Mapparium^®

Since 1935, more than 10 million people have traversed the thirty-foot glass bridge that spans the Mapparium, taking visitors to a unique spot: the middle of the world.

This world-famous, three-story, stained-glass globe is one of the key attractions at the Library. The Mapparium’s three-dimensional perspective of the world of 1935 is enhanced by A World of Ideas, an original presentation that features a rich orchestration of words, music, and LED lights to illustrate how ideas have traversed time and geography and changed the world.

The Library is also showing a complementary exhibit, “The Mapparium: An Inside View,” featuring never before made public letters, documents, and artifacts showcasing the construction, history, and significance of this magnificent architectural and artistic achievement.

Learn more about the history of the Mapparium and its architect, Chester Lindsay Churchill. Explore how the 1935 world map inside the Mapparium, which has never been updated, serves as a remarkable snapshot of both geographic and global history. Discover major changes in the world since 1935 like Africa’s movement from colonial rule to independence and learn more about how global change happens.

Rand McNally and Company and WCVB TV are co-sponsors of “The Mapparium: An Inside View.”