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    The Mapparium

    4.5 (20 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

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    Michelle M.

    A unique experience in Boston. This one of a kind Mapparium allows you to immerse yourself inside of a globe to learn about the world in a new way. Tickets are free for a ~20 minute tour. This includes a light and sound experience while you stand in the footbridge inside, and a tour guide providing you with information. You have to whisper inside talking at a normal volume amplifies like crazy. Even while whispering, you can hear everyone's conversations. It's located inside of the Christian Science Center so you could definitely make a day out of the area. They didn't allow you to take photos before but now you can, but they make it clear it's only for personal use.

    Tianna D.

    This was a cool experience. I expected it to be a lot larger inside but given the time period it was built, the size made sense. Everyone is very welcoming and friendly here to talk to. It's a 20 minute tour that occurs 3 times each hour - on the hour, 20 mins and 40 mins past the hour (eg. 4pm, 4:20pm and 4:40pm). Before entering the room you are given a short history of Mapparium. Inside you listen to an audio speaking about the Mapparium for about 15 mins - during this time talking or even whispering isn't allowed because of how sound travels within the room. At the end of the 15 minutes you can talk freely and experience just how loud your voice travels. For the remaining 5 minutes you're allowed to chat and take photos. The bridge is clear but there's a carpet so you can't see directly below you without looking over the railing. Like I want to be able to see what Antarctica looks like fully lol Photos are allowed for personal usage only. It was really cool to see how the map of the world was at that time in history. Very different from what we know now in current day.

    Stephanie W.

    Loved this experience. I had no clue this existed until the S-I-L mentioned it as an option for our family day in the city. The staff were so very kind. We were a few minutes late to our scheduled time, but we were quickly added to the next tour. There's something peaceful about the entire building. I'd suggest just going to have a seat and sit in the silence and wonder. Read up on history: the evolution and stagnation of our world. You're not permitted to take photos inside of the mapparium but let me tell you... it is sooo incredibly beautiful. Online photos does it no justice.

    Sarah S.

    Okay so no photos allowed in the actual mapparium .. (they mentioned they've had some issues with a church soliciting or something) & we arrived late and after the last tour. Probably it was 10 minutes before closing. They told us when the tour was done, we could maybe park in. The mapparium is a giant stained glass thing & it was INCREDIBLE. They didn't charge us or anything (we did have the go Boston passes but they didn't know that).. Everything was closed but they let us take a peak into the room & we actually got to walk in. Very happy with our experience and the lady who was new and I think one of the hosts (tall and lovely), thank you!! She was the one that actually got us into the room!!

    Daniel B.

    A really cool and unique Boston experience - the 15 minute or so experience is well worth it. The stained glass is phenomenal, and the narration and light presentation was very interesting. My only complaint is that some of those who were in the globe with us continued to talk throughout, and with the noise amplification that takes place due to the shape of the room, it was at times hard to hear the narration. The experience itself though was top-notch and a must-visit.

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    7 months ago

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    2 years ago

    Worth every penny. Wow!!! Unexpected and uplifting. So glad we happened in and we're going to come back.

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

    Lots of fun! Our guide Rosalinda was very nice and knowledgeable. It was a perfect short indoor activity for a rainy day. Very pretty.

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    3 years ago

    Great value. $6 for a 20 min tour. Absolutely beautiful globe and buildings around it

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    3 years ago

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    Review Highlights - The Mapparium

    The stained glass is phenomenal, and the narration and light presentation was very interesting.

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

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    The Mapparium - museums - Updated May 2026

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