View from the Venue: Boston Public Library
It’s one of Boston’s most historic and sought-after venues—and one of our favorites. As the …
Read more
Boston Public Library
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.
Venue Spaces
Bates Hall
McKim Building
Bates Hall is the crowned jewel of entertaining at The Boston Public Library. This hall is the most recognizable in the library, with walls adorned with bookcases, a 50-foot-high barrel vault ceiling, and iconic green reading lanterns perched on solid oak tables. Bates Hall is acknowledged by many to be architecturally one of the most notable rooms in the world.
X
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
Bates Hall
Capacity: 542 Cocktail Reception. 330 Seated Dinner. 330 Seated Ceremony.
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 Doge’s Palace in Venice library.
X
![]()
![]()
Abbey Room
Capacity: 150 Cocktail Reception. 100 Seated Dinner. 70 Seated Dinner with Dancing. 180 Seated Ceremony.
When weather permits, this rental includes use of outdoor terrace.
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.
X
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
Guastavino Room
Capacity: 240 Cocktail Reception. 180 Seated Dinner. 150 Seated Dinner with Dancing. 200 Seated Ceremony.
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.
X
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
Courtyard
Capacity: 225 Cocktail Reception. 60 Seated Dinner. 200 Seated Ceremony.
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.
X
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
The Courtyard Tea Room
Capacity: 99 Cocktail Reception, 75 Seated Dinner, 120 Seated Ceremony.
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.
X
![]()
![]()
![]()
The Map Room Tea Lounge
Capacity: 75 Cocktail Reception. 30 Seated Dinner.
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.
X
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
Chavannes Gallery
Available as a complement to the Abbey Room, Bates Hall or Boylston Room event.
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.
X
![]()
![]()
![]()
McKim Exhibition Hall
Capacity: 200 Cocktail Reception. 140 Seated Dinner. 100 Seated Dinner with Dancing. 180 Seated Ceremony.
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.
X
![]()
McKim Lobby
Capacity: 75 Standing Ceremony.
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 celebration.
X
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
McKim Building
For standing receptions of up to 1,700.
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 immersive street-level floor-to-ceiling windows.
X
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
Boylston Street Building
Capacity: 1,700 Standing Reception.
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.
X
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
All Event Space
Capacity: 3,400 Standing Reception.
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.
X
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
Boylston Hall
Capacity*: 1000 Standing Reception. 550 Seated Dinner. 300 Seated Dinner with Dancing. 400 Seated Ceremony.
*Includes the use of the entire first floor of Boylston Building
Rabb Lecture Hall
Boylston Street Building
Located on the lower level of the Boylston Street Building, Rabb Hall is the perfect setting for all-day conferences or corporate meetings. The Catered Affair makes planning easy with conference menus to suit all tastes accompanied. Rabb Lecture Hall features fixed seating for 300 attendees, robust audio-visual capabilities, staging, and an adjoining Green Room.
X
![]()
![]()
Rabb Lecture Hall
Capacity: 300 Theatre Style Seating
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.
X
![]()
![]()
![]()
DeFerrari Hall
Capacity: 200 Theater Style Seating
Teen Central
Boylston Street Building
Overlooking Blagden Street, this space is available for unique Mitzvahs and cocktail receptions. The retro-industrial space provides the perfect stage for your next event.
X
![]()
![]()
![]()
Teen Central
Capacity: 150 Cocktail Reception. 100 Seated Dinner. 50 Seated Dinner with Dancing.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Clients typically spend $275-$350++ per person considering final food and beverage selections, venue space use, service equipment, and staffing.
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.
Clients typically spend $350-$400++ per person considering final food and beverage selections, venue space use, service equipment, and staffing.
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.
Clients typically spend $250-$325++ per person considering final food and beverage selections, venue space use, service equipment, and staffing.
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.
Clients typically spend $500-650++ per person considering final food and beverage selections, venue space use, service equipment, entertainment, and staffing.
Pricing considering final menu and bar selections, venue rental fees, event rentals, and staffing.
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
Spend the Evening in Boston Public Library’s Courtyard
At the Boston Public Library, the fresh air is calling your name. Whether it’s spring, …
Read more
Event Spotlight: Turning a Company Party Into a Night of Mystery and Intrigue at the Boston Public Library
At The Catered Affair, we love creating an unforgettable company party! We recently worked with …
Read moreContact Us
Every event begins with simply an idea. What is yours? We’d love to hear from you and help bring the event of your dreams to reality. Fill out your information and we will be in touch!
Weddings
Other Events
Careers
"*" indicates required fields
Partnerships
"*" indicates required fields