Host An Event at the Old State House

This historic landmark’s chambers can be rented for intimate dinners and cocktail parties, for larger receptions, for wedding ceremonies, and for more casual business gatherings and lectures. Your guests will come together in our elegant museum galleries, surrounded by 300 years of Boston history. With the help of our friendly staff, you will be connected with seasoned event-planners and caterers. A full range of event services can be customized to provide you with arrangements for any gathering. 

Proceeds from the use of the Old State House help support the Bostonian Society’s restoration, education, and interpretation work. Join us today, and your special event will not only be a success, but help in the continued preservation of this important building. Members of the Bostonian Society at the Supporter level receive discounts on site rental fees.

Availability: The Old State House is available year-round, seven days a week. Dinners and receptions may be arranged between 6:00 pm and midnight, while meetings, lectures and ceremonies may occur anytime between 7:00 am and midnight. The museum will remain open to the public during its regular hours.

Accessibility: The Council Chamber and Representatives Hall, the main event halls, are located on the second floor of the Old State House. These rooms are accessible only by an historic circular staircase; there is no elevator. The building is not wheelchair-accessible at this time. A bathroom is located on the second floor, and additional facilities are located on the lower level.

Catering: A list of caterers approved for events at the Old State House can be provided by the Special Events Manager.

Please contact the Special Events Manager for more information at 617-720-1713 x30 or email.

 


Function Space

CAPACITY

 Reception, Lecture, Meeting, Ceremony

Seated Meal

Council Chamber
75
50

Representatives Hall
75
75

Total building capacity is 150, available for receptions only


 

Dinners and Receptions

The Old State House is an elegant and sophisticated venue for corporate or private dinners, cocktail receptions and wedding receptions.  Up to 75 people can be accommodated for a seated dinner or reception in one room.  Receptions spaced throughout the building may be as large as 150 people. Events may occur between 6:00pm and midnight any night of the week, any day of the year.


Rental Rates:
$2300 for evening events using the entire museum
$1500 non-profit rate
$250 for each additional hour after 7 hours


Rental includes:

  • • Exclusive use of both floors of the Old State House;
    • Up to seven hours total event time: including time needed for set-up and clean-up. Set-up may not begin before 4:00 pm (4:30 pm for events in July and August);
    • Event guidance and coordination of vendor deliveries;
    • Workspace for caterers or other vendors;
    • Use of up to 75 folding chairs, and replica 18th-century lectern with microphone and speaker;
    • Two museum staff members to greet and assist your guests and vendors, and be available throughout the event.  Additional staff, tour guides, or living history performers are available for an additional fee;
    • Wedding ceremonies may be held on site at no extra fee. 

    Additional Fees:

    - All dinners and receptions are charged a mandatory $200 Cleaning/Facilities fee.
    - Digital projector and projector screen $100.

     

    Please contact the Special Events Manager for more information at 617-720-1713 x30 or email.

     

    Wedding Ceremonies

    The Old State House can serve as an elegant venue for a wedding ceremony that your guests will talk about for years to come.  Ceremonies may take place at any time during the day.  Please note that only one chamber of the building may be rented during daytime museum hours, and that the other parts of the building will remain open to the public.  Fire code limits the number of people in the second floor chambers to 75.


    Rental Rate:
    $700 for ceremonies in one gallery, for up to two hours

    During closing hours (events after 4pm):
    Option of additional hours at $100/hr


    Rental includes:

  • • Use of one chamber of the Old State House; you may choose the Council Chamber or Representatives Hall;
    • Up to two hours of event time, including set-up and clean-up time;
    •  Small storage area or semi-private bridal room;
    • Use of up to 75 folding chairs, a replica 18th-century lectern, a microphone and speaker, and up to four 6-foot rectangular tables;
    • Two museum staff members to greet and assist your guests, and be available throughout the event.

    Additional Fees:

    - Some events may become subject to a $200 Cleaning/Facilities fee to be outlined in the contract.
    - Digital projector and projector screen $100.

    Please contact the Special Events Manager for more information at 617-720-1713 x30 or email.

     

     

     

    Lectures and Meetings

    The Old State House can serve as a unique and interesting venue to give your meeting or lecture a sense of place.  Meetings and lectures may take place at any time during the day.  Please note that only one chamber may be rented for an event during daytime museum hours, and that other parts of the museum will remain open to the public.  Fire code limits the number of people in the second floor chambers to 75. 

     

    Rental rates:
    $600 for meetings and lectures in one gallery, for up to two hours
    $450 non-profit rate

    During closing hours (events after 4pm):
    Option of additional hours at $100/hr
    Option of drop-off or self-catering service


    Rental includes:
    • Use of one chamber of the Old State House; you may choose the Council Chamber or Representatives Hall;
    • Up to two hours of event time, including set-up and clean-up time;
    • Small storage area
    • Use of up to 75 folding chairs, a replica 18th-century lectern, a microphone and speaker, and up to four 6-foot rectangular tables;
    • Two museum staff members to be present during the event. They will greet and assist your guests and be available throughout the event.


    Additional Fees:
    - Some events may become subject to a $200 Cleaning/Facilities fee to be outlined in the contract.
    - Digital projector and projector screen $100.



    Please contact the Special Events Manager for more information at 617-720-1713 x30 or email.

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    Photos

    Council Chamber


    Representatives Hall



    Weddings

    Courtesy of Dana Siles