Boston Public Library

From Citysearch

The first major free city library in the United States.

In Short
An architecturally impressive Copley Square complex combining the 1895 Charles Follen McKim building and a 1972 addition (designed by Philip Johnson), the BPL remains a cultural hub in the Back Bay. The older building features murals by noted artists de Chavannes, Abbey and Sargent. The Bates Hall reading room, in the restored McKim building, is two-thirds the length of a football field and features 15 arched windows, a marble floor and built-in bookcases.

Insider Tips
Free art and architecture tours are offered on Sundays at 2pm, Mondays at 2:30pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6pm, and Fridays and Saturdays at 11am. Meet at the Dartmouth Street entrance.