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Designed by Boston architect Edward Clarke Cabot, the Gibson House was built at the same time as its sister at 135 Beacon Street in 1859-60. The houses were among the first on the south side of Beacon Street west of Arlington, and sat alone for ten years until the block filled in.

The Gibson House represents American domestic life at its most vertical. From the 1850s to the 1870s, American row houses sometimes reached a height of six levels. By the end of the century four-level houses were most common, only occasionally going to five. Four of the Gibson House's six levels are open to the public (ground - third floor.) The fourth and fifth floors are museum staff and storage spaces.

Each level of the Gibson House was designed for specific functions. The ground floor and the fifth floor were the domains of the servants. Ninety-four steps separate them. The first and second floors were used for adult family members and for guests. The third floor was the parents' private domain, with connecting his and hers bedrooms, bath and dressing rooms.

The fourth floor was designed for the children, with two bedrooms and a nursery. During the period of the family's occupancy, it was also used by adult family members. The female servants occupied the four bedrooms on the top level of the house. The servants' stair connected all levels and allowed for circulation between floors without disturbing guests or family.