Massachusetts State House
Massachusetts State House
4.5
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Designed in 1798 by renowned architect Charles Bulfinch, the historic building is dominated by a magnificent gold dome.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Plan your visit
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Hyde Park
How to get there
- Park St • 4 min walk
- Bowdoin • 5 min walk
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Restaurants
2,644 within 5 kms
Attractions
958 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Anthea B1 contributionExcellent tourWhat an amazing trip. I would highly recommend taking the organised tour which is so informative about past and present politics in Boston. Our tour guide was exceptional, she took us into several rooms where current laws were getting passed....this was awesome to see. The interior of the building was just so impressive with all the marble floors, pillars and stained glass windows. I free tour I would recommend with such knowledgeable and helpful staff.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 21 October 2023
- RayGCincinnati_OH270 contributionsMassachusetts State HouseThe Massachusetts State House was designed by architect Charles Bulfinch in 1788. It has seen many enlargements since that time. But because part of it is 135 years old, it's a cool place to visit. Lots of historic statues, flags and banners. Some beautiful murals and windows. The House of Representatives room is spectacular.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 April 2024
- hoben57Houston, Texas99 contributionsAn Impressive State HouseI was impressed with the interior of the State House. We did not take a tour but rather started at the top and walked the various main hallways and open areas. There were many stained glass panels in doors and in the ceiling. The building was clean and well kept. The many plaques, statues and other objects were interesting to see. No meetings were in session so the observation rooms were locked but it was nice to see all the other aspects of the building. The flag room was colorful and amazing to see. We've never seen anything quite like it. I'm sure the tour would be good but even if you don't take it, read up before you go, start at the top (via the elevator), walk everywhere, and enjoy the building. And don't be afraid to say hello and talk to folks that work there. The ones we talked with were very nice and helpful.Visited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten 11 May 2024
- Jaffathecat1585 contributionsOne the most interesting places to visit in Central BostonThis building is truly steeped in history. Being able to gain easy & free access to both the Massachusetts senate & house of representatives was a real treat. The building & hallways are sumptuous and the explanation by the intern guide was interesting. There's no such open, unfettered access to any of the legislatures in the UK, so it was refreshing to be so welcomed. The ability to wander around & soak up the history was just great. We spent well over 2 hours here on a very hot day & oh boy does the AC work a treat!Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 18 June 2024
- CarGeek36 contributionsBeautiful historic stop in the founding of American democracyThis is a MUST SEE! We did the guided interior tour and were led by a knowledgeable young high school volunteer named Ian who did an excellent job. It’s not often you can be in a building that has original construction from the 1700’s and is still used to this day. Of course there has been added construction over the years. It’s a beautiful building, beautiful grounds, with great history contained inside.Visited July 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 July 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
776 reviews
Excellent
401
Very good
300
Average
68
Poor
3
Terrible
4
Anthea B
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Family
What an amazing trip. I would highly recommend taking the organised tour which is so informative about past and present politics in Boston. Our tour guide was exceptional, she took us into several rooms where current laws were getting passed....this was awesome to see. The interior of the building was just so impressive with all the marble floors, pillars and stained glass windows. I free tour I would recommend with such knowledgeable and helpful staff.
Written 21 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BrakiWorldTraveler
Belgrade, Serbia19,421 contributions
Apr 2022
During our numerous travels over the US, we've visited around 20+ State Capitols, and this one in Boston counts among the most beautiful ones.
The characteristic Boston's red brick facade is adorned with a golden dome above.
We regret that during our weekend visit there were no tours, so hope to do it next time we visit this great city.
The characteristic Boston's red brick facade is adorned with a golden dome above.
We regret that during our weekend visit there were no tours, so hope to do it next time we visit this great city.
Written 1 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adam T
York, UK909 contributions
Sept 2019
We had a funny if rather unorthodox guide round the state house - he was entertaining but didn’t know answers to many of the groups questions, and he highlighted many things only to say they weren’t interesting. Still, we enjoyed the tour and the best part was we managed to visit the senate in session and see a bill pass which was awesome. Our visit was around an hour long, but this was longer due to us watching the senate for a while. Also we had booked over the phone for a tour, but got the impression on arrival that this really didn’t matter and we could just have turned up, despite the website saying it was reservation only.
Written 15 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveller
New York City, NY3,284 contributions
Nov 2021
My wife, daughter, two friends and I viewed the Massachusetts State House from the outside and took photos in November 2021. It was closed to visitors. The gold dome is beautiful. Unfortunately the center of the building was covered with scaffolding and only photos from a distance turned out OK. I hope to return and visit the Massachusetts State House when they are allowing visitors and giving tours.
Written 30 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
packerbeer
189 contributions
Jul 2020
Being this was closed due to covid you could still walk by. The side walk was blocked with some sort of protesters so you ended up walking a short distance on the street. That gold dome you cant miss as you are walking by. Be careful though as around the corner walking down to the gravestones of Paul Revere and so on, you have some folks that are down on their luck, so guard up when you are around this area as well as it is just around the corner.
Written 2 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CarGeek
36 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
This is a MUST SEE! We did the guided interior tour and were led by a knowledgeable young high school volunteer named Ian who did an excellent job. It’s not often you can be in a building that has original construction from the 1700’s and is still used to this day. Of course there has been added construction over the years. It’s a beautiful building, beautiful grounds, with great history contained inside.
Written 27 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SeniorTravelerTF
Fort Atkinson1,198 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
The least professional state capitol tour. among at least a dozen, we have been on. The college age guide had his script memorized, with a ton of "now" and hand-fidgeting thrown in, but could not answer any questions. Seems a shame to waste so much history. We had guests from other countries and it was embarrassing how their questions went unanswered or even understood.
Written 8 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Larry-Calif
San Francisco, CA364 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
On the Freedom Trail, our next stop was the Massachusetts State Capital that was designed by Charles Bulfinch and situated on Beacon Hill overlooking the Boston Common .
The State Capitol has undergone several expansions and modifications. The shiny glistening golden dome can be seen from the Boston Common and various tall buildings in downtown area. The Capitol interesting architecture is a must stop along the Freedom trail.
Shining in the Boston skyline, it is the GOLDEN DOME … at the Massachusetts State House
The State Capitol has undergone several expansions and modifications. The shiny glistening golden dome can be seen from the Boston Common and various tall buildings in downtown area. The Capitol interesting architecture is a must stop along the Freedom trail.
Shining in the Boston skyline, it is the GOLDEN DOME … at the Massachusetts State House
Written 13 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BeachStone2C
Helsinki, Finland2,619 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
The golden Dome of State House can be seen miles away. State House is located next to Boston Commons at the top of Park street. It is open only on weekdays. The tour gives good information about the architecture and full history of the house. Time well spent, duration less than an hour.
Written 13 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
M H
Lytham St Anne's, UK130 contributions
May 2023 • Solo
What an incredible building with so much history. We had a great tour guide who was very engaging and informative, with so many stories to tell. Including takes of two fishes, the sacred cod and the holy mackerel. I would highly recommend including this on any trip to Boston.
Written 21 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
For the guided tour, do you need to make reservations in advance or can you just sign up when you get there? Thanks!
Written 26 June 2015
You will just join in with a tour when you arrive. No reservation needed.
Written 5 July 2015
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