Came here by myself when I helped my daughter move into her college dorm 5 years ago, now today brought my husband, brother and sister-in-law, because a cool unique historical glass give of the world as known in 1935. When I came by myself, I spent over an hour reading all the exhibits and information about the history of Christian Science. Pretty interesting. Today we just did the 20 minute tour of the mapparium and appreciated the artistry, engineering, acoustics, and historicity of the globe as well as the two timepieces hanging in the main atrium. All the staff were very welcoming. Brad and Steve did a great job giving us the tour. They have gorgeous tile work even in the restrooms, and speak with pride about the every aspect of the design of the building. They offer a coat room so that you can safely store your bags and water bottles to avoid any chance of dropping anything inside the mapparium. Glad to come back again with family. Very memorable. read more

See all

As other reviewers have said, this is an interesting place to check out in Boston, but there's not much to it. The building itself is historical and there are plenty of other religious artifacts and things to learn before you even get inside of the globe room. We didn't book tickets ahead of time so we only had to wait around 30 minutes for the next tour to be available to go inside the globe room. If you are big on history, then this is a must see, as this painstakingly-crafted globe represents the world in the 1930s. It was interesting to see the countries and borders that no longer exist and compare them with what we know today. The acoustics were amazing as well, as the smallest whisper could sound like a yell. Overall it was worth the $6 admission and it's something I would recommend to those who haven't done it, but I wouldn't feel the need to go back. read more

They recently renovated this spot and opened back up not too long ago, which is when I initially intended on going. But, better late than never. They have different prices for different age groups and students. The lady up front was very kind and helpful - we even bonded on being alumni of the same high school and she gave a brief overview of the experience. They did have a complimentary coat/bag check which we took full advantage of. I am not sure how spaced apart the sessions are but we waited only about 10 minutes to go on the next one. We walked into the room with the glass globe, where we were advised to stay quiet since conversations travel very easily. A sound track was playing in the background while interacting with the map. We stayed in there for about 15 minutes. I was caught taking a video, but people were taking pictures / using their phone after the show, so I am unsure if videos are prohibited or I just took it out too soon. After exiting the room, they have a couple stands with information, as well as a wall where you can take a card and write an answer to the question. My question was, " what do you have hope for" or something along those lines. It's a very cool experience, but it did feel quick. read more

See all

This is my favorite place to bring friends from out-of-town as the Mapparium never fails to leave people with an "OMG that is cool" reaction. Don't have anyone visiting but still want to see something one-of-a-kind and celebrating it's 90th anniversary this year? Then go to the Mapparium!!!! Years ago it was easy to just walk in, but I recommend booking online if it's a busy weekend (holiday) or Saturday. We went at noon on a rainy Sunday, it was still busy but Barbara at the desk got us checked-in and ready quickly. read more

The Mapparium - Museums Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

See all

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. read more

The Mapparium - Museums Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

See all

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. read more

See all

I didn't know this but it's guided tour only $6 per adult. The tour itself is about 20 minutes and it's in the one room only. Reason being it's guided is because the whole room is glass and they want to make sure to limit the amount of people to prevent damage to glass. No filming when you first get in there, you walk in and there's a small light show with a narration of the maps. After the narration then you can film and take photos . read more

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. read more

The Mapparium - Museums Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

See all

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!! read more

The Mapparium - Museums Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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. read more

See all

Went here for a field trip with my international business professor! great experience about how the borders change, people move, and cultures merge. wasn't keen on the guide talking about mary baker eddy and christian science, but to each their own! i can say it was interesting to hear about. acoustics inside are mind blowing. read more

See all

It's honestly kind of cool. It's a quick thing to do, but it's not a lot to get in. It's in a church but they don't try to convert you so you're good read more

Yeah, yeah, yeah...Boston's Fenway Park, Beacon Hill, Public Garden et al BUT for $6.00 one can walk through the world. A stained glass GLOBE with a glass bridge one walks over to view the world from the inside. No concession stand, religious pitch or obligations. Just the wonder of the world for a quietly amazing experience that stays with you much longer than any lobster roll. read more

This was an interesting place. It's in the Christian Science Monitor building. You go in, pay $6 per person. A guide takes about 20 people inside a 40' lighted globe across a bridge. Sounds play as countries light up. It's pretty cool and worthwhile when you're in Boston. No pics allowed inside though. read more

This was a pretty cool experience. I'd recommend using your Boston public library card to get free admission. The dome is cool but I was bummed I couldn't capture my own pictures of it. read more

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

I worked here when it first became a public place. The building architecture from the Hall of ideas to the bathrooms are gorgeous . The Mapparium was built in the 1930's of stained glass and you get a very brief tour inside. It's a nice experience and not too expensive. It's a place for all ages ,if you are in the area check it out. read more

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

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

What a cool exhibit! I'm not a Christian scientist and I was not interested in becoming one, but the exhibit on the history of the religion was interesting. The architecture of the building is quite beautiful and the staff were extremely friendly. I'm a total nerd when it comes to maps so I've actually been wanting to come see the mapparium for several years. It was worth the $6 ticket. The stained glass is beautiful and even though the map is outdated it was was interesting to see the old borders and outdated countries. The acoustics in there are really neat too! You can whisper something at one end and hear it at the other and if you project your voice towards the glass when you're standing in the middle, it echoes and sounds very loud! Just don't drop anything off the glass bridge! Unfortunately you can't take pictures inside the globe because it's trademarked. read more

The Mapparium itself is great- but heads up on a few things A) It's not inside a normal library. Despite the "Mary Baker Eddy Library" this exhibit is basically inside a religious building. Mary Baker Eddy apparently being the founder of Christian Science. The lady at reception WILL assume you are either a) part of Christian Science or b) very willing to learn about Christian Science (from the very biased source of the library about the sect). Both assumptions that made me deeply uncomfortable. I've visited churches that were tourist attractions before, and generally they're much nicer about not assuming your religion or thinking they can impose on you. B) No pictures are allowed inside the globe, and you can only enter with a guided tour. Still the price is low, and it's a really neat space. The tour is more of an audio-visual presentation built into the globe, and is free of any Christian Science talk. This stained glass globe was built in 1935, and is visually stunning. One really striking thing was that it hasn't been updated since 1935, and thus has a number of countries on it that don't exist anymore, like european colonies in africa, the USSR, Siam, etc. The proportions of the countries also look a bit different than looking at a globe since you're effectively in the middle of a globe, looking mostly out and up rather than down. The unique proportions of being inside a globe have unusual effects on the acoustics of the space. There's a whisper gallery effect, and sounds bounce around in unexpected ways. read more