Explore the Old State House in Boston. This guide covers 2026 prices, hours, and the history of this key Freedom Trail site.
When I first stood outside the Old State House, the scale felt wrong. It is a tiny brick building surrounded by massive skyscrapers. The contrast between 1713 and the modern era is quite jarring. It feels like a small island of history in a very busy city.
Old State House: Quick overview of costs and hours
Admission to the Old State House costs $15.00 for adults. This price includes entry to the Old South Meeting House nearby. The doors open daily from 10:00 to 17:00. You can find it right at the State Street station.
| Price | Opening hours | Address | Free for | Last entry |
| $15.00 | 10am – 5pm | 206 Washington St | Under 18s | 4:30pm |
Old State House: How much does entry cost?
The pricing is managed by a group called Revolutionary Spaces. When I checked their desk, the process was simple. You cannot buy a ticket for just this building. Your admission always covers two historic sites.
Ticket prices
| Ticket type | Price | Who qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | $15 | General admission |
| Seniors | $13 | Age 65+ |
| Students | $13 | Valid ID required |
| Children | $8 | Ages 6–12 |
| Children under 6 | Free | No ID required |
| Members | Free | Revolutionary Spaces members (ID required) |
Old State House: What time does it open?
The schedule is very reliable throughout the week. This helps when you have a tight schedule.
- Monday – Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00
- Thanksgiving Day: Closed
- Christmas Day: Closed
The last entry is always thirty minutes before closing. Staff will start moving people toward the exits at 4:45pm. Arrive early to avoid feeling rushed.
Old State House: Do I need to book in advance?
You do not strictly need to book. I walked in on a Tuesday morning with no wait. However, summer weekends are a different story.
If you visit in July or August, buy tickets online. This allows you to skip the main queue. It also helps you plan your route between the two museum sites.
5 great Boston experiences to book
- ⚾ See why Boston has America’s most beloved baseball ground on a Fenway Park tour.
- 🚶 Get a history crash course on a small group walking tour along the Freedom Trail.
- 🌅 See the skyline from the water on a sunset harbour cruise.
- 🎓 Hear the stories behind America’s oldest university on a campus walking tour of Harvard University.
- 🍩 Indulge in Boston’s best donuts on a sweet treats walking tour.
Old State House: A brief history
The building served as the seat of British colonial government. It was completed in 1713 to house the Council Chamber. In 1770, the Boston Massacre happened right outside its windows.
The Declaration of Independence was read from the balcony in 1776. It later served as the Massachusetts State House. It is now one of the oldest public buildings in the United States and one of the most important sites on Boston’s Freedom Trail. Others include the Old South Meeting House, Paul Revere House and the Old North Church.
Old State House: What to see inside
The interior is divided into several curated galleries. The rooms feel very intimate and well preserved.
- The Council Chamber: This room has been restored to its original royal appearance.
- The Spiral Staircase: This is a famous architectural feature in the centre.
- Revolutionary Artefacts: You can see tea from the Boston Tea Party.
Old State House: What is included with your ticket?
Your admission fee covers several specific things:
- Full access to all permanent and temporary exhibits.
- Entry to the Old South Meeting House down the street.
- Regular staff-led talks about the Boston Massacre.
- Access to the multimedia displays on the ground floor.
Old State House: Things to do nearby
Old South Meeting House (0.2 miles, 4 min walk) – The starting point of the Boston Tea Party. Your ticket covers this.
Faneuil Hall (0.1 miles, 2 min walk) – A historic market and meeting space. Entry to the hall is free.
Granary Burying Ground (0.3 miles, 6 min walk) – The final home of Paul Revere and Sam Adams. It is a free site.
Quincy Market (0.2 miles, 4 min walk) – A busy food hall with local snacks. It is very popular with tourists.
Paul Revere House (0.5 miles, 10 min walk) – A small wooden home from 1680. Adult tickets are roughly $6.00.
Other good reasons to visit Boston are the JFK Presidential Library, the Back Bay neighbourhood and a Harvard University walking tour in Cambridge.
Practical tips
- Getting there: Use the Orange or Blue lines to State station. The station exit is inside the building.
- Time needed: Most visitors spend about 45 to 60 minutes here.
- Photography: You can take photos but no flash is allowed.
- Dress code: There is no code, but comfortable shoes are vital. The brick pavements nearby are very uneven.
- Accessibility: An elevator is available for all floors. The spaces are a bit narrow for large strollers.
- Crowds: Weekday mornings often have school groups. Visit in the late afternoon for more peace.
FAQs
| Question | Answer |
| Is there a gift shop? | Yes, there is a small shop on the ground floor. |
| Can I bring food? | No, eating and drinking are not allowed inside. |
| Is it on the Freedom Trail? | Yes, it is one of the most popular stops. |
| Are there toilets? | Yes, restrooms are available for all ticket holders. |
| Can I go on the balcony? | No, the balcony is not open to the public. |
More Massachusetts travel
Other Massachusetts travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- A first time visitor’s guide to Salem, Massachusetts.
- Discovering the story of baseball, starting at Fenway Park.
- What to expect at the Salem Witch Museum.
- Guide to visiting Hopkinton State Park.
- Why leaf-peeping is not just for old people.
