Old State House Boston National Historical Park U S. National Park Service
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Designed by Charles Bulfinch, one of the leading architects of the time, the State House showcases a harmonious blend of symmetry, grandeur, and elegance. The Old State House, former capitol building of Massachusetts, former city hall of Boston, and now a museum. On a cold March night in 1770, a beleaguered squadron of British soldiers opened fire in the square in front of this royal building, killing five individuals and wounding many others. By the next morning, leaders called the event a "bloody massacre." Six years later, shots were heard again in the square. On July 18, 1776, Bostonians gathered under the balcony of Old State to hear for the first time the Declaration of Independence.
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Please notify us in advance if vans or buses are being arranged to drop off large groups of mobility impaired visitors. One corridor of the building's fourth floor is a sort of Newspaper Row, anchored by the large Press Gallery suite where reporters from a range of publications maintain desks. The central Press Gallery room was given to use of reporters by the Legislature in 1909.[28] The Massachusetts State House Press Association, established in 1909, governs these shared workspaces.[29] Some individual news outlets have separate offices. Since then, the governor has imposed hiring controls as an added effort to control spending. House Democrats were united in their support of the bill while there were divisions within the 25-member House Republican caucus, where four members voted against the budget.
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They restored the building to its pre-Revolutionary War appearance, including replicas of the lion and unicorn that were destroyed in 1776. Whether you choose to take a guided tour or explore the State House on your own, you will be captivated by the art, artifacts, and stories that make this building a true symbol of Massachusetts’ heritage. From the famous golden dome to the Hall of Flags and the Great Hall, there is something for everyone to appreciate. To make your visit even more memorable, guided tours are available in multiple languages, providing visitors with insights into the State House’s history, architecture, and cultural significance.
Can I take a tour of the Massachusetts State House?
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The museum offers an array of programming and exhibitions, some tied to the Boston Massacre. It is one of the landmarks on Boston's Freedom Trail and is the oldest surviving public building in Boston. It now serves as a history museum that was operated by the Bostonian Society through 2019. The Samuel Adams and Paul Revere time capsule is a metal box located in a cornerstone of the State House, placed there in the late 18th century and rediscovered in 2014. The House Chamber is decorated with murals by Albert Herter,[16] father of Massachusetts Gov. Christian Herter.
The governor's stature as surrogate for the crown was underscored by his elevated position upon the balcony which overlooked King Street. Upon the right and left of the balcony, a lion and unicorn—royal symbols of the King of Great Britain—graced the main façade facing the public square. From this balcony, Bostonians listened to royal proclamations, but here they also heard for the first time the Declaration of Independence, which announced the birth of a new nation. If you’re planning a visit to the Massachusetts State House, one of the best ways to explore its rich history and significance is through a guided tour.
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Dive into the history of the events that took place within and outside this building's wall by visiting the Old State House, stewarded by Revolutionary Spaces. Revolutionary Spaces brings people together to explore the American struggle to create and sustain a free society, singularly evoked by Boston’s Old South Meeting House and Old State House. We steward these buildings as gathering spaces for the open exchange of ideas and the continuing practice of democracy, inspiring all who believe in the power of people to govern themselves. With one ticket, explore two of Boston’s most iconic sites—Old South Meeting House and Old State House.
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For those driving, the underground Boston Common Garage on Charles Street is a convenient parking option. The Virtual Tour features large panoramic images, so a high-speed internet connection is recommended. These panoramas require the Flash plugin, so visitors using mobile devices or assistive software are encouraged to use the List or Thumbnail view instead. The next stop on Freedom Trail is the site of the Boston Massacre, located on a busy street in front of the museum and commemorated by a cobblestone ring on the plaza in front of the Old State House.
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Built in 1713, the building served as the center of civic, political, and business life. Whether you’re a Boston native or this is your first trip here, we want your visit to Revolutionary Spaces to be a memorable one. Located along the Freedom Trail in the heart of Downtown Boston, both sites are conveniently open seven days per week from 10 AM to 5 PM.
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The statues of Anne Hutchinson and Mary Dyer are located on the lawns below the east and west wings. Inside the building is a statue of William Francis Bartlett, an officer in the Civil War. "They have the opportunity to pull their amendments on the floor and debate if they choose to," Michlewitz said. The Governor’s Constituent Services office is available to help connect you with services and agencies throughout state government. With no Republican officially filed to run for the seat as of Saturday, this race could likely be decided during the Sept. 3 Democratic state primary.
The Old State House is today a popular tourist destination and still operated as a museum by a group called Revolutionary Spaces. It remains an important symbol of Boston’s colonial history and is a stop on the Freedom Trail, a 2.5 mile trail which connects multiple Revolutionary War sites in Boston together. After the American army gained control of Boston from the British in March of 1776, the Old State House became the seat of government for the new state of Massachusetts. In July of 1776, the Declaration of Independence was reading to the city from the second story balcony. A lion and unicorn (symbols of Royal authority) that graced the edifice of the building were torn down and burned by the patriots. The famous golden dome of the State House is covered with 23 karat gold, and the building’s cornerstone was laid by Paul Revere in 1802.
“They have the opportunity to pull their amendments on the floor and debate if they choose to,” Michlewitz said. "My understanding is there's an electrical fire, that they could hear all of the electrical components actually popping," State Sen. Russell Holmes said. "This is not unusual that we get evacuated out of the building, but today it was something real." The exact cause of the fire is under investigation, but state police say it appears to be electrical. The State House remained closed for the evening, though people were allowed back inside for their belongings.
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