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Boston Public Library

700 Boylston St., At Copley Sq., Boston, MA 02116 (Back Bay)
617-536-5400
Website
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As featured in Boston for free
Ranked #8 of 194 attractions in Boston
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Type: Libraries, Art Museums
Fee: No
Recommended length of visit: 1-2 hours
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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512 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    351
    138
    18
    4
    1
Date Rating
Dublin, Ireland
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
3 attraction reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 May 2013 NEW

What a brilliant place to go see and especially for children nothing like that at home and the size of it that's some Library well may you use it!

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See 6 more reviews by Ozziebow for Boston
Southampton, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
29 reviews 29 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2013 NEW

Deceiving from the outside but once inside ask security for directions to the cafe, you will come across a most beautiful courtyard. Peaceful and quiet you think you are somewhere in Europe.

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See 6 more reviews by mauritius45 for Boston
Melbourne, Australia
Top Contributor
119 reviews 119 reviews
15 attraction reviews
Reviews in 39 cities Reviews in 39 cities
51 helpful votes 51 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2013 NEW

Located on Copley Square this is one of the buildings worth viewing (and it's free). Stately architecture and large spaces. Free wifi too!

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See 6 more reviews by Webster27 for Boston
Powell, Ohio, United States
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
13 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 May 2013 NEW

This library is worth seeing simply for its architectural offerings, what an outstanding building! All of the Adams' family paper are stored here as well!

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See 9 more reviews by Jessica C for Boston
Shelton Ct.
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 May 2013 NEW

Free. I haven't seen a library as beautiful since I visited the library of congress in Washington D.C.

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See 5 more reviews by Donna S for Boston
Salem, Oregon
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 May 2013

This library is so beautiful inside - loved the artwork and architecture of the building as well as the indoor courtyard with statues and fountain, really nice!

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See 5 more reviews by DoxyandTravelLover for Boston
Ottawa, Canada
Senior Contributor
41 reviews 41 reviews
15 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 May 2013

I kind of regret that we didn't do the tour - I'm sure it would have been fascinating - but even walking through on your own is an experience. The building itself is stunning, but the interior is breathtaking. It will be a blip in your day, but it's well worth dropping by if you're in the area.

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See 10 more reviews by TravellingCanuckYOW for Boston
New York City, New York
Top Contributor
55 reviews 55 reviews
41 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 May 2013

People did studying there for their own purposes. Once i got into the library, i won't hear any lousy noisy. WHen i walk into the study zone, everybody was concentrated on their work. Even visitors were very self-discipline, don't dare to disturb others in the library. i never found this scene in New York Public Library though. It made me... More

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See 4 more reviews by Mieah C for Boston
Senior Contributor
36 reviews 36 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
21 helpful votes 21 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2013

Beautiful architecture and wall murals, some by John Singer Sargent. Excellent collection on 3rd floor of Joan of Arc books and items. I am referring to the older building and did not visit the modern wing for books this trip. They do have passes, though, for library patrons if they request online in advance for the expensive MFA for example.

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See 6 more reviews by ChiWind for Boston
Phoenix, Arizona
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2013

The Boston Public Library Courtyard Restaurant is a great place to pickup some lunch. The atmosphere is serene and quiet and the food is inexpensive and delicious. I had the Cobb Salad and my friends had the Black Quinoa asparagus & artichoke heart salad cherry tomatoes.

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See 3 more reviews by LibrarymOm1992 for Boston

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