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Gibson House Museum

ArchitectureHistoryLocal HistoryClosed · Opens 1pmFrom $15Arlington (MBTA Green Line)

Built in 1859-60 to designs by Edward Clarke Cabot, the Gibson House was one of the first homes to rise on the newly filled land of Back Bay, an Italian Renaissance revival rowhouse in brownstone and red brick. Three generations of the Gibson family and their domestic staff lived at 137 Beacon Street between 1859 and 1954, and the last of them, Charles Hammond Gibson Jr., left the house and its contents to become a museum, which opened in 1957. The result is an unusually complete Victorian interior, with original wallpapers, textiles, furniture and family possessions still in place across five floors. Designated a Boston Landmark in 1992 and a National Historic Landmark in 2001, the house can be seen by guided tour only.

What's On

Now
Oct
Nov

Permanent Collections

Plan Your Visit

Getting there

137 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02116, United States

Nearest station: Arlington (MBTA Green Line), Boylston (MBTA Green Line)

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Hours

MonClosed
TueClosed
WedClosed
ThuToday13:00–16:00
Fri13:00–16:00
Sat13:00–16:00
Sun13:00–16:00

Admission

From $15

Seniors (62+) $12, students $10, children aged 6-12 $5. Free for members, active-duty military and their families (Blue Star Museums), NEMA members and EBT/SUN Bucks holders. Specialty tours cost $17 general / $14 seniors / $12 students.

Nearby

Nichols House Museum

History10 min walk

Museum of African American History

History11 min walk

Boston Athenæum

Art13 min walk

Otis House

History13 min walk

Visitor Information

How much does Gibson House Museum cost?
Standard adult admission to Gibson House Museum is $15. Seniors (62+) $12, students $10, children aged 6-12 $5. Free for members, active-duty military and their families (Blue Star Museums), NEMA members and EBT/SUN Bucks holders. Specialty tours cost $17 general / $14 seniors / $12 students.. Prices for special exhibitions and timed-entry slots may differ.
What are the opening hours of Gibson House Museum?
Gibson House Museum is open Open year-round by guided tour only, Thursday to Sunday with tours at 1:00, 2:00 and 3:00 p.m.; closed Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Tour times are subject to change and different tours run at different slots, so check the online booking calendar. Tours that include the fifth floor are suspended during July and August, and tours may be cancelled when the outside temperature exceeds 90°F, as the house has no air conditioning.. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.
Where is Gibson House Museum?
Gibson House Museum is located at 137 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02116, United States, in the Back Bay area of Boston. The nearest stations are Arlington (MBTA Green Line), Boylston (MBTA Green Line).
What can I see at Gibson House Museum?
Boston's most complete Victorian time capsule: an 1860 Back Bay rowhouse with its original wallpapers, furnishings and family clutter intact. Current highlights include Gibson House Twilight Tours, Upstairs, Downstairs, At Home with the Gibsons.
Do I need to book Gibson House Museum in advance?
Booking ahead is recommended, especially for weekends, school holidays, and special exhibitions. Tickets are normally on the museum's website, and a pre-booked timed slot helps you avoid queues at the entrance.
When is the best time to visit Gibson House Museum?
Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.

Daderot / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

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