Where History Breathes and Curiosity Thrives

Within these walls, you’re part of an unbroken literary conversation that once included Louisa May Alcott, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and John Quincy Adams—and continues with today’s poets, scholars, and the delightfully bookish. Our community welcomes everyone with a spark of curiosity, bringing life to these historic rooms through a shared love of words and unexpected connections.

Treasures and Hidden Corners

Let our collections captivate you—from rare first editions to today’s bestsellers, from ever-changing art exhibitions, to priceless gems like George Washington’s personal library. Settle into a sun-dappled reading room, or wander into Folio for literary-inspired refreshments and lively conversations with fellow book lovers.

Six Ways to Explore

• One Day Membership: Enjoy all floors, including our fifth-floor terrace with marvelous views—and our resident falcons
• First Floor Admission: Browse our collection and experience rotating exhibitions
• Art & Architecture Tour: Includes first-floor admission
• Attend an Event: From author talks to hands-on activities
• Make a Research Appointment: Explore our special collections
• Become a Member: Join our community

One Day Membership

One-day memberships are available for $40 online or at our welcome desk. All are welcome to experience the Athenaeum as a member for a day, enjoy access to 12 floors of inviting spaces, with WiFi, well-lit work tables, cozy nooks, and beautiful city views.

Turn your day of curiosity into a full year of exploration. The $40 one day membership can be applied toward the cost of an annual membership if you decide to join within a week of your visit. Visit our membership desk in the first-floor lobby or contact our membership team at (617) 720-7604 or email membership@bostonathenaeum.org to become a member.

First Floor Admission

Visitors may purchase first-floor admission tickets at the membership services desk inside the Athenaeum lobby. This admission ticket includes access to the Norma Jean Calderwood Gallery, art and special collections installations, and stunning architecture throughout the first-floor. Enhance your first-floor experience with our digital guide on Bloomberg Connects.

Art & Architecture Tours

Groups of seven or fewer and invited to join us for a one-hour docent-led tour focused on the history of the Athenaeum, our iconic building, and our collections. Tours are offered throughout the week; please plan ahead as tours are popular and often sell out several days in advance. Tickets are required and include first-floor admission; visitors are invited to arrive early or stay after and explore the first-floor. Members may purchase complimentary tickets for themselves and up to three guests. Tours for academic and private groups larger than seven people are available upon request.

Attend an Event

From author talks to immersive workshops and lively concerts to special collections viewings, the Athenaeum is a place for all to enjoy. Visitors are welcome to purchase tickets to any of our weekly programming. Membership includes free or discounted event tickets, early access ticketing, member-exclusive programming, and the benefit of bringing guests at the member ticket rate.

Research Appointments

Take an up-close look at our Special Collections. With more than 200,000 rare and unique items, our Special Collections offer a fascinating window into history, literature, culture, and more. Research appointments are free and available to all.

Membership

Become a member and enjoy unlimited access all year long. Attend weekly events, borrow from our collection of half a million books, enjoy rotating exhibitions, book free art & architecture tours for you and your guests, and immerse yourself in a community of book lovers.

Accessibility

View our accessibility guide for information on accessing the many levels of the building. Contact Member and Visitor Services by email or (617) 720-7604 if you need accommodations or seek information beyond the scope of this guide.

We are proud to participate in the Card to Culture program, a collaboration between the Mass Cultural Council, the Department of Transitional Assistance, the Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Nutrition Program, and the Massachusetts Health Connector, by broadening accessibility to cultural programming. General admission to the Athenaeum’s first-floor is $2 per adult with EBT, WIC, or ConnectorCare card; children 12 & under are free. The discount applies to all members of a household. Additional fees may apply for tours.