Old State HouseDescriptionThe Old State House is the oldest public building in Boston. It was built in 1713 to house the government offices of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The Old State House was the center of political life, one of the most important public buildings in Colonial America. On July 18, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was first read to Bostonians from the balcony of this building. Later that day, the lion and unicorn, along with other symbols of royal authority, were taken down from the roof of the house and burned in Dock Square.
The structure served as the new state's capitol until 1797. Now the Old State House is the Bostonian Society's museum of the city's history. The museum shows the history of the building and displays the Revolutionary period and more recent history.
Entrance FeeAdults $5
Older Adults (62+) $4
Students (over 18) $4
Children (6-18) $1
Operating HoursMuseum: Daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., extended hours in summer. Closed New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Library: Tuesday, 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed weekends and holidays.
206 Washington Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02109-1713
Phone: (617) 720-1713
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