Library Privileges
Getting inside America’s largest private library—and one of its greatest art collections
O
pen to members only, the private Boston Athenaeum allows visitors for tours during limited hours if they have made advance reservations. What isn’t widely known is that the first floor and gallery of this largest membership library in North America are open at any time, including part of an art collection so valuable it formed the nucleus of the Museum of Fine Arts. Marcus
Shhhh! Including works by John Singer Sargent and Gilbert Stuart, and a bust of George Washington
from Thomas Jefferson’s dining room at Monticello.
from Thomas Jefferson’s dining room at Monticello.
Shhh who knew
One of the oldest cultural institutions in America, the Boston Athenaeum has amassed 750,000 books since it was founded in 1807, from George Washington’s personal library to the world’s largest collection of Confederate books and pamphlets.
10½ Beacon St.
Beacon Hill
Boston,
MA,
02108
617.227.0270
Find on a map|Get directions.
These lines serve the Athenaeum. Click to find more secrets on your route.
43 Bus, Government Center/Blue Line, Government Center/Green Line, Park Street/Green Line, Park Street/Red Line
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Get directions to the Athenaeum by T.
Find more secrets like Art, Civil War, Confederacy, George Washington, Gilbert Stuart, John Singer Sargent, Library, Museum, Quiet, Rare books, Thomas Jefferson
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Find more secrets in Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Government Center
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Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Closed Saturdays in June, July and August
Guided tours Tuesday and Thursday at 3 p.m.; reservations required
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