Looking for a quiet place to get away from it all? The noise, the traffic, the streets, the 21st century? Step into the Boston Public Library (BPL) and step into another, more serene world (one that dates to 1852).

Stay inside under the high barrel ceiling and soaring windows of Bates Hall Reading Room with your nose in a book. Or wander to the open-air, Italian-style courtyard to see the sculptures and fountains. Look out for works by Daniel Chester French, John Singer Sargent and more.  Don’t miss the gigantic bronze doorways and lion sculptures on your way in the original McKim building.

Guides lead art and architecture tours on a daily basis (check the website for times). Otherwise, grab a brochure from the front desk and do a self-guided tour. Additionally, the excellent special collections are on display on the third floor.

Also, parents: the BPL has a fantastic children’s room and an even better teen lounge.

T: Copley/Green

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  Photo by David Goehring
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  Photo by Dennis Wright
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  Photo by Erinc Salor
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  Photo by Erinc Salor
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  Photo by Bill Ohl