Old State House is Boston‘s oldest surviving public building, standing at 206 Washington Street at the corner of State Street in the Financial District, on the Freedom Trail. Built in 1713 as the seat of Massachusetts’ colonial government, it later served as the first state capitol. Travelers come to stand where the Declaration of Independence was read to Bostonians in July 1776 and where the Boston Massacre unfolded just outside in 1770. Today it is run by Revolutionary Spaces as a museum of colonial government and American democracy.
What to Expect at Old State House
The brick Georgian building is easy to spot, with a lion and unicorn on its eastern gable and a tiered steeple rising between the Financial District towers. Inside, the second-floor Council Chamber is where royal governors met. From its balcony, the Declaration of Independence was read aloud on July 18, 1776. Revolutionary Spaces runs gallery talks in the historic rooms, along with a Monthly Spotlight Series.
Exhibits trace Boston’s path from loyal colony to revolution. Tour themes such as Massacre and Memory and Slavery and Resistance add context that many Freedom Trail stops skip. Admission also covers the nearby Old South Meeting House, where colonists gathered before the Boston Tea Party.
- Council Chamber: A restored colonial meeting room overlooking State Street.
- Declaration Balcony: The east-facing balcony where independence was proclaimed to Boston crowds.
- Boston Massacre Site: A cobblestone ring in the plaza outside marks the site of the March 5, 1770 shootings.
- Lion and Unicorn: Replica royal emblems on the gable. The originals were burned in 1776.
- Museum Store: Books, prints and Revolution-themed gifts.
Old State House at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 206 Washington St, Boston, MA 02109 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Financial District / Downtown, Freedom Trail |
| Operating Hours | Daily 10AM–5PM |
| Admission / Price Range | Paid ($$); one ticket covers Old State House and Old South Meeting House |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 45 to 75 minutes |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | MBTA State station (Orange and Blue Lines) beneath the building; garages at Post Office Square |
| Official Website & Phone | revolutionaryspaces.org · +1 617-720-1713 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive at 10AM to see the Council Chamber before Freedom Trail groups arrive around midday. Buy tickets online through Revolutionary Spaces and check the Ways to Save page for discounts. The MBTA State station exits directly beside the building. Driving downtown is slow, and the Post Office Square garage is the most practical parking.
Because of its 1713 structure, the building has stairs between floors. Check the official Accessibility page before visiting; it also lists Sensory-Friendly Mornings. Within a short walk you can pair the visit with Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market (3 minutes), Old South Meeting House (4 minutes) and the waterfront Long Wharf (8 minutes).
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Old State House hours?
It opens daily from 10AM to 5PM. Weekday mornings are the quietest time to visit.
How much are tickets?
Admission is paid. A single ticket covers both Revolutionary Spaces sites, so plan to visit Old South Meeting House the same day. See the official site for current rates.
How long should I spend here?
Allow 45 to 75 minutes for the building. Budget about two hours if you add Old South Meeting House.
Is it good for families?
Yes. Hands-On History Days and the outdoor Massacre site work well for kids. Wheelchair users should check the accessibility details in advance because of the stairs.
When planning your Boston travel guide or comparing verified attractions and museums in Boston, pair this stop with standout local spots including Grill 23 & Bar, The Salty Pig, No.9 Park, and Omni Parker House (0.2 km away).
