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Boston Athenaeum
Categories: Public Services & Government Libraries Arts & Entertainment Museums Libraries, Museums [Edit]
10 1/2 Beacon StBoston, MA 02108
Neighborhood: Downtown
(617) 227-0270
- Nearest Transit:
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Tremont St @ Beacon St (191, 192, 193)
Cambridge St @ Center Plaza - Gov't Ctr (191, 192, 193)
350 Washington St (193, 92, 93)
- Hours:
Mon 9 am - 8 pm
Tue-Fri 9 am - 5:30 pm
Sat 9 am - 4 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
29 reviews for Boston Athenaeum
Review Highlights
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"If I lived closer to Boston I'd consider joining." In 3 reviews -
"There were magnificent statues and books along the walls." In 9 reviews -
"The first floor was a perfect location for a gathering like..." In 5 reviews
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29 reviews in English
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Review from David W.
Boston, MA
4/11/2012
My single favorite address in Boston. An important cultural center for over 200 years. Eurocentric, esp. Anglophiliactic, yes, but great collections of books, prints, artwork, interesting lectures, an art gallery; receptions (how much cheese ground into the oriental rugs over the years?).
Lots of previous members left money, furnishings and good stuff and the trustees have nurtured these investments. They also have funds to purchase new books and other good things. They even have a fresh flower fund. What's not to like!? -
Review from Megan C.
Updated - 2/18/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Magic Happens when you open a book --
But even more magical when you're opening it here.
I have been a member here over the past year and have had a delightful time when I am in town. There are regular events, interesting speakers, exhibitions, and frequent updates offered by the diligent staff.
Though the visiting space is limited (I can tell you the other floors are enchanting in the most romantic way). The rooms you can work/study/write in have sweeping ceilings and such a rich historical feel. Some of the floors offer a cozy atmosphere with incredible views. There is a decadent little terrace that gets an incredible amount of sun in the summer (you can bring a friend here for conversation, but in most of the other rooms talking + cellular phone conversations are not allowed. (This is my personal favorite, I love turning off my phone when I come here) More than anything I have enjoyed looking through all of the different book titles. There is such a wide range of old and new. Some of the titles in the collection in theory would have disintegrated by now if it weren't for the love and care that the people working here have had over the years.
Posting a bad/mediocre review as a visitor is in poor taste. You really do not fully experience the Anthenaeum until you have participated in events and frequented the entire place. The amount of money it takes to run a private establishment as such is enormous. The membership fees are nominal when you think about how much it actually costs to keep the lights on and pay people to work here. It really has been such a blessing to be able to contribute along with other people who feel the same way.
It has been an amazing year and I greatly look forward to each visit and am grateful that a beautiful place such as this exists. Thank you Boston Athenaeum staff for all of your hard work, and thank you wonderful patrons, and volunteers for continuing to support such a wonderful establishment. I am so honored to have been able to experience all of your gifts.
Date Rating: 10 (incredibly romantic and unique!)
Pick up Scale: 8 (events are full of like minded interesting people from all walks of life)
Strong Suggestion: Join, and support + encourage places like this to exist.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/1/2011
Peaceful, quiet, enchanting, and a great place to get away from it all.
Date Rating: 10 (if you enjoy… Read more »
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Review from Rachael R.
Boston, MA
1/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
We joined a couple years ago and it's still one of my favorite things about Boston. It was our refuge during a brief wintery period of unemployment--something to get us out of the tiny apartment, a place to do serious work besides the local Starbucks, sunlight and great views even on dreary days. As a grad student, my husband used the fifth floor reading room weekly.
Now that I have a new baby, I'm realizing a whole new wonderful level: the children's library! Two beautiful sunlight rooms absolutely filled with books for all ages, a dedicated children's librarian, regularly weekly story times.
Additionally, as "younger' members (below 42, I think) we try to make it to all the young member receptions. These are a great chance to eat tons of cheese and chat up the most eclectic and bookish collection of Bostonians I have yet to encounter.
If you live in Beacon Hill: a must.Listed in: When Friends Come to Town
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Review from Shalin D.
11/13/2011
It's hard to pinpoint what The Athenaeum is. They advertise themselves as a membership library with an array of member services (lectures, borrowing privileges, and access to private reading rooms). But, in fact, it's a lot more.
To the non-member, which most of us are, the Athenaeum is mostly a museum. On my last visit, I perused a five room exhibition on E. Gorey. Panel after panel from Gorey's Gashleycrumb Tinies and from his gothic illustrated novels were on display. Clearly impressive. It's also a lecture hall. Scholars and academic celebrities frequently make a stop. Word of caution, though: the reserved lectures fill up fast so make sure you act fast if there's something you're interested in.
The reading rooms themselves are also something to gawk at and be impressed by. Simultaneously ornate and cozy, you can't help but feel a sense of history, privilege, and high learning as you wander from room to room.
Go there. I would recommend watching out for a juicy exhibit so you can make the most of your visit. And, don't be cowed by its members only status: they're incredibly welcoming at the door to non-members. -
Review from M. M.
Cambridge, MA
1/23/2012
I love this library for their collection, art exhibits, beautiful interior, comfort and exclusivity. The membership is $320/year for a family. And they offer special discounts for younger members.
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Review from Jeff D.
6/20/2011 4 Check-ins Here
The Athenaeum just exudes stuff, old school Brahmin Boston. To their credit, they know it and are trying to broaden their horizons and get some more younger members.
They have a wide range of speakers come in (from cookbook authors to experts on the BP spill in the Gulf) as well as having beer and wine tastings. They are currently showing an excellent exhibit of Edward Gorey's work that really should not be missed. -
Review from David B.
3/2/2011
Not a member of this august institution but it drips in the money, history, and legacy of Old Boston. You can still get a feel for the Yankee merchants and Brahmin's that built and support the place. You can almost smell them in the dusty bindings and plaster walls. The spaces on the ground floor showcase some of the institution's master works. The public spaces are very grand and the staff are helpful. We came here to view a temporary exhibit featuring the work of the illustrator and eccentric wordsmith Edward Gorey. The gallery space is small but we enjoyed the show.
If I lived closer to Boston I'd consider joining. Still, we are lucky to have such a wonderful place in our midst. -
Review from Lorrie M.
11/11/2010 1 Check-in Here
I was happy to have stopped by here because it was very nice and open until 8 pm on a Sunday night, however, it wasn't anything that took a long time since the "free" part is only confined to the first floor and apparently you weren't supposed to take pictures (eek!)
You have to pay a membership fee of $115 a year in order to access the other floors. I thought the building was very pretty looking and the paintings inside were incredible because you were walking through the history of some of the most brilliant men whom became the foundation of the US.
But the academia quickly wore off after I left the building even though I extensively looked and could only spend about 20 minutes there.
I did find a nice Children's reading room on the first floor, which was free, which had some neat decor and toys so it seemed like a good place to spend a nice weekend afternoon with your kids. -
Review from Tom E.
5/2/2008 ROTD 6/8/2008
I think I died and went to history teacher heaven.
History teacher heaven with a Harry Potter style.
.... and with afternoon tea as well!!
Yes, you have to be a member or a guest to get in ($115 a year... ouch) but screw money... other things are more important like:
1. A children's library with lights on the ceiling arranged like the solar system
2. Insane maahoosive Dutch grandfather clocks that would kill you if they fell
3. A book bound in human skin! (how gangster is that?)
4. Meeting people at the address "ten and a half" Beacon St.
5. Over-41s pay twice the price to join... haha.. suck it Grandpa!
6. Being able to take afternoon tea, relax with a book or work with the free wifi all whilst looking down on the plebian tourists wondering the burial ground below.
Seriously, if I was to stay in Boston forever and have a work-from-wifi job I'd join and I'd live here. Me and the 30 or so 'regulars' who are all ancient stereotypes of intellectuals with beards and stuff (the women too). But until then, I have to make do with kind offers from Jennie W to sneak Hana and Me into the twice-monthly afternoon tea service so we can review it on our tea blog.
A full grown-up review with pictures and stuff for the afternoon tea is at http://www.bostonteacu... courtesy of Hana T, me and the cool staff at the Ath - the insane boffin posse. It's the last afternoon tea review left in Boston. 11 done, none left! ^_^ and ;_;
But if you really want to know about the tea, then have these snippets... It's $20 (cheapest in town), it's a fun buffet where you jostle against pensioners to get the best of the uniquely themed food items that have been prepared especially. You can pig out to your hearts content on scones and things like Madeira Hot Chocolate from a 300-year old Spanish recipe. And there's a bottle of sherry to help yourself too. !!!!!
So for review 500 I'm begging you to visit and hopefully join the Athenaeum. It's Boston's own Hogwarts full of eccentrics and I love it to bits. -
Review from Daniel M.
Waltham, MA
9/7/2008
Wow. If every city was as blessed as Boston they would have an Athenaeum. I've been here a number of times in the last 15 years and am still awed every time I come in here to so some research. This is a gem that people should know more about and that every Bostonian should visit at least a few times in their lives or careers.
First up...the book collection features selections specializing in American history, 19th century titles, New England history, state and local topics, and fine arts. Researchers can take advantage of these subject areas as well as a huge collection of periodicals and special collection materials.
Special Collections demands an entry of its own, for the Athenaeum's holdings are among the finest in the United States. They feature early Boston newspapers, Confederate States imprints, books from a number of people associated with 18th and 19th century Boston, most notably Henry Knox and George Washington, a substantial collection of first editions, and works printed in Native American languages. Absolutely breathtaking! In addition the library holds a huge manuscript collection that ranks with the finest in the Boston area. Manuscripts are especially strong in the fields of fine arts and literature. Staff is incredibly knowledgable about the holdings in Special Collections and especially helpful to beginning researchers.
A library like this needs a home that reflects its greatness and the Athenaeum is perfectly appropriate for its collections and its setting on Beacon Hill. Behind its forboding facade its soberly arranged rooms exhibit fine paintings and sculpture in soberly arranged and appointed rooms that add the right amount of gravitas to such an august institution. The word 'breathtaking,' aptly begins to describe the Athenaeum's building.
For anyone living in the Boston area or who has an appreciation for New England history and culture the Athenaeum is an absolute treasure. Anyone can become a member and the library offers a number of special events for members and guests. It's a great place, a great resource, and one of the things that makes living in Boston something special.Listed in: Private, First Class
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Review from Stephen Y.
6/19/2007 1 photo
It's not that expensive to join and you get to enjoy one of the hidden treasure of Boston. The building itself is great and the balcony on the 5th floor commands a excellent great view (and you can have your lunch there). There's even a resident red tail hawk. The book collection is truly amazing as is the arts collection. I think my favorite room in the whole building is the children's library- with the "solar system" light and a great view of the Granary Burying Ground (kinda ironic ?). And as my friend said... very "Harry Potter'ish"
Membership fee is really not that dear and worth every penny...Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Ned S.
Boston, MA
4/10/2010
I figure that I've got to write 2 different Athenaeum reviews for 2 different audiences. First those who want to view its architecture and art and, second, those interested in the library.
Gallery Visitors:
Admission to the first floor gallery space is free during the normal Monday-through-Saturday hours. There's has a modest permanent selection of art and, usually, a small gallery of changing exhibits. You see, the Athenaeum gave away its best art pieces to Boston's Museum of Fine Arts well over a century ago.
But its the upper floors that are truly stunningly beautiful, a National Landmark. For access you'll need to join a free tour offered on Tuesday or Thursday afternoons at 3PM. And, you'll need to reserve your tour spot in advance or likely face disappointment. But its well worth it.
When major motion pictures want to shot a Harvard Library scene, they do so here. See the reading rooms and you'll understand why.
Library Patrons
Founded in 1807 as a private library and remains so today. I have been a member and used its very helpful library staff. Past members in the past have boasted Ralph Waldo Emerson and Nathaniel Hawthorne. It's American literature collection rivals greats, like Boston Public Library's (although, tragically, BPL's rare book collection is not well cared for and is slowly disintegrating on its shelves).Listed in: Be a Boston Culture Hound for…
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Review from Caroline A.
Chicago, IL
6/5/2007
The Boston Athenaeum is one of the oldest libraries in the US. It is hidden and not marked very well, truly making it a hidden gem in the heart of the city. A private institution, you usually have to make an appointment before visiting. I was lucky enough to work with the BA on an exhibit years ago, and got a private tour from one of their directors.
The architecture is old, gorgeous with books, maps and other historical items. It is amazing how everything has been so well preserved. The children's section is sooo cute!
I love the BA and hope to return someday again. It is a great historical experience... there is much to be appreciated here :) -
Review from Lauren W.
Boston, MA
4/9/2007
I love this library and hope someday to be a member.
This is a little unknown location that you should definitely take visitors that like historical properties. Mimicking Megan, this is the oldest library in the country.
As a non-member you can come to this library and walk around most of the first floor. The children's section is so adorable, quaint, and with a beautiful view of the historical Sam Adams cemetery, it made me want to be a kid again. The library also always has a rotating collection of art. The day I went it was a unique exhibit of photography.
I can't wait until I am a member, just waiting until I have the money for the dues. They have social events that look, from peering through the windows, like a lot of fun.
Anyway, definitely stop in here for a nice self-guided tour of a historical library!Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Chelsy W.
Minneapolis, MN
11/10/2009 1 photo
I'm reviewing the Athenaeum as an out-of-town visitor.
I walked the Freedom Trail and on my way back stopped by the Athenaeum because I'm a library fiend and book lover, and I had heard it was simply amazing. A private, elusive library with red doors and an address of "10 1/2"...it just has that je ne sais quoi. The air is thick with intellectualism, fine art, history, and culture.
As a non-member, I knew that I would only have access to the first floor, but I still wanted to look around. Unfortunately, they were setting up for an event in one of the rooms so what I was able to see was limited even further. They do offer public tours twice a week, but my schedule didn't align with the tour time so I was pretty much out of luck.
When I come back to Boston I am definitely taking the tour so I can see the entire building! I headed over to the public library to satisfy my library craving--it certainly didn't disappoint, but it was no Athenaeum.Listed in: Boston, Massachusetts
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Review from Matt W.
8/5/2010
I love this building with all of my being.
The Boston Athenaeum is a 19th century private library. You need to pay $115/year ($230 if you're over 40) to join, but it's well worth it.
They have a really excellent selection of books, most of which can be checked out. Their cataloging system is pretty confusing, including LoC and Cutter, but that actually heightens the experience, as you can't help but get lost in the shelves.
Particularly fun is the "drum" - a multiple story storage room that smells of old books and must. Wander around inside it and discover subjects you had no idea you were interested in.
The Athenaeum also has a number of reading spaces with comfy chairs. Surround yourself with books, views, or other readers, and discover new corners all the time.
Pack a lunch during the warm months and have your sandwich and tea out on the balcony, overseeing Granary Burying Ground and Downtown.
This is not to mention all of the wonderful reading groups and public lectures held here on a regular basis.
Join up and enjoy! -
Review from Barbara A.
East Watertown, MA
4/22/2011
I went here vacation week with the kids because of the Edward Gorey Exhibit (fun!). As a life long resident of the area, I have never been here but it was lovely. Since we were not members, we stayed only in the designated areas and we found a comfortable spot that faced the Grainery (sp?). The four adults sat while the three kids "chased" our friend's 2 year old - straight into the kid's room - how nice. For a place that seems like it should be fuddy-duddy, it was charming. I wished I had the money to be a member.
Listed in: Kid stuff
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Review from Michael C.
Boston, MA
12/14/2009
Granted the Boston Athenauem appears a bit intimidating from the outside but this is one of the coolest spaces in Boston if you are looking for a quiet place to read. The collection is absolutely awesome with five floors of books, wonderful art and views of the city that you will not find easily.
For those under 40 the cost is nominal. Even for those over 40, a family can join for under $300. With access to a world class collection, private space that is amazing; this is an institution that all Bostonian should consider joining. -
Review from Kyle H.
Boston, MA
7/8/2010
This place has an amazing Sargent that I haven't been able to get out of my head since the first time I saw it 4 years ago. It's super sexy.
I go here to soak up some culture. -
Review from Melinda M.
Allston, MA
1/23/2008
I came here as a visitor the first time and was lucky enough to come back later to tour the whole place with a member. This is a book-lovers paradise, the ultimate library. The selection of art books is unreal, all I wanted to do was find a comfortable corner and stay until my body demanded fresh air.
Because it is hidden and because it is a private library, it feels as if you had stumbled upon a wing of someone's private home. It is quiet and contemplative, not just a place to store books like many libraries feel, but a place to study and read them.
Although access to the public is limited and (if i remember correctly) if you're not a member you are not allowed to touch the books, I still recommend a visit, especially if you are a fellow bibliophile and would like a glimpse of heaven. -
Review from soylinduh O.
Belmont, MA
11/2/2009 1 photo
A Night at the Athenaeum. Boston, MA.
If you are like me, you've been intrigued by this exclusive library behind the Fox 25 studios and next to the State House. As the Boston Athenaeum Library's website states:
"The Boston Athenæum is one of the oldest and most distinguished independent libraries and cultural institutions in the United States. It was founded in 1807. It grew out of a slightly earlier organization known as the Anthology Society which had been formed in 1805 by a group of Bostonians with the primary purpose of producing a magazine that they called The Monthly Anthology and Boston Review. In now creating the Boston Athenæum, their purpose was to form "an establishment similar to that of the Athenæum and Lyceum of Liverpool in Great Britain...The new Athenaeum flourished in culture-starved Boston and, as it voraciously acquired books, art, and artifacts, it grew rapidly...For nearly half a century the Athenæum was the unchallenged center of intellectual life in Boston, and by 1851 had become one of the largest libraries in the United States."
This past Friday, thanks to Suffolk University's Dean Reception, I got to spend some time on the first floor of the library. After talking briefly to Paula, the director of the library, I found out that you do not need to be a part of a special group to join...you just have to pay a $150 yearly fee. If I was residing in Boston, and frequented the library, and who are we kidding, had money, I think I would actually consider joining.
The first floor was a perfect location for a gathering like ours. There was a wonderful feeling of being in an old mansion or in the foyer of somebody's home. There were magnificent statues and books along the walls. While everyone else mingled I decided to walk around and check out the rooms. There were some great photographs in one room and a painting of John Singleton Copley in another.
By around 7pm I found a book about Latvia and tourism and decided to sit in one of the red leather chairs and get swept up into feeling like I was back home.
So...let's review..
1. If you are interested in at least taking a walk through the library, you can take a tour the first Monday of every month from 6pm-7pm. There is no fee and you should register a week before.
2. If you are simply looking for a unique experience, you can also register for afternoon tea, twice a month on Wednesdays. It does seem like you do need to know a member in order to participate in this activity however.
3. On to a new topic...next time I plan on reviewing the lululemon store in Copley...they are holding free yoga sessions every Sunday this November.
Until the next review... ...and check out my blog for photos! -
Review from Zach R.
Saint Cloud, FL
4/14/2010
Free to get into, but only the first few rooms on the first level. Apparently, there's a membership required to see the rest.
What you CAN see are beautiful antique works of art and sculpture with wonderful history behind them. Along with a gorgeous library that would make Indiana Jones need to wipe the drool from his scruffy chin. The building itself is worth looking at, and is practically an antique in its own right.
It's all-around a great place, if you're in the area, but I wouldn't call it a destination to base an entire day around, especially if you're just visiting Boston and/or on a budget. Is it still worth seeing? Without a doubt. -
Review from Ryan C.
Somerville, MA
1/3/2011
Tremendously civilized in a way that is uncommon in this day and age. A marble refuge of quiet.
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Review from Samuel K.
Boston, MA
10/28/2007
The elegant quiet spaces with tables, quiet, and running water a room away, are among the best places to work in the entire city... especially if your 'work' involves regular access to ancient knowledge.
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Review from A. D.
Washington, DC
10/3/2009
I was given a membership to the Athenaeum as a gift, and as other reviewers have already said, it's half price if you're under 40. If you can spare the money (or convince someone to give it to you), it pays for itself in the very first visit. It's absolutely - hands-down - the most beautiful library I've ever been in. The collection is amazing, with a lot of the kinds of books in circulation that in many other libraries would be imprisoned in a rare book room. The balconies overlooking the old graveyard and Paul Revere's gravestone are some of my favorite places in the world to take in the sun with a good book. And the people who work here are fabulous. All around the kind of place that all Bostonians should spend at least one contemplative afternoon in.
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Review from Neha Y.
Boston, MA
1/29/2008
My company hosted our party at the Boston Athenaeum and I loved it! I was a little suprised when I heard our gala would be held in a library, but the function room was perfect for a cocktail party. The open space allowed us to mingle and peruse the beautiful array of books. This space defines elegance and the architecture fills you with awe.
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Review from Jessica P.
Exeter, NH
4/20/2011
I spent a wonderful month here as a research fellow. The library is spectacular. Amazing collections, beautiful building and an outdoor terrace that boasts one of the best views in Boston. (Accessible to members only.) Well worth the fee.
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Review from Megan B.
Hingham, MA
6/28/2005
Yes yes a private library sounds very snooty, but trust me I paid less to join the Athenaeum than I did last year in overdue fines at my public library. Anyways, it's totally worth the cost because they have the most amazing collection that you've ever seen... floors and floors and basements full of books and they never throw anything away so you can take out tons of trashy 19th century novels that exist nowhere else on earth. Plus you get to belong to the oldest private library in the country and you get to say things like "oh yes, the MFA was started by the trustees of my library because we just had more art than we knew what to do with... we kept the Sargents, though." This is a more useful claim than you might at first think.
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Review from Heather S.
Boston, MA
1/30/2008
believe it or not, i went on a date here. i wish it were a better date, but the location was great. i wish i had more time to explore!
