At 26 Oxford St in Cambridge, the Harvard Museum of Natural History brings together specimens from Harvard’s zoological, botanical and mineralogical collections. Its galleries range from dinosaur fossils, mounted wildlife and whale skeletons to gemstones and meteorites. The Blaschka glass flowers are a standout: finely made botanical models that can look remarkably lifelike behind the glass. Clear exhibit text helps explain how specimens are grouped, and the range of subjects gives families and science-minded visitors plenty to explore. Admission also includes the connected Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology.
A public museum built from Harvard collections
The Harvard Museum of Natural History opened in 1998 as a public home for collections associated with three Harvard research institutions: the Museum of Comparative Zoology, the Harvard University Herbaria, and the Mineralogical and Geological Museum. The objects on display span zoology, botany, mineralogy and geology, giving the galleries several different ways to explore the natural world.
The museum is at 26 Oxford St in Cambridge, on Harvard’s campus. It is connected to the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology; admission to one includes entry to the other during regular hours. That makes it possible to pair natural history displays with exhibits focused on archaeology and ethnology in the same visit.
Glass flowers, fossils and wildlife
The Ware Collection of Blaschka Glass Models of Plants is among the museum’s best-known collections. Leopold and Rudolf Blaschka made these glass botanical models for Harvard, and their careful detail gives the flowers and plants a lifelike appearance. Look closely at the forms and details in the cases; the work is as much about precise observation as it is about glassmaking.
Other galleries bring together specimens from the animal kingdom and the geological record. Displays include mounted mammals and birds, insects, dinosaur fossils, whale skeletons, minerals, gemstones and meteorites. The Great Mammal Hall and Birds of the World are among the named galleries, while the mineral and geology displays group rocks and specimens in ways that help visitors compare them. The mix of bones and mounted animals also makes it possible to see different kinds of specimens alongside one another.
Planning time for the galleries
There is enough variety to fill more than a quick walk-through. Visitors who explore the galleries in detail often spend several hours, and the linked Peabody Museum adds another collection to consider. If your schedule is tight, choose the subjects that interest you most, such as the glass plants, fossils or mineral displays, before you arrive.
The museum has scavenger-hunt activities for children, and staff are available to answer questions about exhibits. Read the labels as you go: they explain how items are grouped and add context to the specimens. An early arrival can give you a calmer start before the museum gets busier around midday.
FAQ
Where is the Harvard Museum of Natural History?
It is at 26 Oxford St, Cambridge, Massachusetts, on Harvard’s campus.
How long should I plan for a visit?
Set aside about three to four hours to explore the collections. The connected Peabody Museum is included with admission, so allow more time if you plan to visit both.
What are the main highlights?
Highlights include the Blaschka glass plant models, dinosaur fossils, animal displays, whale skeletons, gemstones, minerals and meteorites.
Does admission include the Peabody Museum?
Yes. Admission to the Harvard Museum of Natural History includes entry to the connected Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology during regular hours.
