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All 399 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 204 attractions in Boston
4.5 of 5 stars 202 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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202 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    129
    61
    10
    1
    1
Date Rating
Markham, Canada
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2012 NEW

Loved the library, the Tech area, the art on display. Great way to spend a few hours. You can also use the free computers in the tech area. It was packed first thing in the morning.

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See 3 more reviews by KrishnaS3 for Boston
Huntersville, NC
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 May 2012 NEW

The murals and architecture are not to be missed. It's free, including the tours. Stop in and enjoy the breathtaking building.

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See 3 more reviews by SenorGustavo for Boston
London, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 May 2012 NEW

Beautiful in its own right, we went on a morning guided tour which was free and well worth doing. The guide was very knowledgeable, explaining the history and background to the building, the stories behind some of the beautiful murals and artwork in the building. It would be a wonderful place to relax and think and is inspiring simply to... More

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See 9 more reviews by Steven8915 for Boston
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.

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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.

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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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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See 7 more reviews by hiamavo for Boston

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