About the Harvard Museum of Natural History

With a mission to enhance public understanding and appreciation of the natural world and the
human place in it, the Harvard Museum of Natural History draws on the University’s collections
and research to present a historic and interdisciplinary exploration of science and nature. More than
150,000 visitors annually make it the University’s most-visited attraction.

EXHIBITS
The botanical galleries house the historic Ware Collection of Blaschka glass models of
plants, “the Glass Flowers,” with more than 3,000 models of 847 species on display. The zoological
galleries feature the diversity of life on earth, from dinosaurs, to fossil invertebrates and reptiles, to
present day animal life. Highlights include the world’s only mounted Kronosaurus, a 43-foot long
prehistoric marine reptile and Arthropods: Creatures that Rule, a window into the world of spiders,
insects, and crustaceans. The mineralogical galleries present a systematic display of more than 5,000
minerals and gemstones and include a special exhibition of meteorites. A series of changing exhibitions
brings focus to timely subjects, often featuring the work of renowned photographers or artists.

EXPERTS
More than 20 public lectures for adults and families are offered each year by Harvard
scientists, conservationists, and popular authors. These talks introduce some 3,000 each year to the
scientists behind the exhibits, in the field, and in the lab and lead audiences to a closer look at current
issues in the world of science and nature.

EXCHANGE
The Museum’s educational programs encourage a hands-on, observation-based approach.
With a growing reputation as a source of effective science education and a successful partnership with
Cambridge public schools, the museum welcomes over 30,000 school children in groups each year. A
wide array of classes and activities for children, adults and families is offered throughout the year.
Weekend gallery programs with trained volunteers allow visitors to explore exhibits in greater depth.

VISITING
The museum is located at 26 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, on the north side of the Harvard campus, a 6-minute walk across Harvard Yard from Harvard Square.
General information: 617-495-3045
Hours: Daily 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve & Christmas.
Admission: $9.00; seniors and students $7.00; ages 3-18 $6.00; Under 3 free. Free for Mass residents
Weds. 3–5 p.m. and Sunday mornings, 9 a.m.–noon. Free to current Harvard ID holders.
The Museum is connected to the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, located at
11 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA. One admission grants visitors access to both museums.