Harvard Museum of Natural History

About

The Harvard Museum of Natural History offers one of the most remarkable collections of natural specimens in the world, all within a historic building on Harvard's Cambridge campus. It's a place where scientific research meets public wonder, and visitors of all ages find something to marvel at.

The museum's crown jewel is the Blaschka Glass Flowers collection - over 4,000 incredibly detailed glass models of plants created in the 19th century. These handcrafted pieces are so lifelike that many visitors refuse to believe they're made entirely of glass. It's a one-of-a-kind exhibit you truly can't see anywhere else on Earth.

Beyond the flowers, the galleries span an impressive range of the natural world. The mineral and gem collection sparkles with thousands of specimens, from massive geodes to rare meteorites. The zoology halls feature everything from towering dinosaur fossils to a 42-foot long Kronosaurus skeleton. Taxidermy displays showcase animals from every continent, giving visitors an up-close look at creatures they might never encounter in the wild.

The museum regularly rotates special exhibitions that explore timely topics in science and conservation. Interactive displays and hands-on activities make complex scientific ideas accessible and engaging for younger visitors, while the depth of the permanent collections rewards repeat visits for adults and researchers alike.

Practical details make planning straightforward. The museum is open daily, and the closest parking is the 52 Oxford Street Garage in Harvard's Northwest Building, which is open seven days a week. The surrounding Harvard campus is worth exploring before or after your visit, with cafes, bookshops, and green spaces nearby.

Whether you're a lifelong science enthusiast or just looking for a fascinating afternoon out, the Harvard Museum of Natural History delivers an experience that's both educational and genuinely awe-inspiring. The collections here represent centuries of scientific discovery, presented in a way that feels personal and inviting rather than stuffy or academic.

Accessibility

The Harvard Museum of Natural History welcomes visitors with mobility needs and their personal walkers, wheelchairs, and scooters. Manual wheelchairs are available to borrow free of charge - contact the museum in advance to arrange this. All public areas can be reached by elevator, making the galleries accessible to wheelchair users.

Accessible restrooms are located on the ground floor (accessed via the North Entrance) and on the 3rd floor near the elevator. The closest parking is the 52 Oxford Street Garage, which offers both ADA Accessible and Disability parking spaces and is open seven days a week.

The museum welcomes service dogs. However, emotional support animals and comfort animals are not permitted in the building.

For visitors entering through the North Entrance on the ground floor, this provides a step-free entry point with direct access to the elevator and ground-floor accessible restroom.

Contact the museum directly for current details about sensory accommodations, assistive listening devices, large-print guides, or other specific accessibility needs. Staff can help plan your visit and answer questions about the best routes through the galleries. The museum's website also provides up-to-date information about any temporary accessibility changes due to construction or exhibit installations.

More accessible places in Massachusetts

• Museum of Fine Arts Boston (Boston)
• Salem Maritime National Historical Park (Salem)
• Peabody Essex Museum (Salem)
• Springfield Armory National Historic Site (Springfield)
• Boston Symphony Hall (Boston)
• Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum (Boston)