The Mapparium globe is one of the coolest spectacles in the city of Boston — and tickets only cost $6 for adults. Visitors under 18 get in for free.
It’s a rare bargain for a must-see attraction in the city. It’s also one of the more under-the-radar daytime, family-friendly activities.
Boston Bucket List: The Mapparium experience
The Mapparium exhibit is a visually stunning globe made of stained glass. It depicts a map of the world at the time of its construction in 1935, with a vivid rainbow of colorful geography surrounding you in every direction.
Visitors enter through the middle of the 30-foot glass sphere and are welcome to admire the inside from a bridge that stretches across the second story.
When you enter, you’re met with the image of North America and South America. If you look up, you’ll see the northern border of Asia wrapping around the North Pole. If you peek over the bridge, you can see Antarctica poking out from below.
In addition to being a unique visual spectacle, the Mapparium is a fascinating audio experience.
The acoustics of the glass sphere can scramble your brain. If someone is speaking softly on the other end of the bridge, it can sound like they’re right next to you. Even a slight click of the tongue can be heard crystal clear across the expanse.
What’s it like when you visit?
The Mapparium experience can be found at The Mary Baker Eddy Library, which is located in the Christian Science Plaza in Boston.
It’s a visually impressive area that doesn’t get a lot of buzz, the sort of place that makes folks go, “What is that place?” when they walk by.
The Mapparium tour is part of the “‘How Do You See the World?’ experience” at the library, which opened to the public in 2002.
Eddy is the founder of the Christian Science movement as well as the news organization, The Christian Science Monitor. The Mapparium globe was constructed in 1935 to serve as a symbol for the publication’s status as a “global outlet.”
The Christian Science movement is a Protestant denomination that promotes the belief that prayer and faith in God’s love can have the power of healing.
The Mary Baker Eddy Library isn’t shy about its ties to Christian Science. However, religious beliefs aren’t a major component of a visit to The Mapparium.
When visitors arrive at the Library, they’re greeted by staff who are eager to learn the names of visitors along with where they’re visiting from. Staff are enthusiastic about engaging visitors and pointing out other exhibits highlighting the life, work and beliefs of Eddy.
Mapparium tours run in 20-minute intervals and give a brief overview of the Christian Science Publishing House, which is also part of the complex.
After entering the sphere, visitors are given a few minutes to take everything in and snap some photos. The sphere then turns into an impressive light show with narration.
The presentation reflects on how the map provides a snapshot of the world in 1935 and notes how much the world has changed in the decades since. It also promotes a message of togetherness and making the world a better place.
More info about The Mapparium
Where is it located? — The Mary Baker Eddy Library is located at 210 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, Massachusetts, 02115.
How much does it cost? — $6 for adults, admission is free for those under 18.
When are they open? — Here are the business hours at the time of writing:
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Thursday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.