The Gibson House

Written by Julie Greiner

Guided tours through the Gibson House provide visitors with a glimpse into the world of restrained Victorian opulence and feature the furniture, possessions and decorative tastes of three generations of a prominent Boston Family. The Gibson House is a preserved legacy of the Victorian era. The interiors of Gibson House are typical of those found in households of upper middle class Bostonians during the Victorian Period. The decor boasts gold embossed "leather" paper, black walnut woodwork, imported carpets Gibson House Entrance

and an array of furniture which includes a faux-bamboo bird's eye maple bedroom set, plush Turkish ottomans and revival pieces from the period. Most of the Gibson family china and porcelain are on display. There are paintings, photographs and curios associated with the period and shows the love of collecting. There are also some eighteenth century heirloom pieces on display through out the house.

A Victorian House Museum

It was the intention of Charles Gibson to preserve his home as both a monument to the age and to his family. The house was built for Catherine Hammond Gibson in 1859 and left to the Gibson Society upon the death of Charles Hammond Gibson, Jr. in 1954. He was the grandson of the original owner. The Gibson House opened as a museum in 1957 and remains a preserved legacy of the Victorian era. The unique feeling of complete exposure into the lives and history of this family and era through touring this museum can only be explained by the original intention of Mr. Charles Gibson and his efforts to preserve the time in history. There need be no guessing and/or relying upon other's documentation as to what was so. This is by far the most complete representation of Victorian lifestyle to be found anywhere.

Architect Edward Clark Cabot

The Gibson house was designed by noted Boston architect Edward Clark Cabot. The house was executed in the Italian Renaissance Revival style and built of brownstone and Gibson House Bedroom

red brick. The house at 135 Beach Street, constructed for a cousin, the Russell family, is an architectural companion. Both houses are among the earliest houses in the Back Bay.

Gibson House Guided Tours

Guided tours through the Gibson House provide visitors with a glimpse into the Victorian would of opulence and features the furniture, possessions and decorative tastes of three generations of a prominent Boston Family. In addition to the grand, public spaces of the house, the tour offers a unique view of the service areas including the kitchen, laundry and various pantries. The Gibson House is located at 137 Beacon Street between Arlington and Berkeley Streets, one block from the Public Garden. When visiting the Boston Freedom Trail, one simply must reserve the time to include the Gibson House Museum Gibson House Exterior