The People
Between 1859 and 1954, three generations of Gibson family members and dozens of servants lived and worked at 137 Beacon Street. In many ways, their experiences are typical of individuals of their particular gender and social class. And yet, their unique stories allow us to explore this period of Boston’s history through a distinctly personal lens.
Click below to learn more about who lived at 137 Beacon.
The People
Between 1859 and 1954, three generations of Gibson family members and dozens of servants lived and worked at 137 Beacon Street. In many ways, their experiences are typical of individuals of their particular gender and social class. And yet, their unique stories allow us to explore this period of Boston’s history through a distinctly personal lens.
Click below to learn more about who lived at 137 Beacon.
Welcome
Face coverings are now optional when visiting the Gibson House Museum
Tours
The Museum is open to the public year-round by guided tour. We offer two standard house tours: “At Home with the Gibsons” and “Upstairs, Downstairs: Domestic Service at the Gibson House.” Each tour allows visitors to explore the house and consider issues of class and culture through the stories and objects of the people who lived and worked here. Visitors are invited to take one or both to view the house from the perspective of the family and/or the staff. We also offer specialty house tours on a variety of topics and events throughout the year.
General and specialty tours are available for private groups and classes. They can be arranged at least two weeks in advance by e-mailing info@thegibsonhouse.org.
The museum is currently offering private virtual tours to college classes. Please contact info@thegibsonhouse.org.
Tickets
Admission: $12
Members: Free or discounted admission
Students and seniors (62+): $10
Children under 12: $5
Specialty Tour and Event Pricing may vary
Tour size is limited and advance purchase is recommended. Member tickets are free, but reservations are still required.
The museum guide will confirm your reservation by the purchaser’s name upon arrival. By purchasing tickets, you agree to adhere to all the guidelines below.
Visitor Guidelines
The Gibson House Museum is committed to operating within mandatory state and local safety standards. Our staff will follow the guidelines below and we require all visitors to do the same. Please note these policies are subject to change without notice.
Failure to adhere to the guidelines will result in all party members being asked to leave the museum, and no refunds will be given.
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Face coverings are optional for guests and guides during the tour, but masks can be provided upon request.
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If anyone in your party is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, or if you believe you may have been exposed to the virus, do not visit the museum. We are happy to reschedule any reservation for this purpose.
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The information you provide at the time of ticket purchase may be used to support potential contact tracing.
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We ask that you consider maintaining at least 6 feet distance from anyone not in your household at all times.
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Visitors are required to follow guide instructions very carefully throughout their time at the museum.
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Visitors are asked to wait outside until instructed to enter at the beginning of the tour as our museum does not have a lobby.
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Please do not touch anything while at the museum unless necessary. (Feel free to use the handrails!)
What To Expect
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Only one group will be in the museum at a time unless otherwise noted.
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One bathroom is available for public use including hand washing. Visitors are asked to remain with the group once the tour has begun.
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Tours last 45 minutes and will move through 4 floors of the house. Please note that tours include several flights of stairs and the museum does not have an elevator or air conditioning.
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Air filtration systems will be present on each floor.
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The museum does not have a waiting room and the guide may only be able to let you in a few minutes before the tour.
Getting Here
The Gibson House Museum is located at 137 Beacon Street, between Arlington and Berkeley Streets in Boston’s Back Bay.
By Subway:
Take the Green Line to Arlington Street Station and walk roughly 9 minutes. Or, take the Red Line to either Charles Street Station or Park Street Station and walk roughly 14 minutes.
By Bike:
Rent through BLUEbikes, Boston’s bike share system. The nearest bike station is Mugar Way at Beacon Street (a 2-minute walk from the museum).
By Car:
Nearby parking is very limited. Metered parking is $3.75 per hour in Back Bay, Monday through Saturday 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. The Boston Common Garage is another parking option, roughly a 10-minute walk away.
