Boston Athenaeum

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Top 1% of attractions in Boston
8 / 10

9 expert reviews

“The Boston Athenaeum is one of the nation's oldest private lending libraries.”

– Michelin Guide

Lonely Planet Lonely Planet
Top Choice
"An old and distinguished private library, having hosted the likes of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Nathaniel Hawthorne." Full review
Time Out Time Out
"The Boston Athenæum published America's first literary magazine and acquired an extensive library of books and works of art." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler Condé Nast Traveler
"This magnificent private library is tucked away behind red leather–bound doors with more than 600,000 volumes of gilt-lettered books and rare manuscripts." Full review
Not For Tourists Not For Tourists
"Old books, including one true crime account bound in the author's skin."
Where Where
"This landmark is one of the city’s largest and oldest membership libraries and its first museum of fine arts." Full review
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Free admission to museum; donation of $5 requested for special exhibitions.
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