Boston is the "hub of the solar system" (or so said Oliver Wendell Holmes) - but what the nickname actually refers to is the Massachusetts State House.
It's actually the New State House, but completed in 1798 it's not all that new.
On land that was once owned by John Hancock, it's the oldest building on Beacon Hill in Boston.
How to Get There
The address of the Massachusetts State House is 24 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02133.
Located on Beacon Hill, it is not far from Boston Commons and is just off the Freedom Trail, we even see it on our Freedom Trail Walking Tour.
It's a 2-minute walk from the Park Street T Station (Green or Red Line) or 10 minutes from the Government Center Station (Green line)
Visitors should enter at the General Hooker entrance which is just to the right of the main gate if you are facing the State House.
Visitors can proceed past the statue of Civil War General Joseph Hooker, then once inside after going through security, go to the left, past the State Bookstore and at the end of the hallway on the left take the elevators up to the second floor. (For stairs, proceed past elevators and take another left -near room 190)
The State House Tours & Information Desk is located in Doric Hall on the second floor. Visitors should check in for guided tours or other information.
Hours
Like most State Capitols, it is open to the public. The building is open from 8:45 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday and is closed on the weekends, and on holidays.
Touring the Massachusetts State House
The tours are given Monday to Friday throughout the year from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm.
Tours last approximately 30-45 minutes and include an overview of the history and architecture of the State Capitol. Best of all? They are free!
While there is no cost to the tours, reservations are required. The only way to make one is by calling the Massachusetts State House at 617-727-3676.
If you do not want a guided tour, they offer a self-guided brochure of the outside of the building.