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While the city of Boston is home to the country's most famous, historical sites like those on Boston's Freedom Trail, there's really no place more beautifully photograph-able (and thus Instagrammable) than the historic Boston Public Library in the city's Back Bay neighborhood. Located in the center of the city's Victorian addition with Old South Church, Trinity Church, and the oldest firehouse in the city surrounding the library, spending a day at this Central Library branch will make for a perfect Insta-worthy day. There really is just something about visiting libraries that feels beautifully romantic and makes literary lovers want to memorialize their visit.
Make that post look absolutely professional--and illicit some travel envy from your followers--with this Instagram-approved itinerary of locations and activities within the library. And don't worry, these sites are also worth visiting, even without posting them on IG stories!
A Brief Overview Of The Library
The Central Library in Copley Square, as this primary library location is called, consists of two buildings, the Johnson and the McKim buildings, both of which are named for the architects that designed them.
The Johnson Building was a 1960s addition built in a modern, mid-century style reminiscent of many urban libraries around the country, while the McKim Building, the more historic of the two, was built in the late 19th century and is the perfect Gilded Age setting for photographs.
At the time the McKim Building was constructed, it was described as the "palace for the people," and that still rings true today. Outfitted with marble staircases, coffered ceilings, and beautiful statues, the McKim Building will make visitors feel like they're in a socialite's mansion home from a bygone era rather than a public library.
The Johnson Building recently went through a renovation in 2013-2016, and now features a modern café, a radio broadcasting station, and a large circulation area where patrons can easily check out library books, DVDs, and CDs.
The two buildings are connected, so it is possible to travel between the two without exiting either building—be sure to carefully follow signs because it can be easy to get lost!
The Best Locations and Activities In The McKim Building
Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, the McKim Building is the most popular with Instagrammers for its Gothic Victorian aesthetic (as seen in many #studygrams) and its variety of opulent rooms and corridors.
Photographers in this space are not uncommon but keep in mind, it is an active library space, so Instagrammers will have to respectfully explore around people studying! With that being said, these are the most aesthetic spots and activities for the 'gram.
The Central Courtyard
Modeled after the Palazzo della Cancelleria in Rome, the Courtyard is a stunning marble oasis in the middle of the library. An arched, covered walkway flanks the perimeter of the Italianate plaza, and bistro sets are sprinkled throughout the courtyard for visitors to enjoy a cup of coffee or a snack.
The original statues that were in the Courtyard can now be found at the city's museums, but their historic nature is still intact. This spot is popular for weddings, engagements, and professional photo shoots and is even more popular on Instagram as an opulent backdrop.
To beat the crowds, visit in the morning for that optimal shot or chance the courtyard during a light dusting of snow for a truly magical IG photo.
Courtyard Tea Time For Some Added Luxury
Just off the Courtyard, visitors can sit down for one of the most luxe tea times in the city at the Courtyard Tea Room or the Map Room Tea Lounge. The Courtyard Tea Room is a bright, Bridgerton-esque dining area decked out in brilliant gold and silver finishes with a view of the Courtyard through large glass doors.
The Map Room Tea Lounge is reminiscent of an Edwardian smoking room, housed in a mahogany dining room decorated like an antique library. The tea at both places is spectacular, but the pictures 'grammers will get can't be beat.
It does get busy, so be sure to make a reservation ahead of time. Follow up this tea party with the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum to learn more about the city's history with tea!
Bates Hall
Capture the ultimate studygram vibes by visiting Bates Hall. Bates Hall is equal parts elite university, Hogwarts library, and mysterious archives all rolled into a very posh place, perfect to sit down with a book—or at least take a photo with one!
This is one of those spots where there are a lot of people actively using it as, well, a library, so please be respectful!
The Best Locations and Activities In The Johnson Building
The McKim Building isn't the only place with 'grammable spots! The Johnson Building is the perfect example of mid-century architecture that serves as the perfect character foil to its 19th-century counterpart.
IGers can find some great spots for urban, mid-century modern themed photos...and maybe meet a local Boston author along the way!
DeFarrari Hall
DeFarrari Hall is the lobby area/central court of the Johnson Building. A slick, sun-drenched space with a stunning skylight, DeFarrari Hall is the perfect spot for that "Cool Girl/Cool Boy" snap.
It has incredible lighting, even on those cloudy winter days, so photographers really can't go wrong.
Another word of advice though: this space is one of the central areas that people move through to get from one part of the library to the other so try for earlier morning shoots.
Newsfeed Cafe
While from the outside the Newsfeed Café looks like pretty standard library lunch spot, it plays host to WGBH's (the local news affiliate and NPR subsidiary) public events. This includesc—and is definitely not limited to—author talks from famous New England writers like Celeste Ng (Little Fires Everywhere, anyone?).
The Café is the perfect place to sit where America's favorite authors sit and to channel those news anchor vibes. From Newsfeed, visitors can make their way to Boston's local bookstores to find some signed copies from authors when they're in town!