Otis House Museum, 1796
A National Historic Landmark
141 Cambridge Street
Boston, Mass. 02114
(617) 227-3957 ext. 256
OtisHouse@HistoricNewEngland.org
Directions
Open Wednesday through Sunday
11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Tours on the hour and half hour.
Admission: $8, $24 maximum per family, Historic New England members and Boston residents free
Group tours welcome with a reservation.
Click here for information about school programs for this site.
The Otis House Museum exemplifies the elegant life led by
Boston's governing class after the American Revolution. Harrison Gray
Otis made a fortune developing nearby Beacon Hill, served as a
Representative in Congress, and later was Mayor of Boston. He and his
wife Sally were noted for their frequent and lavish entertaining.
This was the first of three houses designed for the Otises by
their friend Charles Bulfinch, the architect of the Massachusetts
State House. Its design reflects the proportions and delicate detail
of the Federal style, which Bulfinch introduced to Boston.
The interior provides insights into social,
business and family life, as well as the role played by household
servants. The restoration of the Otis House, with its brilliantly
colored wallpapers and carpeting, and high-style furnishings, is
based on meticulous historical and scientific research.
The Otis House also houses Historic New England's headquarters, its Library and Archives, and a
museum shop with books, reproductions, and gifts. Walking tours of Beacon Hill and other
programs and events are held at the Otis House.
Directions: The Otis House Museum is at the foot of
Beacon Hill, next to the Old West Church. The entrance is on Lynde
Street. It is an easy walk from the following T stops: Charles
St./MGH, Bowdoin Square (closed weekends), and Government Center.
There is limited street parking.
For archival quality fine art reproductions from the Otis House Museum,
visit www.lookclickprint.com
Discover more about the Otis House in the Historic New
England magazine archives:
