The first large, free municipal library in the country, the Boston Public Library was established in 1848 and has been in its current location since 1895. It remains a vital resource center for Bostonians as well as a popular tourist destination. Designed by Charles Follen McKim, the library is one example of the architectural marvels the city has to offer and, with its impressive collection of murals and sculptures, a hidden gem for art lovers.
Parking and public transportation at the Boston Public Library
Though there is parking behind the Westin Copley Place (kitty-corner from the library) and just two blocks east at Boylston and Berkeley, the BPL is most easily accessible by MBTA, as it sits right on top of Copley Station on the green line.
Best and worst time to go to the Boston Public Library
The library is open seven days a week. There is no truly bad time to go, though exploring the library's endless architectural, artistic, and (of course) literary gems does make for a fun indoor activity on a winter day.
Admission to the Boston Public Library
Admission is completely free! But note that the Map Room Café is just inside the library's center courtyard, should you find yourself hungry or thirsty on your visit.
Must see/do at the Boston Public Library
The McKim building, facing Copley Square, is full of historical wonders. Be sure to visit the John Singer Sargent Gallery on the 3rd floor. The Johnson building, facing Boylston, houses circulating materials and provides cozy reading spots. Don't miss the newly renovated teen room on the 2nd floor, but be aware: don't linger if you're over 18 or they'll kick you out.
Other places to visit near the Boston Public Library
Just across Copley Square is another architectural and historical landmark: Trinity Church, founded in 1773. If you're looking to spend an afternoon shopping, walk one block north to Newbury Street or a few blocks west to the Prudential Mall and Copley Place. If the weather is nice, head three blocks east and spend the afternoon in the Boston Public Garden.
Insider tip for visitors to Boston Public Library
The library offers free, hour-long tours once a day, and provides handbooks for self-guided tours at other times. These are a great way to get acquainted with the building's illustrious history. Check the BPL website for schedules.
Author's Bio: Sarah Weber is a 20-something publishing professional and freelance writer in the Boston area. In her spare time she plays tourist in her own city and blogs about books at sarahmweber715.wordpress.com.
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is a unique Boston experience. Entering the beautiful flower-filled courtyard garden leading to the artfully cluttered galleries is like visiting the home of an eccentric great-aunt you didn't know you had. Built to Mrs. Gardner's specifications, almost everything in the museum was placed there by Mrs. Gardner herself when the museum opened in 1903. The result is a fascinating, sometimes frustrating collection of Renaissance, Dutch, Asian and American art, books, manuscripts and decorative arts. The Gardner is also known for its excellent concert and performance series and popular bistro cafe.
Best and worst time to visit the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Lines to enter the museum are usually long, but arrive early to mid-morning and you might get at least a few of the galleries to yourself. Afternoon brings crowds and fills up the popular Cafe G. The museum hosts its very popular Third Thursdays from 5-8, featuring music, a cash wine bar and special events in the galleries. Check the museum's calendar for concerts, open studio opportunities and even afternoon yoga classes in the courtyard. Events sell out early, so buy tickets online in advance.
Must see/do at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
In 1990 the museum was the victim of one of the great art thefts in American history. Most of the paintings, including three by Rembrandt, were taken from the Dutch Room on the second floor. There you'll see the empty frames where the missing paintings once hung -- a strangely eerie sight and something you aren't likely to see in any other museum. Downstairs on the first floor, The Blue Room features works of American portrait painter and close friend of Mrs. Gardner, John Singer Sargent. The museum's showpiece and centerpiece of the Titian Room is Titian's masterpiece, Europa. It was purchased by Mrs. Gardner in 1896 for a record-breaking price. Many art historians consider this one of the greatest European paintings on display in the United States.
Admission to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
The Gardner Museum has a variety of admission programs as well as many discounts and special offers. Admission to the museum averages about $15, with children under 18, members of the U.S. military and their families admitted free. Members of the Museum of Fine Arts and visitors who have a ticket stub from the MFA within the previous two days receive a $2 discount. (Likewise, your Gardner ticket will earn you $2 off an MFA admission.) There is also free admission to anyone celebrating a birthday and for everyone named Isabella.
Parking and public transportation to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Located in the heart of the Fenway, the very best way to get to the museum is via subway or the 'T.'
Take either the Green Line E train (make sure you're on an E train outbound toward Heath Street or Arborway, no other Green Line train will get you there) or the 39 bus to the Museum of Fine Arts stop. You'll see the Museum of Fine Arts as you disembark. Cross Huntington Avenue toward the Museum on to Louis Prang Street. The Gardner is two blocks away on your left. If you decide to drive, there is very limited on-street parking and Boston's meter maids are vigilant about ticketing expired meters. There are paid parking lots and garages near the Museum of Fine Arts on Museum Road. Once you've parked, it's a fairly pleasant walk along the Fenway toward Louis Prang Street and the museum.
Food at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Housed in the museum's new contemporary wing, Cafe G is a popular dining spot for both museum visitors as well as locals who appreciate the atmosphere as well as the food. The menu consists of seasonal specialties, small plates, main courses and desserts with prices comparable to other Boston-area restaurants. Visitors looking for a quick snack or who are dining on a budget might consider heading back down Huntington Avenue toward the Prudential Center. Here you'll find a variety of interesting budget-friendly snack options surrounding the campus of nearby Northeastern University.
Insider tip for visitors to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Ask for help. The Gardner Museum galleries are arranged in a style popular in the early 20th century -- paintings are hung practically floor to ceiling with no descriptions attached. To know what you're looking at or to find something you want to look at, spring for the self-guided audio tour or a take a noontime tour with a museum guide.
Author's bio: Frances Katz is a Massachusetts native, culture geek and former arts and entertainment writer for national publications including The Boston Herald. Her favorite Sargent painting is Mrs. Fiske Warren and Her Daughter Rachel. You are welcome to hang out with her on Twitter.
This state branch of the national organization owns and manages the historic William Hickling Prescott House. Built in 1808, the house contains remarkable collection of antique furniture, decorative arts and costumes. Tours of this museum are offered May through October for a fee of $5. With a prime location overlooking Boston Common, the second floor of this National Historic Landmark is available for private functions such as weddings and receptions.
The Congregational Library is much more than just a library -- it's a museum dedicated to the religious history of Massachusetts. The Congregational Library was founded in the nineteenth century to collect the writings and information of the pilgrims and puritans.
Among the Library's vast collection are thousands of historical church records, sermons, pictures and Bibles, a seventeenth-century desk used by the pilgrims in England and a piece of the original Plymouth Rock.
Many visitors come to the library to search the huge collection of church-record obituaries in hopes of uncovering some information about their early American ancestors.
Visitors are welcome to conduct their research and peruse materials in the elegant and stately reading room. While visitors do not have access to the three cavernous floors of stacks, librarians on staff will happily retrieve any requested materials for them.
The Library has free WiFi and one computer terminal for searching the database as well as a traditional card catalog.
The Library is located on the second floor of the Congregational Library Building at 14 Beacon Street.
The Vilna Shul synagogue was built by Lithuanian immigrants in 1919. The building now houses a museum focusing on Jewish culture in Boston. No longer an operational synagogue, the Vilna Shul still holds prayer services one Friday each month and during holidays. The Vilna Shul is supported by private donations and is managed by a team of volunteers and two employees.
Enter the site's welcome center at 14A Beacon Street to pick up information about and maps of the Black Heritage Trail, which takes visitors along a 1.6-mile route connecting 10 historic sites.
Please note that the prices below are for admittance to the African Meeting House, the final stop of the Black Heritage Trail. Guided walks of the trail, led by National Park Service Rangers, are free and begin at the nearby Robert Gould Shaw Memorial. The tour schedule varies according to the season.
Founded in 1910, Historic New England is on an ongoing mission to preserve and exhibit articles of New England cultural heritage, spanning from the 17th century to today. The organization manages 36 historical sites across the region, each with its own roster of public programs. The group also maintains a collection of historically relevant artifacts and an archive of documents and photographs, publishes several journals, and hosts youth programs aimed at promoting an awareness of and an interest in New England history. Its administrative headquarters are in one of its historical properties, the first Harrison Gray Otis House.
The Pierce-Hichborn House is located in the heart of Boston's historic north end. It is a national landmark. The Pierce-Hichborn House is shown by appointment only.
Walk through many of the residential streets in the Back Bay and it's clear that the buildings have stood there for a considerable amount of time. The Gibson House, a National Historic Landmark, gives visitors a chance to explore the inside of one of these classic residences, with original possessions dating from the late 18th to the early 20th century. It's a piece of history that's still picture-perfect.
The museum is comprised of the African Meeting House and the Abiel Smith School. The meeting house is the oldest African Meeting house in America and the adjacent school is the first black public school building constructed in the country. The Abiel Smith School features rotating exhibits and a museum gift store open year-round. Guided or self-guided tours for the 1.6 mile Black Heritage Trail concludes at the Abiel School and African Meeting house. Guided tours are available throughout the year by appointment (617) 742-5415 and at 10, noon, and 2pm Memorial Day through Labor Day.
The Skywalk Observatory, perched high above Boston, is accessible from inside the Prudential Center and is one of the best ways to see the historic city. With a 360-degree panoramic perspective, you can see as far as 100 miles away. Get incomparable views of nearby notable sites like Fenway Park, Boston Common, Harvard University and Hancock Tower. Part of the Skywalk Observatory is the nationally renowned restaurant Top of the Hub, where you can receive an unforgettable meal after enjoying an unforgettable view. The venue is also available for private events and can seat up to 600 guests.