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    The Mary Baker Eddy Library

    4.0 (133 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

    By appointment only

    The Mary Baker Eddy Library Photos

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    Danielle P.

    This was simply jus amazing, a must see, and #Bucketlister for me!! This was on my list for many yrs and it was all that and then some...It was a cold rainy day, but indeed a very memorable visit. I bought Groupon 2 for 1, they do give military discounts. This was priced fairly to be a tourist attraction, they clearly want all to visit and enjoy. Not a tourist trap at all, take all your kids, Lol! The staff was kind and explained everything, I also bought a book for more info. You can walk around until your time to be called. No pics inside allowed, so I took a few pics outside. I didn't have time to visit the science church, but some other guest said the free tour is a must. Parking is horrible, jus pay and keep it movin in a garage or on the side of the street, good luck. On a positive note the library was worth the parking trauma! And yes construction was going on so some lots were closed. You will have a guide to explain everything before and during your visit, remember no pics inside, AMAZING & BEAUTIFUL!! The USA has a lot to offer if you seek.

    Sophie N.

    Kinda boring but fun taking pics for insta tho bathroom super clean too and nice people

    Alexis B.

    If you're at the Mary Baker Eddy Library, you're probably there for a tour of the Mapparium. The Mapparium is a three-story, stained-glass globe designed in 1935 when the The Christian Science Monitor Publishing House was built. The Mapparium has been renovated but never updated, so the map exists as it did in 1935 (names of countries, numbers of countries, etc. are not accurate as of today). For a small fee, you can have a guided tour of the Mapparium, which includes some information about the Mapparium, The Christian Science Monitor, and Mary Baker Eddy, as well as a light show inside the Mapparium. It's quick, but interesting. (No pictures inside.) Well worth a quick visit if you're interested. (Don't forget you can take a free tour of the church as well!)

    Gary G.

    The Library is on a busy road and it was congested during our visit so I dropped off the family and made a U-turn to find parking on the road for a fee. I paid for a couple of hours but we were there less than one. The tour was a bit underwhelming as I expected more especially with the controlled manner in which it operates. They start by providing some background history on the project and then take the group into the globe, flash the lights, allow you to experience the ease of being heard across the room. It's massive and one has to appreciate the creation to scale. It got a bit crowded with our group standing together on the overpass in the middle of the globe at times and with trying to talk over others in an audio sensitive area. No pictures are allowed in the globe which was disappointing but they have a selfie background as you exit...not the same. I appreciate the experience and feel it's a must see at least once. There's more to see than just the globe but we were there for the globe.

    Sandy Y.

    Like most people, I came here to check out the Mapparium. It is a short tourist spot where you walk into a "world globe" where they give you the history of the globe you're standing in and information on the acoustics. This was a pretty unique experience.

    Hall of Ideas
    Yuka Y.

    Admission: $4 for students with school ID, $6 for adults Closes at 4pm. Too early. Mary Baker Eddy's library is a lesser known, hidden gem next to the Christian Science museum. No, no Christian Science is not a cult and and it's not related to Scientology. The 2nd floor gallery focuses on Mary Baker's life ("the only American woman to find a lasting American-based religion"-cool!), what medicine and science was like in the 19th century, and the evolution of The Christian Science Monitor publication. A little too much reading material jammed together from the exhibits, would've been better if there was a guide. Interestingly, explanation of the faith of Christian Science and any religious connotations for the most part are absent. It's funny how I learnt more about what Christian Science is from the brochure than I did from the gallery- they're a faith that believes in praying and spiritual care rather than modern medicine to heal ailments. If we were all Christian Scientists, perhaps our society's abuse of prescription meds and controlled substances would be put to an end. Mapparium is the star of the show and the only guided part of the museum. It's a stained glass, 3 story globe with a glass bridge running through the middle, giving you the unique vantage point of the world from the core. It's stunning and beautifully done so countries look 3D. It's a 1935 version of the world with a guided auditory light show. The acoustics wonder of Mapparium is the only one of its kind in the world given its spherical shape, well worth the $4! You won't be seeing the actual library on the 4th floor unless you ask for permission from the receptionist. Architecture and layout of the museum is another note worthy feature. The art and spaciousness of the Hall of Ideas was another favorite aspect of the museum.

    Bathroom of museum
    Jennifer H.

    The Mapparium was amazing! The entire family loved it! Inexpensive trip. $6/adults $4/kids. We did find street parking/meter. The church tour is free. No pics or video in the Mapparium. They do have a selfie station replica in the lobby. The huge pipe organ is beautiful. No matter what religion you are, you should go see the church. The Mapparium has amazing acoustics. Which they give you aprx 5 minutes to play around. There's a light show, lightning up each country.

    Hall of Ideas
    Hurnan V.

    I came here with a friend, not knowing what exactly to expect. With the $6 admission (adult; $4 student), you get a 20 min tour of the large, walk in globe. It is absolutely breathtaking! I won't spoil the experience here, but I think if you have an afternoon free, this place would be a fun place to visit. (My only gripe: not sure if 20 min is worth $6...) The first floor is completely open to the public. The Hall of Ideas is very grand and calming- definitely worth a stroll. We also went to the other exhibits detailing Eddy's life, and it was interesting to say the least. All in all, I would recommend to come here if you have a free afternoon - you could learn something interesting, however, I would think it is a one time visit only.

    Natalie C.

    Saw some photos of the Mapparium and felt it would be a fun place to stop. My cousin is in the military and we got in for free. However I believe it was like 5$ or 8$. It was a rainy day and not too many people were on the tour. Lasted about 30 minutes. No pictures allowed unfortuantey :( But the history of how the glass and clocks were made are incredible. We were waiting for the rain to stop and made our way over to the Church right next door. I'm not a huge church goer, however it was beautiful and the people inside the church building were so kind and friendly we enjoyed listen to the passion they had for the building and its history. They don't try and pressure you are anything but they loved showing off the pipe structure.

    Zoe J.

    This is a truly stunning piece of architecture. The whole church is gorgeous with so much detail every way you look. I looked up and saw this very co lighting installation which I attached a photo of. I came here to check out the Mapparium and it did not disappoint. It's probably one of the coolest things to check out in Boston! I mean where else can you be inside an all glass globe? FYI: YOU CANNOT TAKE PHOTOS! They have an area outside where you can take pictures but inside it's prohibited unfortunately. I recommend checking out the Christian Science Church too. They have one of the largest organs in the world and it's beautiful to look at.

    Tina G.

    Came here for the mapparium and I hate that they won't let you take pictures because it's so beautiful ! It's like you're inside a globe and it changes colors, one of the coolest things I've seen! The overall building was beautiful too. With Marble and the map incorporated into the architecture, very nice. It is also one of the oldest buildings in the area, so do pass by and visit. If you're ever in the area, check it out.

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    Ask the Community - The Mary Baker Eddy Library

    Review Highlights - The Mary Baker Eddy Library

    If you're at the Mary Baker Eddy Library, you're probably there for a tour of the Mapparium.

    Mentioned in 101 reviews

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