Otis House

The Otis House, a National Historic Landmark, is a beautifully preserved Federal-style townhouse built in 1796 for Harrison Gray Otis, a prominent Boston lawyer and politician. Located in the West End, it is one of the few surviving buildings from the neighborhood's early 19th-century residential era. The house features period rooms with original furnishings, wallpaper, and decorative arts that reflect the Otis family's wealth and taste. Visitors can tour the elegant parlors, dining room, and bedrooms, learning about daily life, architecture, and the social history of early Boston. The house is operated by Historic New England, which offers guided tours that delve into the building's construction, the Otis family, and the surrounding neighborhood's transformation.

Don't miss

• See the original 1790s wallpaper and decorative plasterwork in the parlors
• View the Otis family's furniture, silver, and ceramics
• Learn about the West End's history as a fashionable residential district
• Visit the kitchen and service areas to understand household operations

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Otis House

Cheapest way in2 Hour Boston Historical and Heritage Walking Tour4.7★ · 78 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$5 per personSee dates →Most bookedBoston Tea Party Ships and Museum Admission4.7★ · 2,735 travelers~1 hourFree cancellationFrom$36 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleBoston Freedom Trail Self-Guided Tour with Audio Narration & Map4.4★ · 111 travelers3–4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$9 per personSee dates →

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Know before you go

• Tours are offered on the hour; arrive early to secure a spot.
• Photography is allowed without flash; respect the no-touch policy for artifacts.
• The house is not climate-controlled; dress appropriately for the season.
• Audio guides are not available; all tours are led by a docent.

A bit of history

Designed by architect Charles Bulfinch, the Otis House was the first of three homes built for Harrison Gray Otis, a U.S. Senator and mayor of Boston. It survived urban renewal in the 20th century and was restored to its original appearance, now serving as a museum of Federal-era life.