Boston Athenaeum — Attraction in Boston

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 From rare, historical documents to modern-day bestsellers, you'll find something to pique your interest.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...

The staff here treated us with contempt. We were visiting from out of town and went far out of our way to see a specific book. It is a book bound in human skin, and since I just read a chapter about it, I was curious to see this piece of history (the only known human skin book where the subject willingly donated his skin). The staff charged us $8 apiece to see only two rooms of the first floor, and all the display cases where you could normally see rare books (there were other points of interest, of course; we didn’t go there to see only one thing and leave) were completely empty. We went back out to ask about the books, and they made it clear they assumed we were there for the George Walton book from the start, but had charged us anyway, knowing we wouldn’t see it. The gentleman behind the counter told us it would have disappointed us (as if I hadn’t known its size or appearance going in, which I had because, again, I had done my research) and the woman asked if we had heard about it from a ghost tour. When we made it clear we had never heard of the ghost tour and were there because of an interest in literary history, the woman tried to backpedal, though the man was condescending all the way through. No explanation or apology was offered for having been charged to tour a display that wasn’t there. These librarians wasted what, if we had been ghost tour customers, would have been a great opportunity to interest us in history. As it was, they simply alienated people who, if we had been treated well, would have returned whenever we...

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...