art for the city

Of all the libraries I have ever visited, the Boston Public Library is by far, my favorite. Its architecture is spectacular and the art it houses is comparable to that of an art museum's. Despite having visited the library multiple times, the magnificent artwork and architecture never fails to amaze me.

Although the murals scattered throughout the library are undeniably impressive, I find that the Memorial Lions located on the McKim building's grand marble staircase is the piece that I enjoy the most. Created in 1894, these lions were sculpted in memory of the Second and Twentieth Massachusetts Regiments who fought during the Civil War. Engraved on the bases of each sculpture are the names of battles each Regiment participated in. Part of what makes each work of art so exceptional is the unique meaning behind each piece. Furthermore, the history behind this specific piece of art only adds to the already rich history of the Boston Public Library.