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Boston Public Library, Boston

4.8
#10 of 408 in Things to do in Boston
Library · Traveler Resource
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A book haven with more than 8.9 million books, Boston Public Library is the second-largest library in the United States after the Library of Congress. The library has 1.7 million rare manuscript holdings, including a handful of Shakespeare's quartos and a copy of the First Folio. Consider spending some time with a book in the McKim Building, soaking up the silence under a domed ceiling. Arrange your visit to Boston Public Library and discover more family-friendly attractions in Boston using our Boston road trip tool.
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Boston Public Library reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
4,077 reviews
Google
4.8
TripAdvisor
  • 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... 
    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...  more »
  • 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. 
    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.  more »
  • What a beautiful building. Really imposing building and a must if you’re in Boston. Clearly a ‘working building’ so please keep quiet!! 
    What a beautiful building. Really imposing building and a must if you’re in Boston. Clearly a ‘working building’ so please keep quiet!!  more »
Google
  • The "old" half of the library is very beautiful! The architecture, statues, and murals are all interesting and worth seeing. We loved finding names that we knew on the inside and outside walls and ceilings (Galileo, Emerson, etc.). The courtyard with the fountain is a very peaceful place to sit and relax. The "new" half is very nice and my kids really like the children's section. The selection of items is very large, and there are lots of signs to help you get to the section you want to visit.
  • Been to many libraries, and this is one of the most beautiful library I had ever come across, it is second to State Library Victoria, Melbourne in my personal preference. I loved the murals and thanks to the guide in each room I was able to fully understand those murals. There is an outdoor atrium where you can read a book while enjoying the natural light. I spent quite a long while here feeling the vibes. I love it, do check this place out!
  • BPL is probably the most stunning library you’ll ever see. It’s fitting that it site directly across from Trinity Church. It seems pretty standard from the outside, but one you step in the lobby, you’ll feel as though you’ve entered one of the major museums. The panels are beautiful. There is a tea lounge and a courtyard featuring live music performances. I’d grab something from the Farmers market right outside, and have a casual lunch in the library courtyard.
  • Excellent! Wish more libraries had the aura of knowledge and beauty like this one. Come for the history and the beauty. There are beautiful mythical and historical biblical murals. If you need a place to work this place would be the place to come! Would definitely recommend the top floors mural of “Triumph of religion” you can see the nephilim angelic beings depicted.
  • Absolutely beautiful public library with tons of art. Totally worth a visit. They do free art tours sometimes, but the informational guides about the murals feel like an effective self guided tour. They have laminated sheets telling the stories of three different sets of murals in the library. Really amazing art and architecture.

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