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Norman B. Leventhal Map and Education Center

An independent geographic research and education center including an exhibition gallery that features changing thematic exhibitions, a public learning center with research books, and a reading room for rare map research. It is ranked among the top ten in the United States its collection of over 250,000 geographic objects, the significance of its historic (pre-1900) material, its advanced digitization program, and exceptional educational programs to advance geographic literacy among students in grades K to 12.

Address: 700 Boylston St
Getting there: at the Boston Public Library
Price: Free
Website: leventhalmap.org (opens in a new tab)

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Listing from Wikivoyage: Boston/Back Bay-Beacon Hill, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Updated 28 Sept 2026. Something wrong? Tell us.

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SeeBack Bay-Beacon Hill
Boston Public Library
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This is the headquarters of the Boston Public Library (BPL). This branch is defined by its two buildings, the original McKim building from 1895, and the newer Boylston building, opened in 1972. They were built to similar scale and use similar materials, but the ornamentation–or lack thereof–clearly separates them. The Boylston building completed extensive renovations summer of 2016; featuring a new cafe, radio station, and other amenities for the people of Boston. Don't miss the beautifully quiet interior courtyard, a place to spend a solitary moment reflecting in the heart of the city.
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SeeBack Bay-Beacon Hill
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SeeBack Bay-Beacon Hill
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158 Newbury St
Tue-Sat 11AM-6PM, Sun noon-5PM