Though the Boston Public Library includes dozens of branches, the main branch at 700 Boylston St. draws in the most visitors. Highlights include a trio of giant bronze doors designed by sculptor Daniel Chester French and the only known mural by artist Pierre Puvis de Chavannes The central branch is also home to the Bates Hall reading room, the Norman B Leventhal Map & Education Center, and three cafés.
While anyone can visit the library, only residents and people who work or own property in Massachusetts are eligible for library cards. Joining one of the library's free tours is a better choice if you want to learn about the building's history. You can easily pair your visit with a Freedom Trailwalking tour, opt for sightseeing of Back Bay's brownstones, or stop by before a Boston Symphony Hall concert or a visit to the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.
Art lovers should check out murals by John Singer Sargent and Edwin Austin Abbey in the McKim Building.
Enjoy fancy refreshments, cocktails, and snacks at the Map Room Tea Lounge, located in the McKim Building.
For a quick bite, stop by the Newsfeed Café in the Johnson Building.
The library is wheelchair-accessible, with elevators in both buildings.
The library is near the Copley light rail station, on transit lines B, C, D, and E lines. You can also stop by while exploring the Back Bay, or book a hop-on hop-off tour or private tour, since most stop in nearby Copley Square. Boston Public Library tours offer convenient access to the building without the hassle of navigating public transit.
The library is open daily, with limited Sunday hours. It's closed on most major public holidays. You can stop by anytime to explore the books and art on display, or check the library's calendar for details on architecture tours and special events, such as the Winter Concert Series. Afternoon tea service—complete with petit fours and tea sandwiches—is available in the Courtyard Tea Room, Wednesday–Sunday.
Just a few blocks from the Boston Public Library you can find the Skywalk Observatory, offering panoramic views across the city. From the viewing deck 50 stories above ground level, you can spot landmarks like Boston Common, Harvard University, and Fenway Park, home to the Boston Red Sox. You can pre-book admission to this attraction---which includes free audio guides---or buy the Boston CityPASS, an attraction and museum pass that will grant you access to several spots around town, including the New England Aquarium and the Museum of Science Boston.
