Boston Public Library

Overview

The Boston Public Library, founded in 1848, was the first large, publicly supported municipal library in the United States. The McKim Building (1895) in Copley Square is an Italian Renaissance palazzo housing world-class murals, while the modern Johnson Building adds contemporary gallery and reading space.

Highlights

• Bates Hall: A barrel-vaulted reading room spanning 218 feet, lined with green-shaded lamps.
• Sargent Gallery: John Singer Sargent's "Triumph of Religion" murals cycle, installed between 1895 and 1919.
• Courtyard: A Roman-style arcaded courtyard modeled after the Palazzo della Cancelleria in Rome.

History

When Boston opened the first publicly funded lending library in 1854, it established the model for American public libraries. The McKim Building, designed by Charles Follen McKim of McKim, Mead & White, was completed in 1895 with the inscription "Free to All" over its entrance.

Visitor Tips

• Art & Architecture Tour: Free tours offered daily; check schedule at the entrance.
• Map Room Café: Located in the former card catalog room with courtyard views.
• Duration: 45–60 minutes.