Visit Us

A bit of France in the heart of Boston

Linger for an afternoon in our library. Meet fellow Francophones and Francophiles at a gallery opening. Be challenged by a lecture. Take a class to pick up where your college French left off. Introduce your children to the worlds opened up to them by language. Visit the French Library and explore the myriad of ways we provide an authentic French cultural and social experience.

In 2025, the French Library will be closed during the following holidays:

New Year’s Day Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday Monday, January 20, 2025
Presidents Day Monday, February 17, 2025
Patriot’s Day Monday, April 21, 2025
Memorial Day Saturday, May 24, and Monday, May 26, 2025
Juneteenth Thursday, June 19, 2025
Independence Day Friday July 4, 2025
Labor Day Saturday, August 30, and Monday, September 1, 2025
Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples’ Day Monday, October 13, 2025
Veterans Day Tuesday, November 11, 2025
Thanksgiving Day Wednesday (starting at noon), Thursday, Friday and Saturday, November 26 – 30, 2025
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 24 and Thursday, December 25, 2025
New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, Wednesday, December 31 and Thursday January 1st, 2026

French Library
53 Marlborough St. Boston, MA 02116

Reception and Visiting Hours

617.912.0400

Mon: Closed
Tue: 9:45AM - 7:00PM
Wed: 9:45AM - 7:00PM
Thu: 9:45AM - 5:00PM
Fri: 9:45AM - 5:00PM
Sat: 8:45AM - 3:00PM

Directions

Green Line - Arlington Station
Orange Line - Back Bay Station
Red Line - Charles/MGH Station
Bus lines: 9, 10, 39, 43, 55, 57

Parking

Parking is available at the Boston Common Parking Garage on Saturdays all day and on week days after 4:00 PM for $12.
Buy your discounted ticket from our receptionist.

Library Floor Visiting Hours

Have a question about the library or our virtual resources? Contact us at librarian@frenchlibrary.org.

Mon: Closed
Tue: 12:00PM - 7:00PM
Wed: 11:00AM - 7:00PM
Thu: 10:00AM - 5:00PM
Fri: 10:00AM - 5:00PM
Sat: 9:00AM - 3:00PM

Contact Us

617.912.0400
info@frenchlibrary.org

Accessibility

The Center is currently wheelchair accessible and has an elevator.

Founder's Room and Ducrest Family Magazine Room

The Founder’s Room is the main event space of the French Library. From lectures and performances to fundraisers, this room is the heart of the building. The room, which can be rented, holds a Steinway grand piano, full A/V capabilities and has a unique atmosphere thanks to the antique Belgian boiserie walls.

The Library

The entire second floor of the building is dedicated to our French language Library. You’ll find reading nooks, a communal study table, curated book displays and a children’s library with almost 6,000 multimedia items and furniture just their size.

The Classrooms

Our native French speaking teachers benefit from the expertise of the Alliance Française for the most effective methods of French language instruction. Our class sizes are small (max 10 students) providing more opportunities for you to communicate in French, creating a lively classroom atmosphere.

The Gallery

The Gallery is an open gathering space to meet with friends, study before class or enjoy une pause-café. The Gallery is one of our rentable spaces too.

The Kitchen

We host a variety of culinary events in our Kitchen, including workshops by renowned chefs, tastings for both adults and children, and cooking classes in French. The Kitchen is one of the rentable spaces.

Interested in renting our space?

Our beautiful Victorian mansion is the ideal setting for corporate meetings and special events.

Didn't find what you're looking for?

Check out our Frequently Asked Questions section.

Want to get in touch?

Fill out the contact form, and our reception team will direct your query to the appropriate staff member.