Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

The Basics

A visit to the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum is an immersive experience: Visitors first head to the Meeting Room and receive a disguise, then march to the wharf and board one of the replica ships throw a crate of tea overboard. After you’ve helped start the revolution, head to the museum to see actors recreate the debates that followed the tea party, enjoy a documentary, and see historic artifacts.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Visitors can only enter the museum on a guided tour; book ahead to reserve a spot.

• Purchase tickets online for extra savings.

• The museum includes a gift shop as well as a tea room; you can access both without a ticket to the museum. The tea room hosts monthly tavern nights that include period music, food, and drink.

• Photos are not permitted inside the museum exhibits.

• The museum is wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

The museum is located on the Congress Street Bridge, on the Fort Point Channel. To reach the site via public transportation, take the MBTA Red Line to South Station, the number 7 bus to Summer Street at Melcher Street, or the Old Town Trolley to stop 15. There is discounted parking for museum visitors at the Farnsworth Garage and the Stillings Garage.

When to Get There

The museum is open daily all year round from late morning until early afternoon, with slightly longer hours from April through October. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Tours last about one hour and begin every 30 minutes. Allow yourself extra time if you plan to visit the gift shop or tea room.

Attractions at Fort Point Channel

After visiting the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, head to some of the other popular attractions at Fort Point Channel, such as the Boston Children’s Museum, the Boston Fire Museum, or the Institute of Contemporary Art. The area is also close to the Seaport, the Financial District, and Faneuil Hall and is part of the 43-mile (69-kilometer) Boston Harborwalk, which connects the city’s waterfront neighborhoods.

Ways to explore

A visit to the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum is an immersive experience: You first head to the Meeting Room and receive a disguise, then march to the wharf and board one of the replica ships to throw a crate of tea overboard. After you start the revolution, head to the museum to see actors recreate the debates that followed the tea party, enjoy a documentary, and see historical artifacts. When you’re done, head to Abigail’s Tea Room and Terrace for a spot of tea. Prebook your ticket for guaranteed entry, and consider a hop-on hop-off tour for easy transportation.

Accessibility

The ships and museum are accessible, with wheelchair access, closed captioning, and ASL interpreters available with two weeks’ notice.

Age limits

None

What to pack

A small bag, as large bags aren’t permitted, and there’s no storage space for them.

What to wear

Weather- and season-appropriate clothing, as some parts of the attraction are outdoors.

Not allowed

Strollers and large bags

Amenities

Gift store, café

Address 

The museum is located on the Congress Street Bridge, on the Fort Point Channel. It’s easy to reach on foot, by car, or by public transportation from some other parts of central Boston.

Driving

From central Boston, follow Congress Street down to the Fort Point Channel. You’ll need to park on either side of the channel. Museum visitors get discounted parking at the nearby Farnsworth Garage and Stillings Garage.

Public transportation

The South Station transit hub is a short walk from the museum. Alternatively, a Boston hop-on hop-off sightseeing trolley stops at the museum.

Best times to visit

The museum operates on on-season and off-season timings, with slightly later opening hours between April and October. Book a tour timeslot in advance to ensure your entry—walk-up tickets are only sold when available.

Best days to visit

The museum is typically busier on weekends and holidays, so consider visiting midweek if possible.

Best months to visit

Boston experiences frigid winters, so visit between April and October for a more comfortable experience, especially as some parts of the attraction are outdoors.

Special events

Special commemorative events and reenactments are sometimes held on significant historical anniversaries, such as the anniversary of the Boston Tea Party (December 16) and Independence Day (July 4). Check the museum’s calendar of events.