Gibson House Museum — Attraction in Boston

Our tour of the house proved to be a truly wonderful experience. The unique charm of the house itself held our attention, and our guide's combination of personable demeanor and extensive knowledge enriched the visit further. The tour was informative, engaging, and allowed us to glean insights into the history and intricacies of the place.

While the overall experience was positive, I am withholding a star due to a few considerations. Accessibility emerged as a notable concern. It became apparent that the house might pose challenges for individuals with disabilities. Navigating the premises could prove difficult, if not outright impossible, for those requiring mobility assistance. It's important for prospective visitors to be aware of this limitation and plan accordingly.

Moreover, a word of caution regarding the timing of the visit, particularly during the height of summer, is prudent. While the staff made commendable efforts to mitigate the effects of high temperatures by providing fans, the conditions might not be conducive to comfort for all visitors. The sweltering heat of the season could potentially detract from the overall enjoyment of the tour.

Nevertheless, despite these considerations, I am enthusiastic in recommending this experience to others. The intriguing nature of the house itself, coupled with the expertise and friendliness of our guide, made the visit memorable and enriching. For those with an interest in history and a tolerance for the potential weather challenges, this tour offers a delightful glimpse into the past. The efforts of the staff to ensure a pleasant experience, including their efforts to keep visitors cool, are commendable and add to the overall positive impression.

In conclusion, the tour of this house left a favorable impression. The engaging guide, along with the historical significance of the location, made for an enjoyable and educational outing. While considerations regarding accessibility and the season should be taken into account, the overall experience comes highly recommended for those seeking a unique and informative exploration...

Five stories, so a lot of stairs, and you need to book online in advance. There are no walkins.

The Gibson’s made their wealth off of sugar trade and then cotton (so, lots of slave labor). When the senior Gibson died, he left his wife a lot of money, and she had this house built right along the newly filled bay of the Charles River (that’s why it was called Back Bay).

She had children and they had children, and the home was occupied for generations, until Charlie. Charlie had male partners, but no wife or children. He did not work a day in his life, and mooched off his sisters to feed his extravagant and “bohemian” lifestyle. He valued class, and very much wanted something to remember himself by. Since would have no kids, he left his house to be a perpetual museum.

It is a lavish 5 story building in Back Bay, with the only surviving coal shed in the city.

The cool thing is that it’s all as it was when...

Fascinating house and wonderful tour guide! We took the "Charlie Gibson's Queer Boston" tour and it was excellent. The house itself is a time capsule of mid-to-late nineteenth century residential life in the Back Bay. Almost all of the furnishings and decor are original to the house, which is remarkable. This particular tour discussed Charlie's experience in the so-called "bohemian subculture" of Boston at the time, but we also learned a great deal about the other members of the Gibson family and about the well-preserved interior furnishings throughout the house. Highly recommended for anyone interested in late-nineteenth century domestic life or LGBTQ cultural...