The Massachusetts State House in Boston is an iconic landmark and the seat of government for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Located in Beacon Hill, it's known for its distinctive golden dome, which is topped with a gilded statue of a Native American warrior, symbolizing Massachusetts' state motto "Ense Petit Placidam, Sub Libertate Quietem" (By the Sword We Seek Peace, But Peace Only Under Liberty).
Constructed in the late 18th century, the State House has a rich history and is a popular tourist destination in Boston, with over 90,000 visitors each year. It houses the Massachusetts General Court (the state legislature) and the offices of the Governor of Massachusetts. The building's architecture, historical significance, and role in state government make it an integral part of Boston's landscape.
The building is open to the public, and tours are available during the weekdays from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., free of charge. You can pursue an architectural/historical tour or a legislative process tour.
The Ashburton Park Entrance on Bowdoin Street is the accessible entrance for the State House.
More about the State House
Boston Freedom Trail Self-Guided Tour with Audio Narration & Map | Boston | from $10 | ![]() | |
Boston Self-Guided Audio Tour Bundle: Freedom Trail & More | Boston | from $25 | ![]() | |
Boston's Best Freedom Trail Walking Tour | Boston | from $26 | ![]() | |
Freedom Trail Walking Tour | Boston | from $26 | ![]() | |
Guided Freedom Trail Walking Tour | Boston | from $30 | ![]() | |
Walking Tour of the Downtown Boston Freedom Trail - History & Architecture | Boston | from $30 | ![]() | |
Boston's Freedom Trail: A Revolutionary Walking Tour | Boston | from $31 | ![]() | |
Boston: Freedom Trail History Small Group Walking Tour | Boston | from $39 | ![]() | |
Walking Tour Downtown Freedom Trail + Beacon Hill & Copley Square | Boston | from $45 | ![]() | |
Guided Walking Tour of Copley Square to Downtown Boston Freedom Trail | Boston | from $45 | ![]() | |
Freedom Trail Pub Crawl | Boston | from $50 | ![]() | |
Boston Freedom Trail History Pub Crawl Small-Group Tour | Boston | from $60 | ![]() | |
Self Guided Classic Freedom Trail Location Aware (GPS) Walking Audio Tour | Boston | from $8 | ![]() |
Restaurants near the State House
Monument Restaurant & Tavern American Charlestown $$ Exceptional
75 Chestnut Contemporary American Beacon Hill $$ Exceptional
Beacon Hill Hotel European Beacon Hill $$ Awesome
Carrie Nation Contemporary American Beacon Hill $$ Awesome
Back Deck American Downtown Crossing $$ Awesome
Gordon Ramsay Burger - Boston Burgers Faneuil Hall $$ Excellent
Ma Maison French Beacon Hill $$ Exceptional
The Merchant Contemporary American Downtown Crossing $$ Awesome
West End Johnnie's Contemporary American Faneuil Hall $$ Awesome
The Bosworth American Downtown Crossing $$ Exceptional
Antonio's Cucina Italiana Italian Beacon Hill $$ Exceptional
Emmet's Irish Pub and Restaurant Irish Beacon Hill $$ Exceptional
Margaritaville - Boston American Faneuil Hall $$ Awesome
Beacon Hill Books & Cafe Café Beacon Hill $$ Awesome
Hobgoblin Asian Downtown Crossing $$ Exceptional
Estella American Downtown Crossing $$$ Awesome
The Dubliner Irish Pub & Restaurant Irish Beacon Hill $$$ Exceptional
Waverly Kitchen and Bar American Charlestown $$$ Exceptional
Ghost Light Tavern American Downtown $$$ Awesome
wagamama, faneuil hall, boston Asian Faneuil Hall $$$ Awesome
Dovetail - Charlestown American Charlestown $$$ Exceptional
Banners Kitchen & Tap American Downtown Crossing $$$ Awesome
Legal Sea Foods – Downtown Crossing Seafood Downtown Crossing $$$ Awesome
Hotels near the State House