Boston Athenaeum

An American treasure. A must visit if you are a history dork, bibliophile, or art connoisseur. An incredible space with an incredible collection. Go first thing in the morning, splurge on the full-day pass and wander the stacks, have a snack, lounge, read, and soak in the Boston skyline. For locals and visitors alike! Then walk through Beacon Hill to find a pint or a nice dinner.

As an educator, the 8$ cost to roam the first floor was alright. It provides access to a small exhibit, quiet and comfortable reading spaces with a lot of natural light, and a small but eclectic selection of books to read on the spot. Lockers and coat hangers are convenient. Pleasant space to relax.

One of the truly special places. Library, cultural center, my home away from home. The dedicated people who work here are treasures. Before I became a member I was concerned that the atmosphere would be too reserved. Turns out the place is filled with nice people who love books.

Could not have felt more welcomed. My only regret is not discovering this place earlier.

Wow, what a hidden gem! I visit family in Boston all the time but never knew about this place even though I know I've walked by it.

The whole place is beautiful and pristine. It was raining on the weekday I visited, but it was so clean and bright inside. And not at all crowded. A kind security officer greeted me and pointed me towards the desk for a ticket. I spoke to a young man who was very friendly and informative. I opted to pay $8 (others have said it cost $10 or $11 for an adult, so maybe it's cheaper on a weekday) for just first floor access instead of something like $40 for the entire place.

There are two large rooms up front with some books and artwork. It took about 15-20 minutes to look through everything. There are huge glass windows that overlook a cemetery, and it was just really quaint. Then I realized there was a whole other exhibit room in the back. I believe it's a rotating exhibit. In August 2023 it was a photo exhibit about then and now Boston. It was fantastic.

I'll also note that there are plenty of free lockers because you can't bring large book bags. This was wonderful because I was dragging around my luggage. And the bathroom is exquisite. Definitely worth the $8.

The Boston Athenæum is a true gem in the heart of Boston. This historic library offers an unparalleled collection of books, maps, and artwork that spans centuries.

The building itself is a work of art, with its beautiful architecture, cozy ready nooks, and stunning artwork. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and always willing to help. For example, my first week there I came across an old 1,000+ page old, tattered reference book I wanted peruse. A librarian noticed I was hesitant to pull it off the shelf given it was tied together with twine… she came over and reassured me that “much like her old, achy bones, books are meant to be used and I shouldn’t be afraid to pull anything I wanted.” So cool!

Whether there to read, work, or just burn some time walking the stacks for random books/topics to learn about, I would highly recommend the Boston Athenæum to anyone looking for a unique and enriching experience. It's truly one of the most special places in Boston, and when you’re there you feel it and it’s collections’ long history.

10/10 — it’s worth becoming a member.

The Art and Architecture Tour covers all the floors from 5th to basement. Cost varies from $5 to $15, depending on who you are. I paid $10 and stayed several hours afterwards. Incredibly beautiful library. I got to see the library of George Washington.

The Boston Athenaeum describes itself as a “member-supported library, museum, and cultural center.” A day pass is $40 and gives you access to all of the rooms and allows you to come and go as you please throughout the day. I will mention that this place had a more pretentious vibe; beware of rude staff members! However, it’s one of the most stunning spots in the city and definitely worth the day pass splurge.

I always wanted to take the in person tour but it gets fill up quickly on weekends. My lucky day, 27AUG22, I got to see this historic building through the Art & Architecture Tour (1 Hr). If you like historic buildings and old books, this place will make you HAPPY like I did!!! ❤❤❤

I was able to get a day pass and was it worth it! The building was amazing with all the nooks and crannies (many with comfy chairs). My only regret was not allotting more time to be here.

A lovely spot with lots of history and cool books! Would only recommend going for a tour as a non-member, however. Otherwise, rooms are super limited and you can't even see the nicer parts of the athenaeum (namely, the 5th floor reading room). They have free visits every second Saturday of the month, and tours are only $2 each, so would highly recommend going then. Tours are an hour long and I found ours engaging and interesting.

An excellent place to get an artistic background on Boston. Featuring many original works of which there are replicas elsewhere, there is a surprising amount of history in a relatively small space. They give efficient tours that reveal a lot of little nuggets of history for anyone's interests.

A hidden gem. I visited with one of my grad school classes. A remarkable collection with rare and impressively preserved items. Cozy, airy interior, would obviously make the perfect study spot.

Elegant, historic building that preserves and pays homage to Boston's past while providing a modern exhibit and function venue. Helpful friendly staff and compelling exhibits near Beacon Hill and Boston Common.

Hidden gem in Boston. Be sure to book the art and architecture tour online in advance, best way to see the entire building. An interesting history and collection of rare books and maps, including Washington’s encyclopedia. Beautiful view out the window during fall time.

I dream of the day I could live in this beautiful city and visit this special place often! We took advantage of the late Tuesday opening today, and unfortunately missed the last tour. But the staff is very kind and helpful, and full of helpful information! Thank you to Fritz, Molly, and the front desk crew for making our visit extra special. What a gorgeous place!!

A far more gracious (if loquacious) entry sequence and welcome desk. Looking forward to how the newly expanded spaces are used in the future.

The Boston Athenæum, a true gem in the heart of Boston, is a must-visit for bibliophiles, art lovers, and history enthusiasts alike. This exceptional institution is one of the oldest independent libraries in the United States and a treasure trove of knowledge and culture.

Upon entering the stunning building, you are immediately greeted by an aura of elegance and intellectual grandeur. The architecture and design of the Athenæum are a sight to behold, with its ornate detailing, high ceilings, and sweeping staircases. The warmth of the reading rooms and the grandeur of the art galleries offer a unique experience that transcends time.

The library boasts an extensive collection of books, maps, manuscripts, and artwork. From rare, historical documents to modern-day bestsellers, you'll find something to pique your interest. The staff members are incredibly knowledgeable and helpful, always eager to assist with research or answer any questions.

In addition to its literary offerings, the Athenæum's art collection is nothing short of spectacular. It features works from renowned artists like John Singer Sargent and Gilbert Stuart, as well as contemporary pieces from emerging talents. The rotating exhibits showcase a range of styles and themes, ensuring that there's always something new to discover.

The membership option provides an even more immersive experience, granting access to exclusive events, lectures, and special collections. However, the Athenæum also offers day passes for visitors who are short on time but still want to explore this breathtaking institution.

Overall, the Boston Athenæum is a unique and enriching experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression. It's not just a library, but a cultural institution that embodies the city's rich history and celebrates its vibrant artistic scene. Whether you're a local or a visitor, I highly recommend dedicating some time to explore the wonders of the Boston Athenæum.

What a treasure trove! I’m only in town for the weekend and ended up spending a few hours here, just wandering through the stacks.

One of Boston's absolute gems. A gorgeous subscription library with lovely art. Membership is available for a reasonable annual subscription and they do offer periodic tours and events to the public. At the top of Beacon street right near the Statehouse. Step through the red doors and enter an oasis

This is one of the great private libraries on planet Earth. The fact that the Athenaeum allows non-members to tour the library ipso facto extraordinary.