Location and Hours

Otis House
141 Cambridge St
Boston, MA 02114

Guided tours

Open seasonally. Please visit our website for specific tour days and times, to book tickets, or find information on Historic New England’s thirty-seven other house museums.

• How long is the Otis House tour?

  The tour usually lasts about forty-five to fifty minutes.

• Do I need to take a tour or can I just look around?

  All visitors to the house receive a guided tour.

• Where is the best place to park?

  We encourage you to take public transportation instead. Otis House is close to several MBTA stations, including Charles/MGH on the Red Line and Government Center on the Green and Blue Lines. If you do choose to drive, look for metered street parking near Otis House. Nearby parking garages include the Government Center garage, Boston Common garage, and Charles River Plaza. Be sure to leave plenty of time to find a parking spot.

• Is the Otis family related to the Otis elevator family?

  It is believed that the families are distantly related. However, there was never an elevator in Otis House.

• How many Otis houses are there?

  There are three houses built for Harrison Gray Otis in Boston. All three were designed by architect Charles Bulfinch and all are still standing today. The second Harrison Gray Otis house, built in 1801, is located at 85 Mount Vernon Street, and is a private home. The third Harrison Gray Otis house, built in 1806, is at 45 Beacon Street, and is the headquarters of the American Meteorological Society.

• Are there restrooms at Otis House?

  Yes. There is one public restroom open during regular museum hours and special events.

• Is the museum accessible to people with disabilities?

  A tour of any Historic New England property requires a considerable amount of standing and some walking. Folding chairs can be provided for visitors who would like to use them during a tour. The Otis House has not been equipped with ramps, elevators, or chair lifts. However, a portable ramp is available for use to gain access to the first floor. We are glad to offer guests a visual tour of the second floor of the museum from the comfort of our reception area. Service animals are always welcome. We encourage visitors with concerns to call ahead. We are happy to work with you to make your visit an enjoyable one.

• Can I take photographs at Otis House?

  Interior and exterior photography for personal use is allowed at Historic New England properties. For the safety and comfort of our visitors and the protection of our collections and house museums, we ask that you be aware of your surroundings and stay with your guide. Video, camera bags, tripods, and selfie sticks are not permitted. Professional/commercial photographers and members of the media should visit the press room for more information.

• How do I become a member of Historic New England and get more involved?

  Join Historic New England now and help preserve the region’s heritage. Call 617-994-5910 or join online.

• Do you provide admission discounts for EBT cardholders?

  EBT cardholders from all fifty states can show their card for $2 admission to house tours for up to four guests per card.

The development of this website was funded through a National Endowment for the Humanities CARES grant. The grant program was created to provide emergency relief funding to preserve humanities jobs nationwide during the coronavirus pandemic of 2020.

 

Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this web resource do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.