Executive Offices
(Third Floor)
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Executive offices for the Governor, the Cabinet, and staff reside on the third floor of the State House.
First is the Governor's Waiting Room, adorned with portraits of recent governors. The short hall to the right contains a portrait of George Washington, copied by Francis Alexander from an original painted by Gilbert Stuart. Since Stuart's portrait was the model for Washington's later portraits, it was left unfinished. Stuart's portrait was also the model for the likeness of Washington on the dollar bill.
Further down the hall sits the Governor's Office. Stucco ornaments symbolizing the arts, liberty, justice, and executive powers decorate the walls. The portrait of a predecessor, selected by the incumbent governor, hangs over the Connemara marble fireplace behind the desk.
Lastly, the Council Chamber and Cabinet Rooms across the hall are used for meetings by both the Council and the Cabinet.
Notable facts
- The curtain in the middle of the south wall of the Senate Chamber, directly opposite the Senate President's chair, is used only by the Governor to enter the Senate when it is in session. The curtain conceals the entrance to a hall which connects the Governor's office directly to the Senate.
- Every governor has the opportunity to choose a portrait of a former governor to hang over the mantle in his or her office. Governor Dukakis chose Samuel Adams, while Governor Patrick chose John Andrew. Governor Baker had a portrait of John Volpe above his mantle, while Governor Healey invited Massachusetts students to select an option via an essay contest.