Massachusetts State House Senate Chamber, Boston National Historical Park
MASSACHUSETTS STATE HOUSE TOUR STOP 7
SENATE CHAMBER
The Senate Chamber is also a stop on a tour of the Massachusetts State House. There are two different rooms: the actual Senate Chamber and the Senate Reception Room that is used for press conferences, meetings, and receptions. Both are located in the original Bulfinch State House.
The Reception Room was originally the Senate Chamber. When the Brigham additions to the State House were completed in 1895, the Senate moved to the House of Representatives Chamber across the hall, and the House moved to its current location in the new part of the building (Stop 6 on the tour).
Senate Reception Room in the Massachusetts State House, Boston National Historical Park
The Senate Chamber is located directly below the gold dome of the State House and above Doric Hall where the tour began. The chamber holds forty state senators, thirty-nine who sit in the chairs around the circular desk and the Senate President who sits in the more ornate chair located under the clock. As with the House of Representatives, visitors cannot enter if the Senate is in session, but they can visit the public gallery above the floor.
Senate Chamber in the Massachusetts State House, Boston National Historical Park
Stop 8: Governor’s Waiting Room | Stop 6: House of Representatives |
State House Main Page
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Last updated on September 28, 2026
