Step through the red doors at 10½ Beacon Street to discover one of Boston’s most enduring, treasured cultural institutions.
Explore the library's first floor to see highlights from the collections, take a tour with a docent to learn about our history and holdings, or come in for one of the thought-provoking events we host every week.
Currently on view in the Calderwood Gallery: Required Reading: Reimagining a Colonial Library, featuring a treasure trove of rare books that arrived in Boston in 1698.
However you choose to experience the Athenæum, we strive to offer a warm welcome, along with an invitation to return.
Public Hours
| Tuesday | 12 p.m.–8 p.m. |
| Wednesday to Saturday | 10 a.m.–4 p.m. |
Member Hours
| Monday to Thursday | 9 a.m.–8 p.m. |
| Friday and Saturday | 9 a.m.–5 p.m. |
The Gordon Newspaper Room opens at 8:30 a.m. on weekdays
**December 12, 2019: Our wheelchair lift is out of service. Please call 617-720-7600 so we can welcome you via alternative accessible entry to the building.**
Visit the Planned Closings page for a list of library holidays and closures.
Admission to the First Floor (including the Calderwood Gallery)
Adults (ages 13 and up) $10
Students and Military $8
Children (ages 12 and under) Free
Boston Athenæum Members Free
Please visit the “Take a Tour” page for pricing information for tours and talks or individual calendar listings for pricing information for events.
