the Holy Grail," by Edwin Austin Abbey, grace the walls the Abbey Room. The murals are composed of a series of panels featuring life-sized figures illustrating the Arthurian legend. On the third floor are spectacular murals painted by John Singer Sargent. The theme of this series is the development of world religions. These murals are fantastic!
All of this wonderment for the grand total of zero dollars.

The tour with Gail was a complete joy. She is passionate about the topic and it showed. I went to learn about the Sargent murals and got to see and learn more than I had expected. It was a highlight of my trip.

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!

Lovely building and internal quad. But the highlight was the main room you see in the picture. What a wonderful space. Wish I lived in the city - I'd love to read and write there.

this building more than any other shows the confidence of the Boston people. it was built 1887-1895 and intended to survive forever having been designed by the form of McKim Mead and White Architects.
I spent about and hour looking at the various beautiful rooms.
In 1971 Philip Johnston Architect added a wing at the back which might not be to everybody's taste externally.

Probably my favorite place in all of Boston! The courtyard on a sunny day, all the old marble and free tours, the cafe for lunch or a radio show, the big halls for author visits... go!

This was a good place for us to visit and cool down. The architect of this library is magnificient. Such pretty backdrops.

What an amazing place. Thank you for taking such wonderful care of this beautiful gift. The Sargeant panels are breathtaking. Be sure to try to understand them. Its worth the effort.

Enjoyed just walking through and taking in the art and architecture of the place. No entrance fee, it is a public place. There are people studying and it is necessary to remain quiet in certain places.

We spent at least 45 minutes-hour on each floor.
Building is huge, very modern and you can get immersed in any subject with full shelves of pertinent books.

Architecturally stunning, the Boston Public Library and its rows of tables and individual reading lamps make you wish you had all day to enjoy the peaceful and significant space. No wonder it’s the model for so many movie sets,

The space is absolutely gorgeous. I didn’t do a tour but walked around by myself and it was as beautiful and historic as I expected it to be. I would definitely go back and spend much more time there

There is no entry fee into the library. It’s the oldest functioning library in the country. A tour is not essential but would be helpful. We went in and meandered the different levels and sections of the library. Just the architecture alone is worth a visit. The map room, study hall, and the grand staircase when you first enter are beyond amazing. At times, I had to remind myself I wasn’t in a historic Italian museum – I was in a library. We also spent another hour in the children’s section which was expansive and extensive.

Any one can walk in and have a look around the historic library building for free. It’s very beautiful, with lots of architectural details to admire

The Boston Library is definetely a must-see. An amazing beautifully building with incredible arhitecture and design. It is free entry and you could enjoy it for at least an hour.

When I said to my teens and husband “Let’s go visit the library!” They thought I was crazy, until they walked through the doors and saw the beautiful artwork, architecture, and ambiance. We had a wonderful time exploring the different areas of the library!

Wonderful, undeniable, I think an essential point. I am a librarian and highly recommend. Architecture, collection, garden, collaborators, everything, everything....

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!

We especially enjoyed the explanatory boards to better appreciate and understand the art on the ceilings and walls.

The Boston Public Library was founded in 1848 — before the Civil War! The original building was built in 1895 and is beautifully adorned with marble lions and John Singer Sargent murals. Be sure to take a peek in the Reading Room. They have a nice collection of local maps in the area between the old and new buildings. If you’re lucky, you might even catch an NPR broadcast in the lobby of the new wing. After exploring, enjoy light refreshments in the Map Room Lounge — we enjoyed homemade lemonade and strawberry-rhubarb scones!

This is a beautiful, historic building to walk around and enjoy. Please respect the peace and quiet inside.

What a beautiful building. Be sure to have a brochure or a library guide to share the exquisite information. Wonderful setting and stories!

The truth is that the majesty of this library its entrance its stairs and its halls have a degree of presence of knowledge and knowledge. I loved having met the same

Fantastic building that tells indicates how much the founders thought an informed public was essential to democracy. One part is this historic building and the other is a modern library that continues the tradition. The courtyard between is serene and gorgeous.

First note the art and Architecture outside before entering the Vestibule and the Magnificent Grand Staircase. Take the steps to the third floor and note the ceiling with elaborate murals. See the incredible works of Sargent and then be certain to have your reservations for tea. The Garden and Tea is worth the trip

Many people had recommended we check out the Library so we spent a little time there, admiring the architecture and statuary. It was very nice and worth the trip.

Spent a couple hours enjoying the architecture, followed by lunch in the Newsfeed Cafe watching a live WGBH broadcast. Lots of vegan options. An afternoon well spent.

An amazing building both inside and out. Would have been good to spend a bit more time here but I sadly I didn't the time,

From cookbook to history back 100 years ago books you can find. The building is very interesting to see all the architectural design.

It's definitely worth having 30minutes to walk inside the building, its very impressive inside. The ceilings and structure in the main building are wonderful and the court yard is very tranquil. Unfortunately the had a private event in the Cafe otherwise we would have stopped longer.

We loved our tour- very informative and a beautiful place to treasure the idea of “ books for all.” The art and architecture is fabulous and we very much enjoyed learning about the history of the day, the artists and people who made it all possible. Very well done.

The Boston Public Library's classic interior & architectural details are even more enjoyable with the free guided tour that the Library provides each Tuesday afternoon. We got a great overview of three floors of marble interior details, sculptures from famous 19th Century artists, and lots of murals decorating the walls of the circa 1895 McKim Building. Our tour guide had lots of amusing anecdotes about how this massive building came to be. Definitely something to see in downtown Boston, and the price is right.

After your tour I'd also wander through the modern wing of the library next door. The modern architecture is an interesting contrast with the traditional interior next door.

Free public entry. Beautiful architecture inside. Loved the marble. Reading rooms were just like scenes from a movie.

We scheduled afternoon tea at the museum and it was lovely. The building itself is has amazing architecture, art and history. We were very surprised when we got to the more modern part of the library as the two sides are very different but it works!

This library is not your typical library. It is well worth a visit! It is part library and part museum in a sense as it has so much history. I highly recommend.

Be sure to check out the garden. Nice to be around real books! Very beautiful building, and the John Singer Sergeant murals upstairs are a big treat.

I was told the library in Copley Square was beautiful but I was so impressed. Could have spent the entire day there.

Absolutely beautiful! Who ever thought a library could be so beautiful and provide historical background just by walking around. I was shocked at the serenity of this library as well as the volumes of information they have available to the public. This is a MUST visit for those exploring the Boston area. Don’t forget the hidden garden courtyard!

A museum in its own right, this library has murals, wood work, frescos that is historic and inspiring. A wonderful visit

My #1 spot on our New England trip! This place is beautiful! Don't be in a hurry. Walk through and just absorb it all!

We took the architectural tour of the library during our visit to Boston partially due to our son who is getting a masters in library science. It is a beautiful library with so much art and history! We thoroughly enjoyed our tour and Cynthia our guide was excellent. All the beautiful murals in the various parts of the library were just amazing. We all enjoyed and highly recommend the tour!

Boston public Library stands just opposite the majestic Trinity Church. It's neoclassic exterior hides terrific beauty inside with amazing sculptures and murals throughout the hallways.
The big learning room is also spectacular. Best of all, it's totally free to visit, so do go inside.

This place has a lot of history . It’s free to the public they have events going on you just have to plan
Accordingly. They have architectural tours that are free. They have a live radio station and a cafe with coffee and tasty treats .

This is indeed one of the best libraries in the country and a must see! Not only does ti have everything you could want in a library, but the architecture sets this library apart from all others. A must see if you leave any appreciation at all for architecture.

Absolutely love this library! It is part functional library and part museum. Bates Hall is awe inspiring and comfortable at the same time. The Sargent murals were amazing and worth the climb up the beautiful staircases. Love the history and story behind the library. Staff are patient and friendly. Take the time to stop in.

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.

The murals are amazing -- very worth a visit when you're in downtown Boston. A perfect place for bibliophiles and art lovers.

We were advised by a relative that this was well worth seeing. So glad we took the advice as is is a fabulous building with wonderful murals unlike any others I've seen before. If you've got the time, do make the effort.

If you're into architecture, this is a must see and it's free! There are beautiful arches, carvings, statues and stairs as well as beautiful frescoes on the walls. You may wander through at your leisure.
There is a beautiful courtyard with tables and chairs as well.
We didn't spend a long time here, but it was well worth seeing.

We have been to Boston many times but only recently visied the library.
From Boylston Street it looked very modern and functional but when you enter from Copley Square it is a whole different experience.
Great staircases, rooms and paintings and a real sense of history.
Really worth the visit.

Wow! So glad someone recommended a visit to this architectural delight! We were in the area so we popped in to what looked like a museum from the outside. Inside, it looked even more like one! The pictures tell the story--three floors of rooms full of books so elegantly stowed. The huge study hall was full of serious students. The tea room was like a very fine restaurant. Even though it was closed for a private party I was able to take a nice picture of the interior. This is a don't-miss site for sure!

This is a public library in the Copeley area.
The old building is a majestic Renaissance building, reminiscent of European palaces.
When you enter the front entrance, there is a grand staircase, and the front that climbs up this is the downstairs reading room, and the way green lights are lit on each table is very beautiful.
On the first floor, by the grand staircase, you can enter the courtyard, which is surrounded by corridors, reminiscent of a medieval monastery.
Entrance is free, so it is worth visiting.

This building is spectacular ; the architecture in the original building is amazing. Lovely courtyard garden for peaceful tranquility. Tea rooms open Wednesday -Sunday.

Coffee shop on site in modern extension.

A must visit in Boston. Big public and free library. See the green lamps in the reading room. Wait in the courtyard for the water fountain to go on. Relax and sit outside.

The architecture is definitely worthy of a stop. Alos it's located very near many other Boston attractions. Also it's free.

I was here several times a week when I lived in Boston. A beautiful building with a fine collection of materials.

Beautiful building, should be included on the list for any Boston visitor. This is so much nicer than any other library building I have ever been to.

The beautiful Boston Public Library is a must see.
It is absolutely stunning. The architecture is amazing
Even if you only have a few minutes please do a walk through.

Magnificent library with superb architecture. To see and why not take the time to read a book. Close late i love

Lots of history in a stunning setting. The Library tour is a go to for us every time we have visitors from out of state.

Remarkable. This is one of the top places when visiting Boston. The building is powerful and decorated with beautiful art works. Unique architecture. A must visit.

We wandered in here after passing it on the Duck Tour, the inside is truly stunning and even for a European who is used to visiting stunning buildings this is a real wow. A library may not be everyone's natural choice for a visit but it is really worth 30 minutes of your day.

As a solo traveller in Boston for the day I went here in between other sights I was seeing. I was amazed at how beautiful, large and well equipped this library was. Definitely worth a walk through if your a traveller and I can imagine this would be a great place to read, study etc if you were in Boston for an extended period of time.

This was not a planned visit but I am so glad we came across it! Amazing architecture, murals, and decor. A very peaceful place to visit and stay a while.

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.

I always love visiting the library. The extra special thing about the BPL is their daily free Art an Architecture tours. Make sure to take one if your schedule allows.

We turned up just as a free tour was starting. It really brought the place alive and was run by an architect so he had some great insights. A beautiful building with great stories to tell.

I find this library to be one of the most h friendly libraries for families. It is such a shame because it is a beautiful place and the teen and kids room have so
much potential. The librarians I had the pleasure of interacting with were not at all friendly or helpful. The teen room had most of the games closed and the feeling in the children's room is so incredibly unfriendly I couldn't wait to get out of there. I was so disappointed. I guess I will stick with smaller libraries in the suburbs where they make kids and families feel
Welcome.

Incredible library. Has an older and newer part. Both beautiful. If you live here, it's a great place to study and work. The old part has amazing art and architecture. I wish there was an audio guide or some presentation to the art. There is some but it varies on level of detail. It's free and a must see.

Not your average city library! There are thoughtfully-designed spaces for every type of guest. Pure silence...you got it! Kids area...check! The list goes on, and great WiFi!

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.

We ducked in here during a rain shower. We were really impressed by the interior marble work and murals throughout the 3 floors we visited. While we only "visited" to stay dry it turned out to be a place worth seeing---no matter the weather.

29 years in the making for all the murals on the wall. Amazing work, Amazing experience throughout the library.

What an amazing structure. The murals are beautiful and tell unique stories. So much detail in batea hall

I'm a retired k-8 school librarian, so of course I love visiting libraries when I travel. The Boston Public Library, on Copley Square in Back Bay, is worth the trip. The first U.S. library to have a dedicated children's library, I had to peruse that area, but the main draw is the historical end. Wonderful architecture, ample signage, and lovely photos/views. Don't miss Bate's Hall! Downstairs, there is a lovely courtyard and they have both afternoon tea and a full bar. Yes, a library with a bar! The afternoon tea looked lovely -- wish we would have known ahead of time so we could have stayed. I believe they take reservations. When finished, cross the street to see Trinity Church. Atlantic Seafood is within walking distance.

This is a fantastic beautiful building with the so many beautiful things to look at the statue’s, the wall murals the floors an amazing place to visit and it’s free. I could of spent a day in here alone.

I went here as both a student and a tourist. Some of the rooms here are classically stunning, there’s some fantastic artwork, and I especially liked the modern new cafe/entrance they had (when I went they were doing an NPR show live).

That being said, this is a public library, not a museum. If you want to study, this is a great place (although a bit crowded). If you’re here to be a tourist, there’s probably only 10 minutes of stuff to see (don’t worry you won’t be alone).

It’s free so I guess it’s worth stopping in if you’re nearby or it’s on the way to something, but I most definitely wouldn’t plan out a visit to the Boston Public Library or go out of your way whatsoever.

Had a fabulous guided tour of the maps room. The number, age of some of them and the care preserving the maps was amazing. The guide was informative and knowledgeable. So many different maps, learned so much

This is an amazing building centrally located in Boston with a free guided tour that is so filled with historical and architectural information. Our eyes could scarcely take everything in as we walked inside this two story FREE LIBRARY filled with the most gorgeous murals, artwork, statues, woodwork and books, of course. The marble in this building is so impressive. Be sure to check out the "new" Children's Room to see the difference between the old and the new! We ended our tour of the library in the courtyard. What a beautiful fountain! We will definitely go back to take in even more of the Boston Public Library when we return to Boston.

This is a must stop off in Boston. Very stately building in a central location. You could spend hours in here! Recommended

It's a very beautiful building - both the new and old bits. I'd love to come and study here or sit and read for pleasure - the ideal environment in which to do it!

A large and beautiful building. A nice place to rest and to access the Internet. Its in a very central location off of Boylston St. where there are many restaurants and shops.

This classic big city library attracts a lot of visitors and users. I used it years ago when I was a student. Now I like to come here because of the grand architecture, a real temple to learning. At Copley Square.

First time here. Great stop. HUGE place. Some architectural marvels but there is a newer wing that is pretty cool too. Nice place to get out of the rain, snow, heat, cold for a while.

It is always a pleasure to walk around the Boston Public Library. There is so much to see and experience. They always have something new to see. The recent upgrades and renovations have made the facility even more enticing.

It only takes a little walk to wonder at the architecture. My grandchildren were so surprised that I did research at a table with books! It's stunning.

During site seeing we went there and I couldn't go out. Amassing building . Cafe and bar .
Huge and fascinating.
Free and one hour is more than enough.

This library is INCREDIBLE! It's finally back open since the Pandemic, and social distancing is still happening. It's amazing to see so many people not only utilizing the library as a library should be used, but people touring! The courtyard is peaceful and bright, the interiors are stately and grand, and the children's section is interactive and adorable! Definitely going to come back with my son when he's old enough to appreciate it!

This library is very much worth a visit, and free as well. Amazing large reading room and some impressive art. There is a lovely outside courtyard too where you could while away a couple of hours.
Nearest subway station is Copley.

Beautiful building, worth a visit. Older sections were very hot but we enjoyed the architecture. Got a snack at the cafe, but the “gift shop” really isn’t a gift shop.

Haven’t been in about 15 years and it was great then. Now it’s amazing with all of the remodeling and updates they’ve done without spoiling the original sections of beauty, from marble flooring and tiled ceilings. Plenty of spaces for your laptop and plugins to recharge your tech. Indoor cafe with everything from sandwiches to coffee. There’s also a local broadcasting filmed live you can sit and watch. The children’s room has play spaces and cute spots to sit and read with your child and a special room for the actives they host. The teen section was very impressive, like a hip restaurant vibe and nice to see a safe place they can go. I’ve always like the central open air courtyard where you can sit at bistro tables and have your lunch surrounded by a beautiful garden and fountain. They do have a tea room but it was closed for training purposes when we went. It’d be a fantastic place to do a girls afternoon tea. Call ahead for details to make sure they’re open. The library offers tons of city passes if you’re a Massachusetts resident all you need is a valid ID and a piece of mail to show your address and you can get a library card. Can’t wait to go back. We found on street meter parking. I believe the closest garage would be Prudential. Next block over.

Far from just being a frumpy, dusty book repository, a visit to the Boston Public Library turned out to be an interesting lesson in both art and architecture. The newer western (Johnson) building deserves a walk-through to see its appealing modernity within, but the real star is the older eastern McKim building, which dates from 1895. (In fact, look down at the floor when you cross from one to the other to see the brasen strip with the inscribed names of the respective architects and the opening dates.)
In the McKim building, marvel at the wide stairwells, the varigated stone cladding, the beautiful chandeliers, and the artwork on the walls. Linger a few minutes in the courtyard in the middle of the McKim section at one of the tables along the walkway (if you can find one not already occupied by students with their books and papers). Note above the Renaissance detailing of the courtyard's fascade the tops of the tall modern buildings beyond.
It appears that guided tours of the library are being offered again, but evidently not every day; however, we were shown around by a local university student acquaintance of ours who says she spends as much at the library as she can.
Of course, the BPL is accessible via public transportation. For better or worse, we were braving the streets of Boston by automobile that Saturday, and we found the Prudential Center Garage, one block over, to be very convenient -- its entrance is right there on Exeter Street, across the street from the west side of the BPL. Note that Exeter Street is one-way north to south.

Gorgeous library- you feel like you are in a movie. Doesn’t take long to walk around and get the highlights. Recommend to all.

Actually, there is nothing to add to the headline. But you have to formulate 100 characters here...
You should definitely bring plenty of time and soak up the library in peace (and above all calm = quiet).
Anyway, we were thrilled.

Beautiful building. Full of culture, lovely pictures and sculptures together with a great range of books

Visit the main hall

This historic library now has over twenty neighborhood branches.The main branch features the original music scores from both Mozart and Prokofiev. If you need a bite to eat while exploring the rooms, The Newsfeed Cafe has a great grab and go fare.

I can’t believe I lived in Boston for two years and never visited the Public Library. The building is absolutely amazing. Great for a visit to just see the architecture or to study or to hang out.

Shamefully, the elevator to the third floor where the spectacular John Singer Sargent murals are located has not been in working order for approximately one year. People with mobility impairments are thus deprived of the opportunity to see these treasured works of art. What's it going to take to get the attention of management to remedy this longstanding problem?

One of the most beautiful libraries in US. Spectacular place to spent good time and learn from their history. In the epicentre of the city and around other amazing buildings. This place cannot be missed.

A museum with powerful buildings
The study room is stunning. I want to spend time here, ideally with lots of seats and no crowds, to be able to use such a wonderful space at my disposal. Boston awesome.

We had high Tea at the Library in their cafe. You get a three tiered tray with sandwiches, pastries, and assorted munchies. All really delicious. Highly recommend this experience.

The Boston Public Library is an impressive Copley Square edifice. Architecturally imposing both exterior and interior. Sargent murals are impressive. A hidden gem is the Tea Bar outside the tea room. The library on the second floor is awesome.

My adult daughter did some homework before our visit and said she wanted to see the public library. I was highly skeptical. I was even more reluctant when Uber dropped us in front of a generic modern day library you find in every city in America. We were all sort of befuddled on why this was a five star visit.

We did a quick google searched and learned the old library was way on the other side of the building. We started cutting through a beautiful courtyard where we stumbled upon a gorgeous tea room. Then we found what everyone raves about. The marble stairs, wall murals, and carved statues. The Bates Room was spectacular. You've seen this room in millions of movies. Take the time to go to each room. Be sure to go upstairs to the top level.

I 100% recommend visiting here. It's free to enter and the architecture is incredible.

A beautiful landmark, amazing architecture and the 2nd largest library in the US! Worth a quick 15 minute self tour or longer stop to admire the architecture or a quiet place to study. Inside is a beautiful open air courtyard and fountain. Then up the main staircase while being watched over by two stone lions. There is a very large very quiet reading room with over 60 students studying away. Up to the 3rd and top floor where there are series of Sargent Gallery murals. When we arrived, there was a young couple posing for photos outside on the steps.

interesting place to visit, beautiful interiors, quiet spaces to relax and read, free admission, worth the visit

Went to see Sargent murals on third floor; they were underwhelming.
Murals in second floor were more impressive.
Might be the lighting

Absolutely beautiful! It is breathtaking to stand in that large room. I didn't anticipate how beautful the rest of the building would be as well. Keep walking to find the renovated section. You will see the working library of today.

If you have time and are near the library, it is worth entering to see the beautiful architecture and murals.

The Boston Public Library is one of the must-see attractions when visiting Boston. The façade made me proud as an Italian because there are the names of many Italian painters, sculptors, scientists and poets. The interiors are truly amazing in beauty and elegance: the walls and ceilings are real works of art.
Too bad you can not take pictures, especially since in the bookshop there is no book or postcard that allows you to take home some memories of this beautiful place.

it was hard to find the main library part at first, had to ask a staff member. HINT it is on the second floor!

It's an amazing library. Make sure to visit the historical side and the courtyard. Beautiful, both inside and out.

Be sure to walk around the outside of the library and read all of the authors' names inscribed there. It is an excellent reminder of the richness of our cultural heritage. All the way up on the third floor are the Sargent allegorical murals, which are wonderful.

Many exhibits were closed so this is a 30 minute at most event. However should do it. second floor rooms and exhibits are wonderful. Library is very impressive.

I love libraries , and this is a beauty. Also a delicious afternoon tea and a fashion show. Well set out to enjoy the historic setting, whilst staying a thriving, busy public library.

Great detail and history as we explored library. The different rooms were spectacular to see the history and the children's area was inviting for those families searching for that. The library has the old, historical feel while still being advanced in technology as a way to learn.

The old building of the library is very interesting and worth visiting (free). There was a very good free exhibit on maps of ecological issues in the Boston area. Worthwhile if in the area

Not much to do physical wise in this place as it is actively used by students and other people reading and studying but what a building inside that’s the reason we went in paintings on the walls and frescos on the ceiling an absolutely fantastic building!

Really beautiful building, several people told us we should visit the library while in Boston and since it was near to our hotel and we had some spare time on our last day we went. It was so beautiful we wished we had more time to explore! Really great unexpected find!

Boston Public Library, JFK Museum, Boston Common, Freedom Trail, Faneuil Hall, MFA, Duck Tours were all great sites to visit.

Schubert Theatre, North End, and Haymarket were less enjoyable.

Boston street traffic is a nightmare. And beware of getting in and out of Logan Airport; it is very tricky. Construction everywhere.

You wish every town could devote public resources to things like libraries -- but it would be hard to outdo these old beauties. Gorgeous, helpful, necessary.

The outside statues are a bit strange to me. The inside is amazing. This is a very large place. The main hall reminds me of Harry Potter. The history of this place is very interesting. I loved General Washington's painting in one of the rooms. It is definitely a place to visit.

This place is truly a site to see!! It is wonderful getting to step back into history with this breathtaking architecture! This was one of the first things we saw while in Boston and absolutely a favorite!! A MUST SEE! (Tip! The famous image you see when you search this library is of the Bates Hall! Took us a second to find it but wandering the beautiful rooms did not disappoint!)

We could not be more impressed with this amazing library. It is located in historic buildings in the United States.. This is a must see Or anyone visiting Boston. One of the most extensive book collections in United States.

Very nice way to spend half an hour - especially if it’s raining. Very impressive inside and the courtyard is quite serene. Lots of old books and lots of students, but at the end of the day, it is just a library.

Was very disappointed that the main library exhibit was closed for viewing. Had teenage girls who love to read that were looking forward to this and it came up a bust!! I would check detail before trying to attend this site!!

If you love books or even just beautiful buildings, you’ll absolutely love stopping here. Best of all, it’s free to walk around and take in the architecture. It’s a very impressive building. Can be crowded, but if you give yourself enough time to not be rushed, it’s so worth it.

This would have to be one of the most beautiful and outstanding libraries we have ever visited. The services and access to literature are excellent but the architecture, artwork and history of this amazing are exceptional. Definitely worth a visit

This is an amazing library! We initially were in the area to view nearby churches (Old South Church and Trinity), but I saw this beautiful building and was called inside. It had a beautiful courtyard that took my breath away. As someone who loves books, this place made my spirit happy, and seeing how well maintained and used this library is made me feel called to leave a small donation. Libraries are such wonderful places for our communities, and this one added the wonder of beautiful architecture as well!

The entrance is beautiful and certain parts of the interior as well - just gorgeous wall murals, sculptures, and ceilings, but reading and study areas are normal stuff.

Visited with my 7 year old daughter. Stunning building and a lovely way to spend an hour or two walking around the library which is seriously impressive. We loved the children's library.

The building is mind blowing. It is so cool to look at everything inside. However, the staff are rude and a local told me that too. I asked an innocent question about the courtyard being open and they scolded me for my question. Just don't talk to the staff and you'll have an awesome time!

Why aren't all large city libraries this good? From the collections to the cafe to the public lectures!

The pictures say it all. If you’re in Boston for pleasure or business - take an hour to walk thru the historic Boston library- which is a separate connected building to the modern wing of the library. Ask how to get to the historic wing if necessary.

The Public Library is impressive from outside but boy wait until you step inside, it is VERY impressive. Free to enter and you can pick up free wi fi while inside. The courtyard is fabulous, lots of table and chairs around the edge in the cooling shade. Its a very popular place to chill out during the summer. You can book in for a very nice afternoon tea in the tea rooms here, we didn't have time for that but they seemed very popular.

Truly awesome art, architecture & paintings. The John Singer Sargent mural cycle is a masterwork, installed between 1895 & 1919. So much more. Admission free

Beautiful place with plenty of choice for all tastes, very beautiful and there are places to take good photos to remember, recommend visiting it if passing Boston

This is one of the most beautiful libraries I’ve seen. So many things to see, wish we’d taken a tour but easily accessible without one.

I will not say that visiting here is a must, however, there a really nice murials and they have many many books from years past.

Came on a whim because we had some time to kill and my kid had some homework to take care of.

Beautiful old building, connected to the newer one. Kids section was great and he was able to do his work in there. Also got to read us some beginner books.

I know it’s a vacation, but heck, it worked really well for us and it truly is a sight to be seen.

Like reading the story depicted in the stained glass windows of churches, these two huge (as encompassing a whole floor) mural compilations/collections by Edwin Austin Abbey and John Singer Sargent captivated our attention for inordinate amounts of time.

Abbey's murals tell the tale of the Galahad and the Grail and Sargent's tells the story of the triumph of religion i.e. development of world religions). It took Sargent 30 years to complete the mural and Abbey's is his most famous work.

These murals were highlight of the library viewing for us.

There are 2 marble lions on the stairwell; they commemorate the Massachusetts Civil War infantry regiments. The lion is in repose (not standing); meaning it is not at war (just a little point we picked up in Canada). The battles are listed (and painfully engraved in our collective hearts).

What impressed us about the library collection is that it has medieval manuscripts in its collection. This lovely museum/library was built in about 1895 and contains about 24 million volumes. It is the 3rd largest library in the entire US after the Library of Congress and the New York Public Library.

The style is just the most beautiful example of Renaissance Revival and, how special is this fact that the library is the "palace for the people." And the people deserve their palace. Bring your own sandwich or snack and enjoy a restful stop in the courtyard (we did).

Free wi-fi, also.

This older building bears the name "McKim"; he also made a gift of the 1893 statue in the fountain (Baccante and Infant Faun.) And now for the story behind the nudie ...

This model was a 19 year old mom and her baby; she is Baccante: a mythological figure who served the infant god of wine. This is a pagan reveler with grapes in her hand and, in the other, she holds the infant (assume this to be the infant god of wine?)

In the center there is an outdoor enclosed Italian style courtyard with "that" fountain in the center, containing patio tables and chairs, and so much ambiance you will wonder if you are, after all, in the middle of a city. Thank you, Charles McKim and others, for your gift to the city.

I find myself at the BPL almost every time I'm in Boston. I've enjoyed reading and doing work in the reading room, having afternoon tea in The Courtyard Restaurant and listening to speakers that are part of the Boston Book Festival.

I wish I lived in MA so I could be a member and spend even more time at the library.

It's absolutely stunning inside and a great place to read, work and enjoy.

What a stunning building! Full of beautiful art and nooks and crannies. We went later in the day and it wasn't at all busy. The Italianate Courtyard is just lovely.

Couldn't beleive I was in Boston and not Italy! I loved the court yard and the reading salon,The stair case and all the paintings.
My family and I spent almost 2 hours over there.

Absolutely gorgeous building. Definitely worth stopping in here and looking around. Make sure you don’t get confused and go through the modern side entrance like we did at first. Go around to the original entrance. That’s where the beauty is.

This building is spectacular and should not be missed when visiting Boston. Be sure to download the QR CODE for information about each room and specifics about the building.

Late opening meant we could visit here late this afternoon. We were very lucky to find there was a free concert in the courtyard with 2 great soul singers entertaining the crowd. Then upstairs to the Bates reading room which is spectacular, although the tourists must be irritating for those studying here! The hidden gem is 1 floor further up to the Sargent hall which has some great frescos telling the story of the Knights of the holy grail - the real one, not the Monty Python story!

Incredibly interesting and beautiful library inside and out. Great to explore for a bit, but it’s still just a library.

Absolutely gorgeous, and not a peep. Beautiful architecture and stunning from main study hall to court yard and tea room.

Beautiful functioning library open to the public. My family (two teenage daughters 15 and 19 at the time) did the tour and enjoyed hearing about the library’s history. Definitely a must-see when visiting Boston.

Spectacularly beautiful historical library. Must be seen to be believed. Wish our hometown library was a fraction as nice as the modern section.

One of the most historic libraries in the world! It has a new and a historic part, which makes the place even more interesting. You see that people go there to study, spending the day there absorbing knowledge. Sensational! I recommend it and I will definitely go back there!

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.

One of the most beautiful public libraries I have ever seen. Also all the frescos are very well preserved. Definitely worth a visit.

This is a marvelous institution. It's a great library, a great place to sit and use the wifi, and a gorgeous piece of architecture. They did a great job when they built this temple to learning.

While many people may think a ‘library is just a library’, that thought does not apply to the Boston Public library!! In Boston, you should include time to go inside and take in all the beauty, art (including murals, statues, etc) and architecture and history of this building! A brochure (free) at the main entrance is available and provides a guide to your self-paced tour of the highlights of this building - so you can explore at your leisure.

Nice stop at Copley Square with time to explore Trinity Church and Boston Free Market on the weekends.

Wow. I squeezed in this library on one of my down days in the rain. It was free to the public and it was one of the best places I saw in Boston. It took my breath away many times when rounding a corner or entering another surprising space. They have free tours if you arrive at the right time on the right day, but I walked around on my own and read the signs instead.

Great spot off the beaten track to tour. Teens enjoyed the large library and browsing around. The air felt amazing on a super hot day.

Definitely worth a visit. Spacious and such interesting history. Pleasant and informative staff.
Very easy to access using public transport.

Our group enjoyed learning about the beautiful architecture and stunning art throughout the library. We strolled through the new and old library. We enjoyed every moment here.

This is basically a free art gallery. This is a great stop for a couple hours on a hot day. What a treasure for the citizens of Boston!

Great place to visit. Loved viewing the old reading room. The murals on the walls are quite interesting too. Now I need to look up the tale of sir Gallahad. Be sure to visit the third floor too. Glad I walked up here to visit. Special surprise for me was the event in the courtyard - Boston Lyric Opera was putting on an event during my visit which just made the visit even better. Very worthwhile visit.

I visited BPL to see the murals by John Singer Sargent, Edwin Austin Abbey, and Puvis de Chavannes. They are all overwhelming and on a scale that one would never see repeated in current times. Before corporate sponsorship there was the public good, and uplifting the mind and spirit is the essence of the BPL's mural cycles. Here, they continue to do so and have added more public spaces with contemporary necessities. Come for the great murals, and commend the city of Boston for its commitment to the public health and growth of the spirit.

One of the most beatiful places in Boston! Although it has a modern part (also very nice), the amazing part is the old historic one. Marbles, paintings, vaults... a very nice and interesting building and completely free to visit!

The art and architecture tour is wonderful. It takes about an hour. Our docent, Peter, was so knowledgeable and inspiring. There is much to see. It is free. You just have to get on the list about an hour before the tour.

This is a very grand building, and even if you do not want to use the vast resources of the library, you should go in to see the impressive interior design. From an era when they built truly incredible public buildings. And it is a great library.

Beautiful decor throughout the building and what appeared to be a wonderful place to study. Free of charge as well

Once you step in, you come in view of this beautiful mármol and granite staircase with beautiful painting and sculptures. The location is immaculate clean and tidy. It really inspires you to study whatever subject you are working on.

I love libraries--the books, the quiet, the green glass banker's lamps. Boston Public Library has them all, surrounded by shiny surfaces and fascinating architectural features. So glad we visited.

This glorious bibliographic haven is a sanctuary for both bookworms and for art-lovers: it finds the perfect balance between gorgeous architecture stuffed with artistic murals by a wide swath of artists, and a dizzying diversity of books that cover just about everything you've ever wanted to read. I really like their Heaven & Earth: The Blue Maps of China exhibit. The courtyard is beautiful, and it has a running fountain in the center that cools you off in warm weather. In summertime, the courtyard also hosts free concerts on Wednesdays and Fridays. I also appreciate that the tech center offers classes and workshops on everything from how to use a computer to how to use Microsoft Office, email, and social media - this is a great community service. People do actually come here to work as well, so you'll see people on laptops and people reading books throughout the building.

Wow!! I can’t get over the beautiful architecture and art in this place. Pictures don’t do it justice. If you are in the area it is a must see! Absolutely jaw dropping.

So worth taking an hour for - the building is jaw-droppingly magnificent and the murals on the second floor (Edwin Austin Abbey) and third floor (John Singer Sargent are museum quality masterpieces.

The library is well worth a visit. Very impressive. We sat in the courtyard, people watching, for a while. This was very tranquil. We also visited for afternoon tea and had a very enjoyable time. The food was good, the service excellent and the venue very much in keeping with the ambience of the library.

If you are interested in architecture, this is one not to miss. It's a quick self-tour. Allow about an hour.

Looked like interesting building with history and decided to take one of the free limited guided tours. Only 3 times per week.
The old sections had great painting and history and great to look at. There is a cafe offering high end drinks which we didn’t visit but looked cool.
The new section looked very nice and impressive. 1 hour tour. There is outdoor courtyard to sit.
Only issue which they can’t control is the homeless camp outside and use bathrooms and no way for free public library to say no.

The library is very pretty and quite. The courtyard is beautiful and very peaceful. The public library has a bar which I think is really neat and different. Bathrooms are clean but I did run into homeless people at two different restroom stops, bathing themselves. Which was a bit of a turnoff. One of the times I left the restroom bc I felt uncomfortable. But that’s just what happens in big city’s

We joined Peter on a Monday for the Art and Architecture tour. We expected to see some points of interest, and were instead delighted to learn so much about the building, the art, Boston and its history! Peter is not only super knowledgable, but also an excellent speaker. We felt as if we were receiving a one on one tour. From Bacchante and the Faun all the way to Sargent's murals, we felt like we were getting an inside peek into history. On Peter's recommendation, we also checked out Trinity church!

Absolutely beautiful building, it truly looks as if it belongs in Italy. I wasn’t planning on staying long, but we ended up staying longer than expected because it really is stunning.

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.

Wow! What an absolutely amazing structure! I only wish the tours were offered during my visit there. I was given a brochure, which was informative, but a tour would have been fabulous! The architecture was a sight to see, for sure! Bates Hall was something to behold. The courtyard... if I hadn't had so much more of Boston to still see, I definitely would have enjoyed more time there.

I just wondered where all the books were... I only saw books in the "new" part of the library.

Other than the beautiful architecture, this library was nice and quiet, no one was disruptive and although I forgot to bring my headphones, I was able to get work done without using any noise blocking devices at all! If you want to see it just for fun, it can be easily done and if you need a quiet place to get work done, look no further!

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.

Wow, a breathtaking library with so much history and attention to detail.
It's completely free and they give free guided tours, but we didn't do the tour. We walked around and on each floor there was literature explaining the murals and history of the building. The courtyard is stunning. This library is truly a special place.

Whenever I travel to an older city always hit the library. Libraries while a free attraction often are great buildings and provide history.

Going here is great. The amount of time you can spend will blow your mind as it is a really big place. the history of the building is really nice too.

What a fantastic surprise while visiting Boston. In particular, we loved the interior garden with the fountain. Such a peaceful space within such a busy city.