Opening Day For The Boston Public Library's Redesigned Johnson Building

The Boston Public Library opened its newly renovated Copley Square space in the Johnson Building Saturday, cheek by jowl with the "old", historic research library, designed by McKim Mead & White. WGBH News will operate a broadcast facility on the first floor, at the corner of Boylston and Exeter streets.  (As interns, we attended the ribbon cutting ceremony and gave passers-by a preview of our new space.)

The event drew a large crowd on Boylston Street. Speakers included Mayor Marty Walsh, Boston Public Library President David Leonard, BPL Board of Trustees Chair Robert Gallery, city of Boston Public Facilities Director Tricia Lyon, and Bill Rawn — the principal architect for the renovation, which brought the structure – originally designed by Phillip Johnson – into the 21st century.

The mayor praised the renovations in his speech, citing the architecture as being symbolic of the city of Boston.

“Boston is a fair and open city,” Walsh said. This is a welcoming, inclusive, and dynamic space.”

Similarly, Chairman Gallery touched upon the library’s 168-year-old history and its importance to the community.

“It’s been said that the library is not just a building but a living, active, and inspiring public monument,” Gallery said, referencing the dramatically open and accessible floor plan.

After the speeches, children and library staff joined the Mayor in cutting the ribbon. Afterwards, the public was invited to enter the building and explore new features of the library, which include an expanded digital area, interactive displays, and a bright new welcoming atrium.

As the crowd walked through the space there was visible excitement for the upcoming WGBH remote studio. Many were thrilled at the prospect of seeing Jim Braude and Margery Eagan broadcast their 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Boston Public Radio show live from the library.

Now that the Johnson Building has officially opened, keep your eyes peeled for our very own WGBH launch ceremony in the coming weeks. We look forward to providing folks a front row seat to experience public media as we create it!