Community 
Search 
Plan Your Visit
The Boston Athenaeum is your space.
We invite members, visitors, and guests to stroll through our bookshelves, taking in the rare works and new releases; to pause and look at the countless sculptures, paintings, and art pieces around the BA; to pick a book and settle into a cozy corner to read it; to peruse our periodicals or speak with a librarian about a research need or point of curiosity.
Some areas of the building are reserved for quiet work while others foster connection. We have floors upon floors of book stacks and towering windows with some of the city’s best views.
Whatever draws you to the Athenæum, please say hello and let us know how we can help you get the most from your visit.
There are multiple ways to visit us for an hour, a day, or to join our vibrant community.
Opening Hours
Monday – Thursday: 9 am – 8 pm
Friday – Saturday: 9 am – 5 pm
See planned closings for a list of library holidays and other closures.
Visitor Admission to First Floor
Adults (ages 12 and up) $10
Students/Educators/Military $8 (with valid ID)
Children (ages 11 and under) $5
Card to Culture $2 (detail below)
We are proud to participate in the Card to Culture program, a collaboration between the Mass Cultural Council, the Department of Transitional Assistance, the Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Nutrition Program, and the Massachusetts Health Connector, by broadening accessibility to cultural programming. General admission to the Athenaeum’s first floor is $2 per adult with EBT, WIC, or ConnectorCare card; children 12 & under are free. The discount applies to all members of a household. Additional fees may apply for tours.
Where to Find Us
MAP & DIRECTIONS
Boston Athenaeum
10½ Beacon Street
Boston, MA 02108
Public Transportation
Park Street Station is the closest MBTA station.
We are within walking distance to the MBTA Red, Green, Orange, Blue lines as well as commuter rail stations.
PARKING
There are a number of parking garages in the area, including Center Plaza/One Beacon Street (enter on Tremont St) and the Boston Common Garage.