Boston Old State House

Overview

The Boston Old State House is one of the oldest public buildings in the United States and a key landmark in Boston's history. It served as the seat of the Massachusetts General Court until 1798 and was the site of the Boston Massacre in 1770.

It is one of the few original buildings that remain from the early colonial period in Boston and played a significant role in the American Revolution.

Museum Historical Site

Location

Address

206 Washington St., Downtown, Boston, Massachusetts

Neighborhood: Downtown

Coordinates

42.360500, -71.053600

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

tuesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

wednesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

thursday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

sunday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Admission

Adults

$21

Children

$12 (ages 5-17)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

March-May, October

Best Time of Day

Early morning

fewer crowds, better lighting for photos

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1 hour

Recommended

2-3 hours

Full Experience

half day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

mild to warm

• spring blooms
• historical reenactments

summer

hot and humid

• extended hours
• outdoor exhibits

autumn

cool and comfortable

• fall foliage
• harvest festivals

winter

cold and snowy

• holiday decorations
• indoor exhibits

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Book tickets in advance
Check for special events
Bring ID for age-related discounts

What to Bring

essential

Comfortable shoes Water bottle Tickets

seasonal

Jacket Umbrella Sunscreen

not allowed

Large bags Weapons Food and drinks in exhibit areas

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: low to moderate

• Some areas have uneven floors

Medical facilities: First aid available on-site

Payment Information

Accepted

Credit cards, Debit cards, Cash

Currency

USD

Typical Costs

entry $20

parking $10

food $15

souvenirs $20

Dress Code

casual, comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, comfortable walking shoes, Inappropriate or revealing clothing

Booking Tips

• 1-2 weeks for peak season
• official website or authorized ticket vendors
• 48 hours for full refund
• available for online bookings

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Boston Old State House App

Size: 45 MB

Features: Interactive map, Audio guide, Ticket booking, Event calendar

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Courtyard, Cafe

Charging Stations: Visitor center, Cafe

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Boston Logan International Airport

Distance: 25 km

Travel Time: 30 minutes by car

taxi

$40 30 min

public_transport

$5 45 min

From City Center

Distance: 5 km

metro

$2.40 10 min

bus

$1.70 15 min

taxi

$10 10 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: It's a piece of Boston's history and a great place to learn about the city's past

Historical Significance: The site of the Boston Massacre and a key location in the American Revolution

Insider Tips

Free entry early morning for a short time
Best food options at the nearby cafes
Special events often have unique photo opportunities

Local Recommendations

• Try the local coffee at the nearby cafes
• Visit the nearby Freedom Trail sites
• Ask for recommendations from the friendly staff

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hello

thank_you Thank you

where_is Where is

how_much How much

beautiful Beautiful

ticket Ticket

Guide Languages: English, Spanish, French

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Main entrance

Best Time: Golden hour

Tips: Low angle for dramatic shots

Result: Great architectural details

#Boston #OldStateHouse #History

Boston Massacre Site

Best Time: Mid-morning

Tips: Wide angle for context

Result: Historical significance

#BostonHistory #RevolutionaryWar

Courtyard

Best Time: Afternoon

Tips: High angle for open space

Result: Open and airy shots

#BostonLife #OldAndNew

Photography Rules

allowed areas Outdoor areas, Courtyard, Public spaces

prohibited areas Exhibitions with sensitive items, Private offices

flash photography not allowed in exhibit areas

commercial photography permit required for commercial use

drone policy prohibited without special permission

tripod policy restricted, check with staff

selfie sticks allowed but use with caution

Nearby Attractions

Boston Common

Distance: 200m

Walking: 3 min

Type: Park

Faneuil Hall Marketplace

Distance: 300m

Walking: 5 min

Type: Marketplace

Paul Revere House

Distance: 1km

Walking: 15 min

Type: Historic House

Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

Distance: 1.5km

Walking: 20 min

Type: Museum

New England Aquarium

Distance: 500m

Walking: 7 min

Type: Aquarium

Reviews

4.5

Based on 1,500 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

"Book online to skip the line"
"Visit early for the best experience"
"Combine with a visit to the nearby Freedom Trail sites"

Contact Information

+1 617-720-1713

info@bostonhistory.org

www.bostonhistory.org/old-state-house

Social Media

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