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Massachusetts State House

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 Boston, 02133

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Call: +1 617-722-2000
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About

The Massachusetts State House, with its golden dome at the top of Park Street, has been the seat of the Commonwealth's government since it opened in 1798. Charles Bulfinch designed it; Samuel Adams laid the cornerstone in 1795, and Paul Revere sheathed the dome in copper in 1802. Both houses of the legislature and the governor's office still work here, on the site next to where John Hancock's mansion once stood, so a visit is a tour of a working building rather than a museum.

It suits visitors with a civics or architecture interest, families on the Freedom Trail, and anyone looking for a free indoor hour on a weekday. That last word matters: the building and its tours are closed on weekends and holidays. It stands on Beacon Street directly across from Boston Common, which the Freedom Trail Foundation puts 0.2 miles or about five minutes' walk away, and Park Street station on the Red and Green lines is at the foot of Park Street.

What the tours cover

Free tours start in Doric Hall on the second floor, where the tours and information desk hands out self-guided material in several languages. Staff and volunteer guides lead conducted tours, choosing between an architectural and historical tour or one on the legislative process. Rooms the Freedom Trail Foundation highlights include Doric Hall, the Hall of Flags, Memorial Hall, the Senate chamber beneath the dome, and the House of Representatives, where 160 members sit under the Sacred Cod, the chamber's good-luck mascot.

Self-guided or booked

Groups of one to ten can walk in and go self-guided. A conducted tour needs a reservation, taken only by phone; groups of ten or more should call at least three weeks ahead.

Getting in

Every visitor passes through security screening. The main entrance is the General Hooker Entrance on Beacon Street at the top of Park Street, past the equestrian statue of General Hooker and up the steps. The accessible entrance, with a ramp, is on Bowdoin Street by Ashburton Park.

Outside the building

A statue of Mary Dyer, the Quaker hanged on Boston Common for her beliefs, stands on the State House lawn. The Shaw and 54th Regiment Memorial faces the building from the Common across Beacon Street, and the Public Garden is a walk further west along Beacon Street.

Sources: Massachusetts Legislature: State House tours, visit the State House, State House Tours Division, book a tour, Freedom Trail: State House, Freedom Trail: Boston Common. Checked September 27, 2026.

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Contact Information

Company Name
Massachusetts State House
Phone Number
See Phone Number
Call: +1 617-722-2000
Location
24 Beacon Street
Boston, 02133
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About Massachusetts State House

The Massachusetts State House, with its golden dome at the top of Park Street, has been the seat of the Commonwealth's government since it opened in 1798. Charles Bulfinch designed it; Samuel Adams laid the cornerstone in 1795, and Paul Revere sheathed the dome in copper in 1802. Both houses of the legislature and the governor's office still work here, on the site next to where John Hancock's mansion once stood, so a visit is a tour of a working building rather than a museum.

It suits visitors with a civics or architecture interest, families on the Freedom Trail, and anyone looking for a free indoor hour on a weekday. That last word matters: the building and its tours are closed on weekends and holidays. It stands on Beacon Street directly across from Boston Common, which the Freedom Trail Foundation puts 0.2 miles or about five minutes' walk away, and Park Street station on the Red and Green lines is at the foot of Park Street.

What the tours cover

Free tours start in Doric Hall on the second floor, where the tours and information desk hands out self-guided material in several languages. Staff and volunteer guides lead conducted tours, choosing between an architectural and historical tour or one on the legislative process. Rooms the Freedom Trail Foundation highlights include Doric Hall, the Hall of Flags, Memorial Hall, the Senate chamber beneath the dome, and the House of Representatives, where 160 members sit under the Sacred Cod, the chamber's good-luck mascot.

Self-guided or booked

Groups of one to ten can walk in and go self-guided. A conducted tour needs a reservation, taken only by phone; groups of ten or more should call at least three weeks ahead.

Getting in

Every visitor passes through security screening. The main entrance is the General Hooker Entrance on Beacon Street at the top of Park Street, past the equestrian statue of General Hooker and up the steps. The accessible entrance, with a ramp, is on Bowdoin Street by Ashburton Park.

Outside the building

A statue of Mary Dyer, the Quaker hanged on Boston Common for her beliefs, stands on the State House lawn. The Shaw and 54th Regiment Memorial faces the building from the Common across Beacon Street, and the Public Garden is a walk further west along Beacon Street.

Sources: Massachusetts Legislature: State House tours, visit the State House, State House Tours Division, book a tour, Freedom Trail: State House, Freedom Trail: Boston Common. Checked September 27, 2026.

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Phone: +1 617-722-2000

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. When can I tour the Massachusetts State House?+
Tours are given weekdays year-round from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The building is open weekdays from 8:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is closed on weekends and holidays.
Q. How much does a State House tour cost?+
Nothing. Both self-guided visits and conducted tours are free.
Q. Do I need to book?+
Not for a self-guided visit by a group of one to ten; check in at the tours and information desk in Doric Hall on the second floor. Conducted tours require an advance reservation, made only by phone at 617-727-3676, and groups of ten or more should book at least three weeks ahead. The office takes groups of up to 50.
Q. How long does a tour take?+
The Secretary of the Commonwealth's tours division says about 40 minutes; the Legislature's website says approximately 45 minutes.
Q. Is there security screening?+
Yes. All visitors are screened by security. The main entrance is the General Hooker Entrance on Beacon Street, at the top of Park Street.
Q. Is the State House wheelchair accessible?+
Yes. The accessible entrance is on Bowdoin Street at Ashburton Park, with a ramp to the door. The Freedom Trail Foundation lists large print, assistive listening devices and Braille among the building's access services. The State House ADA coordinator can be reached at 617-727-1100 ext. 35502.
Q. How do I get there by T?+
Park Street station on the Red and Green lines, at Park and Tremont streets, is the closest; the State House is at the top of Park Street. The Legislature also lists Downtown Crossing, Government Center, Boylston, Haymarket, State and Bowdoin (restricted hours) as within walking distance.
Q. Where can I park?+
The Legislature points drivers to the underground Boston Common Garage, whose entrance is on Charles Street across from the Public Garden, as a relatively affordable downtown option.
Q. Can I take the tour in another language?+
The tours division provides tour information in eight languages and self-guided materials in several languages; ask at the Doric Hall desk or call 617-727-3676 ahead of a conducted tour.