University museum featuring zoological specimens, minerals, fossils, and the world-renowned Glass Flowers collection.
★5.0
General Information
Hours:
Daily: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Closed some major holidays
Fees:
Adults: $15
Seniors (65+): $13
Students with ID: $11
Youth (3–18): $10
Children under 3: Free
Pet Policy:
Pets are not allowed inside the museum
Closest cities with hotels:
Cambridge / Downtown Boston
Seasons:
All year; fall and spring are especially popular during the academic year
Location:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/jdQeKq8g2QkL1A9t7
26 Oxford St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Website:
https://hmnh.harvard.edu/
hmnh.harvard.edu
How to Get There
From Downtown Boston and Cambridge hotels:
Take the MBTA Red Line to Harvard Square station, then walk about 15 minutes north along Oxford Street; the Harvard Museum of Natural History is located near Harvard University’s science complex.
Overview
The Harvard Museum of Natural History offers a captivating journey through the natural world, featuring exhibits that span zoology, geology, paleontology, and botany. Among its most famous attractions is the Glass Flowers gallery, a stunning collection of botanically accurate models crafted entirely from glass. Visitors can also explore the Great Mammal Hall, where whale skeletons hang overhead, and the Earth & Planetary Sciences gallery, which showcases dazzling minerals and meteorites. The museum draws from Harvard’s vast research collections, making it both a public attraction and a scientific resource.
Connected to the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, the museum provides a comprehensive look at life on Earth, past and present. Its central location on the Harvard campus and family-friendly exhibits make it a favorite destination for tourists, students, and locals alike. With rotating displays, educational programs, and free admission opportunities for Massachusetts residents, the Harvard Museum of Natural History continues to inspire wonder and curiosity in visitors of all ages.
