Established in 1848 as America’s first large free municipal library, the Boston Public Library (BPL) is both an architectural masterpiece and a cultural landmark. Its Copley Square location houses millions of books, rare manuscripts, and historical treasures, including Shakespeare’s First Folio and early maps of the Americas. The library’s McKim Building, completed in 1895, is a Renaissance-inspired marvel featuring grand marble staircases, arched ceilings, and mural-covered halls—most notably John Singer Sargent’s famous murals.

One of its most iconic spaces is Bates Hall, a cathedral-like reading room lined with soaring windows and green-shaded lamps, making it one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. Just outside, the Italianate courtyard provides a peaceful escape in the heart of the city. The modern Boylston Street Wing, renovated in 2016, adds contemporary workspaces, a café, and expanded public areas, blending old-world charm with 21st-century innovation.

The BPL is a hub of history, art, and knowledge, hosting free exhibits, concerts, and lectures year-round. Whether you’re marveling at the architecture, exploring rare collections, or enjoying a quiet reading moment, the Boston Public Library is a must-visit for book lovers, history buffs, and architecture enthusiasts alike.