Imagined Nation

Now showing12 February 2026 – 14 November 2026·$11

For the USA's 250th, rare material from George Washington's own library — including his copy of Paine's Common Sense — alongside early Declaration printings and WWII posters. Rotates through 2026.

Tickets & details Get Directions

Also at Boston Athenæum

On now nearby

The Road to Revolution: Massachusetts and the Independence Movement

Old State House

Carrie Mae Weems, Blues and Pinks 3, 2020, archival inkjet prints in six parts

Collection Spotlight: Carrie Mae Weems

Institute of Contemporary Art / Boston

Installation view with framed artworks hung salon-style on the walls and three people looking at the art

2026 Student Lending Art Program Exhibition and Lottery

MIT List Visual Arts Center

All exhibitions in Boston this month Coming up in October

Nearby

Museum of African American History

Architecture4 min walk

Plan your visit

Show on map

Boston Athenæum

10½ Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108, United States

Nearest station: Park Street (Red & Green Lines)

Open until 8pm

Hours

Mon	09:00–20:00
Tue	09:00–20:00
Wed	09:00–20:00
ThuToday	09:00–20:00
Fri	09:00–17:00
Sat	09:00–17:00
Sun	Closed

Admission

$11

First-floor admission (includes the Calderwood Gallery and special collections installations): $11 for visitors 14 and up, $8 students/educators/military with valid ID, $5 for children 13 and under accompanied by an adult, $2 per adult with an EBT, WIC or ConnectorCare card under the Card to Culture programme, free for members and for NARM/ROAM cardholders. A one-day membership giving access to all 12 floors, including the fifth-floor reading room and terrace, is $40 online or at the welcome desk. One-hour docent-led Art & Architecture Tours (groups of seven or fewer) are ticketed separately through events.bostonathenaeum.org and include first-floor admission; they often sell out several days in advance and members book free tickets for themselves plus up to three guests. Private group tours for 8–20 people cost $25 per person and must be requested at least three weeks ahead. Academic tours are $5 per student. Research appointments in Special Collections are free and open to all.

Full museum guide