Massachusetts State House
- Architect
- Charles Bulfinch
- Year
- 1798
- Style
- Federal
- City
- Boston, MA
- Collections
- bulfinch’s bostonfederal boston
The Massachusetts State House, seat of the Commonwealth's government on Beacon Hill, was designed by Charles Bulfinch and completed in January 1798 at a cost of $133,333, more than five times its original budget. Paul Revere, then Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, presided over the Masonic cornerstone ceremony on July 4, 1795. It replaced the Old State House on Washington Street and remains one of the oldest state capitols still in use.
the building
Modeled on London landmarks. Bulfinch drew on two existing London buildings for his design, including William Chambers's Somerset House, adapting Georgian civic architecture for the young republic's new seat of government.
Five times over budget. Construction cost $133,333, more than five times the original budget, and the building has been enlarged repeatedly in the years since it opened.
the style
The State House, crowned by its gold dome, is considered a masterpiece of Federal architecture and among Bulfinch's finest works.
More on Federalthe architect
Charles Bulfinch designed the State House, one of the finest works of his career, helping establish him as the preeminent architect of the American Federal era.
significance
The Massachusetts State House is a National Historic Landmark, designated for its architectural significance, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing property.
nearby
- Chester Harding House
- William C. Nell House
- Boston Athenæum
- Boston Transit Commission Building
- Nichols House Museum
- Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Boston