Built in 1713 as the seat of British royal government in Massachusetts, the Old State House is the oldest surviving public building in Boston and one of the most visited stops on the Freedom Trail. The Boston Massacre took place on the cobblestones outside on 5 March 1770, and on 18 July 1776 the Declaration of Independence was read from its balcony to crowds who then tore down the royal lion and unicorn. Today the museum's galleries interpret Revolutionary Boston through original artefacts, film and the restored second-floor Council Chamber, where the Royal Governor met his Council and where John Hancock and Samuel Adams later served as the first two governors of the Commonwealth. The building is run by Revolutionary Spaces, which also stewards the nearby Old South Meeting House; a single joint ticket covers both sites.
206 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02109, United States
Nearest station: State (MBTA Orange & Blue Lines) — station is directly beneath the building, Government Center (MBTA Green & Blue Lines) — one block north via Court Street
Show on map| Mon | 10:00–17:00 |
| Tue | 10:00–17:00 |
| Wed | 10:00–17:00 |
| ThuToday | 10:00–17:00 |
| Fri | 10:00–17:00 |
| Sat | 10:00–17:00 |
| Sun | 10:00–17:00 |
From $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.
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.
Seasider53, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)