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What to Expect.
The Boston Athenæum 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:
Popping in
Visitors can explore the first floor with admission.
Take a tour
Get a taste of the Athenæum’s art and architecture.
Day pass
Visitors can spend a day here with a day pass.
Membership
Join a community of curious and intellectual knowledge seekers.
Research Appointments
Make an appointment to view our special collections.
opening hours
Monday to Thursday: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Visitor Admission to First Floor
Adults (ages 12 and up) $10
Students/Educators/Military $8 (valid ID required)
Card to Culture $2*
Children (ages 11 and under) $5
*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.
Visit the Planned Closings Page for a list of library holidays and closures.
Where to Find Us
MAP & DIRECTIONS
Boston Athenæum
10½ Beacon Street
Boston, MA 02108
MBTA
Park Street Station is the closest MBTA stop serving the Red and Green lines.
Government Center is the closest stop serving the Blue line.
South Station is the closest stop serving the commuter rail.
State and Downtown Crossing are the closest stops serving the Orange line.
PARKING
center plaza/one beacon street
(entrance accessible only from Tremont St.)
appright parking
(across the street from the Boston Athenaeum)
the boston common garage