Old State House

What's On

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The Road to Revolution: Massachusetts and the Independence Movement

Boston's flagship semiquincentennial show, made with the Massachusetts Historical Society and anchored by a rare 1776 Boston broadside of the Declaration of Independence.

Now showing11 Feb – 3 Jan 2027$18

Permanent Collections

Colony to Commonwealth

The museum's main orientation gallery: British occupation, the Boston Massacre and the shaping of the US Constitution, told through unearthed artefacts and the changing map of Boston.

Permanent collection$18

The Council Chamber

The second-floor room where the Royal Governor met his Council, refurnished with reproductions and interactive displays. Independence was declared from its balcony in July 1776.

Permanent collection$18

The Humble Petitioner

Set in the Council Chamber, this exhibit follows how colonists denied the vote used the universal right to petition to seek legal remedies in 18th-century Massachusetts.

Permanent collection$18

Bounty

A film shot in the Old State House Council Chamber, in which Penobscot families read and react to a colonial bounty proclamation on Indigenous people signed in that very room.

Permanent collection$18

Nearby

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Boston Athenæum

Art5 min walk

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Paul Revere House

Architecture8 min walk

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Otis House

Architecture8 min walk

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Museum of African American History

Architecture8 min walk

Visitor Information

How much does Old State House cost?

Standard adult admission to Old State House is $18. Adults (18-64) $18; seniors 65+ $16; youth 6-17 $10; children 5 and under free; members free. One joint ticket admits you to both the Old State House and the Old South Meeting House, and covers all exhibits and tours at both sites.. Prices for special exhibitions and timed-entry slots may differ.

What are the opening hours of Old State House?

Old State House is open Open daily 10:00-17:00 (official hours published through December 2026). Closed Thanksgiving (26 November 2026), Christmas Eve (24 December 2026), Christmas Day (25 December 2026) and New Year's Day. The Old State House also opens late on 13 October 2026, closed 10:00-12:30 that morning.. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.

Where is Old State House?

Old State House is located at 206 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02109, United States, in the Downtown / Financial District area of Boston. The nearest stations are State (MBTA Orange & Blue Lines) — station is directly beneath the building and Government Center (MBTA Green & Blue Lines) — one block north via Court Street.

What can I see at Old State House?

Boston's oldest public building, built 1713: the Massacre happened at its door, independence was read from its balcony. Current highlights include Colony to Commonwealth, The Council Chamber and The Road to Revolution: Massachusetts and the Independence Movement.

Do I need to book Old State House 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 Old State House?

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.

Is Old State House accessible?

The Old State House is currently not accessible: six steps to enter the building and roughly 30-40 further steps up to the Council Chamber on the second floor. Restrooms are in the basement. Contact info@revolutionaryspaces.org about reasonable accommodations.