Iconic Moments In The Heart of Boston

Every occasion becomes grand when you combine spectacular food and impeccable service in an iconic setting. Boston Public Library offers unique access to various event spaces and an outdoor courtyard featuring a majestic fountain. In addition, The Boylston Street Building provides a modern setting for larger events and galas, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows looking out onto Boylston Street. Boston Public Library lends a sense of grandeur and distinction as a quintessential Boston icon.

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Bates Hall
McKim Building

Bates Hall is the epitome of luxe entertaining. With walls adorned with bookcases, 50-foot-high barrel vault ceiling, green reading lanterns, and solid oak tables, this hall is the most recognizable in the library. Bates Hall is acknowledged by many to be architecturally one of the most notable rooms in the world.

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Abbey Room
McKim Building

In the Abbey Room, one is immediately struck by the larger-than-life mural Quest and Achievement of the Holy Grail, by American artist Edwin Austin Abbey. The room also features a beautiful fireplace of French Rouge antique marble, dark oak wainscoting, and a beamed ceiling modeled after one in the library of the Doge’s Palace in Venice.

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Guastavino Room
McKim Building

Guastavino Room, named for its vaulted ceilings, a style designed by Rafael Guastavino, left open the exposed tiling as a design aesthetic. A highly sought-after room, the architecture is full of contrasts, which creates an exciting design aesthetic for after-hours revelry.

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Courtyard
McKim Building

A truly immersive experience, the Courtyard makes an impression from the moment guests arrive in the open-air oasis. The Courtyard is one of the most elegant and versatile spaces in the library. Plan a fun cocktail reception with an outdoor bar or bring your dream wedding ceremony to life in front of the picturesque fountain.

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The Courtyard Tea Room
McKim Building

A stunning room filled with warm sunlight and adorned with ornately detailed ceilings and an original chandelier. The Tea Room overlooks the breathtaking Italianate Courtyard through its large windows.

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The Map Room Tea Lounge
McKim Building

The Map Room Tea Lounge boasts dramatic high-arched ceilings, original chandelier, and historic maps of Boston, providing a perfect barroom setting situated between the Guastavino and Courtyard Tea Room.

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Chavannes Gallery
McKim Building

Surrounded by spectacular paintings, intricate architectural details, and original sculptures from one of the greatest French muralists of the 19th century, Pierre Puvis de Chavannes. This versatile gallery lends itself to a variety of entertaining options.

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McKim Exhibition Hall
McKim Building

Mirroring the Guastavino Room, the Exhibition Hall is known for its vaulted, exposed tiled ceilings. Take advantage of the illuminating morning sunlight by hosting a catered conference surrounded by stately grandeur.

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McKim Lobby
McKim Building

Make a grand entrance through the triumphal arch and enchant your guests with the breathtaking 1895 Renaissance Revival Building. Find yourself surrounded by spectacular works of art, iconic Siena marble lions, intricate architectural details, and an air of grandeur impossible to match.

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McKim Building
McKim Building

Enter the breathtaking 1895 Renaissance Revival Building overlooking Copley Square and find yourself surrounded by spectacular works of art and intricate architectural details. The renowned architecture boasts contrasts that create an exciting and meaningful flow for an evening of extraordinary entertaining.

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Boylston Street Building
Boylston Street Building

Centrally located and often considered the centerpiece of Copley Square, guests will be delighted to enjoy the after-hour allure of the modern Boylston Street Building. Enhanced by city views from the street-height floor-to-ceiling windows.

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All Event Space

The architecture at the Boston Public Library is full of contrasts that create an exciting flow for an evening of progressive entertaining. Excite your guests by creating a flow that seamlessly carries them through tradition to innovation.

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Boylston Hall
Boylston Street Building

New and novel, Boylston Hall is a bright, open and modern space perfect for a cosmopolitan wedding or stylish corporate event.

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Rabb Lecture Hall
Boylston Street Building

Rabb Hall is a distinguished theater-style lecture hall with comfortable fixed seating for up to 300 guests. Stage sound and lighting design are available upon request for a seamless presentation experience.

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DeFerrari Hall
Boylston Street Building

DeFerrari Hall is open and ceremonial with high glass skylight and modern, clean lines.  Pops of bright red and orange peek out from the floors above, and the center of the hall is hugged by staircases.

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Teen Central
Boylston Street Building

Overlooking Blagdon Street, this space is available for unique Mitzvahs, corporate meetings and cocktail receptions. The retro-industrial space provides the perfect stage for your next event.

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Restaurants

The Courtyard Tea Room

The Courtyard Tea Room is an exceptional destination for afternoon tea in Boston. No other tea room offers the experience of finely crafted tea sandwiches, sweets, and scones in a historic and architectural marvel like the McKim Building of the Boston Public Library. Proud to have earned a four star review on Open Table.

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The Map Room Tea Lounge

Welcome to the Map Room Tea Lounge, Boston’s first tea-infused cocktail lounge. With its indicative architectural heritage, this industrial revolution vibe with cozy intellectual décor is winning the hearts of our guests. Join us for lounge bites and cocktails.

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Newsfeed Café

Sip. Gather. Eat. Discover.

The Newsfeed Cafe serves locally roasted coffee, teas, sandwiches, and fresh pastries hand-made every morning. Catch up on the local news by reading the daily news tickers, and listening to weekly live broadcasts and educational content from GBH’s satellite studio.

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Vibrant, Captivating, and Inspired

Explore the magnificent Central Library in Copley Square with a guided Art & Architecture tour, or discover more with a visually stunning virtual guide. Guests are surrounded by spectacular works of art, intricate architectural details, and a feeling of splendor impossible to match.

Experiencing current exhibitions is another immersive way to explore vast cultural offerings.

Art and Architecture Tour

Virtual Guide

Current Exhibitions

Our phones haven’t quieted down yet from everyone recounting what a blast they had and how much they love the library. Everything was absolutely perfect and you made it look easy. All of the staff were so kind and thoughtful, we truly appreciate everyone’s attention to detail.

-M & K

Boston Public Library Blog

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