Otis House Museum

The Harrison Gray Otis House exemplifies the elegant life led by Boston's governing class after the American Revolution. Harrison Gray Otis made a fortune developing nearby Beacon Hill, served as a representative in Congress and later was mayor of Boston. He and his wife Sally were noted for their frequent and lavish entertaining. This was the first of three houses designed for the Otises by their friend Charles Bulfinch, the architect of the Massachusetts State House. Its design reflects the proportions and delicate detail of the Federal style, which Bulfinch introduced to Boston.

The interior provides insights into social, business, and family life, as well as the role played by household servants. The restoration of the Otis House, with its wallpapers and carpeting and high-style furnishings is based on meticulous historical and scientific research.

The Otis House also houses the headquarters for Historic New England and its library and archives, as well as a museum shop with books and gifts.