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All 398 Boston Attractions »

Boston Public Library

700 Boylston St., At Copley Sq., Boston, MA 02116
617-536-5400
As featured in Boston for free
Ranked #11 of 203 attractions in Boston
4.5 of 5 stars 198 Reviews
Type: Libraries, Art Museums
Fee: No
Traveller Description: The Boston Public Library was the first large municipally-funded public library in America.  It has a central location right in the heart of Copley... more »
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198 reviews from our community

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Date Rating
Atlanta, GA
Senior Contributor
27 reviews 27 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 May 2012 NEW

We did not see the entire library. Courtyard is lovely. Main study area with all the tables and lamps is so old school and cool. There are at least 2 rooms with fantastic murals and tapestries. Easy to get to. FREE - my favorite price. More

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See 9 more reviews by ATLmandycat for Boston
Greenville
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 May 2012 NEW

Pretty building in the heart of Boston. Beautiful architecture and tons to look at. More

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See 3 more reviews by MommaRoss for Boston
NJ
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 May 2012 NEW

When I was in boston doing the trolley hop on and off tour...I visited the Library. Basically I needed a bathroom stop so I went in. It was a beautiful building with a court yard and great architecture. Of course I found the bathroom there, but it was a lot more than that. Should have spent more time exploring. More

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Massachusetts
Senior Contributor
32 reviews 32 reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 May 2012
1
person found this review helpful

I discovered that the Library is more than books; it is a treasure with beautiful art and history. Look into when the art and architecture tour is given (for free) and take the time to see beauty is inside. More

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See 3 more reviews by musiclilac for Boston
Omaha
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 May 2012
1
person found this review helpful

This is a wonderful place. You can take in the whole thing in less than an hour if you want to. I got some very cool photos here. Especially the lobby, grand staircase, reading room and courtyard. More

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See 6 more reviews by HenryMudd for Boston
Fulton, New York, United States
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 May 2012

You cannot miss this, I can only describe it as a palace that was built for books. When you enter, it very much feels like you may bump into Marie Antoinette at any moment. Probably not great for very little ones as there are thousands of stairs everywhere and probably not much of interest to very young travelers. More

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See 7 more reviews by MelissaW1004 for Boston
Chicago, Illinois
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 May 2012

A must-see in Boston. From the outside looks like another normal building, but inside is a gem. Art and murals to die for. Gorgeous stone lions and a beautiful fountain in the middle of the courtyard. Don't miss the reading room. Amazing ceiling tile art. More

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See 7 more reviews by hiamavo for Boston
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 May 2012

The McKim building is so beautiful. Stone lions, amazing paintings, history. Follow up your tour with a visit to the Courtyard Restaurant. Eat your delicious food seated by the fountain nestled in the middle of the courtyard. Heaven. More

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See 12 more reviews by Cheryl D for Boston
Sydney, Australia
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 May 2012

Only went in for a quick look around and wish I had more time to spare to sit in the peaceful courtyard and read a book. The courtyard is next to the cafe'. The architecture and paintings are spectacular. Guided tours were available. More

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See 5 more reviews by UrbanAmma for Boston
Plainfield, New Jersey
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 May 2012

Library was gerogous inside. Wall and Ceiling paintings were impressive to say the least. There was a couple of exhibitions that were very interesting; one on printing and one one Boston authors. More

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See 4 more reviews by Joe W for Boston

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