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 Athenaeum; 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 of book stacks and towering windows with some of the city’s best views.

Whatever draws you to the Athenaeum, 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.

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) 
NARM/ROAM: No charge for Arts & Exhibitions entry with proof of active membership.

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.