Boston Athenæum

Curiosity Required.

Established in 1807, the Boston Athenaeum is a premier independent library in the United States. Events hosted at the Athenaeum are nothing short of impressive. Whether it’s vibrant strolling receptions, corporate dinners, or milestone celebrations, The Catered Affair transforms ordinary events into extraordinary experiences.

Folio

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All Event Space

The Boston Athenaeum presents two floors of distinctive space within a historic five-story landmark. This cultural institution, blending museum, library, and members club elements, has been a haven for bibliophiles, art enthusiasts, and the intellectually curious since its establishment in 1805.

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First Floor

Greet your guests atop Boston’s historic Beacon Hill and ensure a grand entrance by starting the evening in the Bow Room and Henry Long Room. Celebrate past and present by joining your guests for dinner immersed in the newly renovated Leventhal Room.

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The Bow Room

The Bow Room greets guests with stunning views of historic Beacon Hill, making it an ideal gathering setting. As the focal point for welcoming guests, this cultural space sets the tone for any event.

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The Bayard Henry Long Room

Surrounded by vast collections and timeless architecture, the Henry Bayard Long Room is the heart of first-floor entertaining. Ideal for wedding ceremonies, corporate dinners, or vibrant cocktail receptions, this space offers a magical experience, transporting guests to another era.

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The Leventhal Lounge

With the thoughtful expansion and renovation, The Leventhal Room includes massive windows and city views overlooking the Granary Burying Ground.

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The Fifth Floor Reading Room

With over five floors of unique space, book lovers, artisans, academics, and those seeking a remarkable event setting, opt for this historical gem.

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FOLIO

For Curious Palates.

Folio is unexpected in both ambiance and intrigue. Enjoy made-to-order shareable plates, discover new and old-world wines, and sip craft cocktails in a European-inspired setting.

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Events at the Boston Athenaeum

Curiosity, Culture, and Ideas.

The Boston Athenæum is a unique combination of a library, museum, and cultural center in a magnificent landmark building.

Founded in 1807, the Athenæum flourished in culture-starved Boston. It grew rapidly as it voraciously acquired books, art, and rare artifacts. An art gallery was added in 1827, and the library began a series of yearly exhibitions of American and European art. For nearly half a century, the Athenæum was the unchallenged center of intellectual life in Boston, and by 1851, it had become one of the largest libraries in the United States.

In 2022 The Boston Athaneaum expanded into 14 Beacon Street, bridging history with the future. The expansion created additional multi-use space ideal for entertaining.

Dining Experiences

We have created a quick reference when deciding which catering style will work best for you and your guests.

Cocktail Parties

Inspired cocktail parties provide the ultimate in social revelry and culinary exploration. Feast on dinner by the bite with cocktail-size miniature meals, hand-crafted hors d’oeuvres, and bountiful food stations.

Our craft cocktail and mocktail menu explores varying flavor profiles using premium ingredients.

Seated Dinner

A seated dinner allows you to entertain beautifully with a traditional approach to dining.  Artistically prepared courses are served with precision while guests enjoy lively dinner conversations and celebrations.

Boston Conventions and Meetings Experts - Host with The Catered Affair.

Dinner Buffet

The dinner buffet boasts endless textures, flavors, and aromas. The menu items featured on a buffet are pleasing to larger groups and accommodate diverse tastes, allergies, and preferences.

Immersive Experience

Experiences are everything, and guests today eagerly await original and immersive events that transport them to other worlds and times. Through multi-dimensional event design and highly curated menus to reflect the client’s vision, we are New England’s premiere experiential caterer. Explore how to create an extraordinary multi-sensory experience here.