Harvard Museum of Natural History, Boston - Field Museum, Chicago
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Harvard Museum of Natural History Boston

4.8
·5k reviews·Cambridge, United States

Explore a world of wonder with stunning Glass Flowers, ancient fossils, and dazzling minerals at Harvard's natural history gem.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunday mornings

Free admission for MA residents!

CrowdMedium
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Harvard Museum of Natural History, Boston - Field Museum, Chicago

Harvard Museum of Natural History Boston

Best Time

Sunday mornings

Free admission for MA residents!

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore a world of wonder with stunning Glass Flowers, ancient fossils, and dazzling minerals at Harvard's natural history gem.

4.8
(5k reviews)

"Absolutely wild, did not know you could capture so much minute detail. Recommend visiting at least once."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Use Library Museum Passes

Score free or discounted entry by reserving library passes online before your visit.

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to see everything; comfortable footwear is a must!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Glass Flowers

The Glass Flowers

Glass Flowers Gallery

Incredibly realistic, hand-blown glass botanical models that will leave you speechless. A true marvel of artistry and science.

TikTok
Dinosaur Skeletons

Dinosaur Skeletons

Fossil Halls

Stand in awe of massive dinosaur skeletons, including a towering whale skeleton that dominates the space.

Reddit
Gem and Mineral Collection

Gem and Mineral Collection

Mineralogical & Geological Museum

Explore a dazzling array of precious stones and minerals from around the globe. A feast for the eyes!

Reddit
Taxidermied Animal Hall

Taxidermied Animal Hall

Zoology Galleries

Step back in time with meticulously preserved taxidermied animals, showcasing late 19th-century curation.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Leverage Free Admission Days

Massachusetts residents can enjoy free admission on Sundays before noon. Plan your visit accordingly to save on tickets and use the savings for a treat nearby! Reddit

Book Museum Passes in Advance

Consider using library museum passes for free or discounted entry. Reserve these online in advance, especially if visiting during peak times. TikTok

Best Times

When
Sunday mornings
Why
Free admission for MA residents!
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Crowd
Low
When
Rainy days
Why
Perfect indoor escape
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Even in person they look so real I would never have guessed they’re GLASS 🤯 #art #harvard #glassflowers #boston #museum
@noelleberexa
524.5K likes • 4.1M views

🎯 Use Library Museum Passes

Score free or discounted entry by reserving library passes online before your visit. TikTok

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to see everything; comfortable footwear is a must! Reddit

You are welcome!!! Make sure to reserve your museum passes online before you gooo but pleaseee put that library card to useee it’s not only for books people!! Lmk if you have any questions!!#imsomatureimsomature #bostonmuseums #museumpasses #exploreboston #discoverboston #bostonvlogger #haitiancreatives #dateideas #solodateideas #bostonthingstodo #qualitytime #bostonpubliclibrary
@anniesrandomz
106.5K likes • 1.2M views
History is all around us! The Harvard Museum of Natural History is a must-see and offers a major military discount! Thank you for the amazing enlightenment. Duck enjoyed her first trip through history as well. #harvardmuseumofnaturalhistory #harvardmuseum #cambridge #chihuahua #travel #destination #history #dogdad #Veteran #veteranlife #historylover #boston #roadtrip #pizza #dirtywaterdough #b...
tokin_ranger
30 likes • 529 views

🗺️ Grab a Map Early

Maps can be scarce; try to get one upon entry to avoid getting turned around. [^Review]

⏳ Allow Ample Time

Plan for at least 3-4 hours; many visitors wish they had more time to explore. [^Review]

The Harvard Museum of Natural History たくさんの学びがありました。 子供達も動物の豆知識をたくさん教えてくれて、私も勉強になりました😁 図書館のカード経由でチケットを申し込み、無料で入れました😊 無料なので、サクッと見て、小一時間で疲れない程度で終了ができる。 ありがたい。 #boston #theharvardmuseumofnaturalhistory #ボストン生活 #ボストン駐妻
mary_uk555
2 likes • 348 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Use Library Museum Passes

Score free or discounted entry by reserving library passes online before your visit. TikTok

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to see everything; comfortable footwear is a must! Reddit

🗺️ Grab a Map Early

Maps can be scarce; try to get one upon entry to avoid getting turned around. [^Review]

⏳ Allow Ample Time

Plan for at least 3-4 hours; many visitors wish they had more time to explore. [^Review]

🐶 Pet-Friendly (Sort Of!)

Service animals are welcome, and one visitor even brought their chihuahua! Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.8
(5k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Harvard Museum of Natural History for its vast and diverse collections, particularly the world-renowned Glass Flowers and impressive gem and mineral exhibits. Many find it to be a surprisingly expansive and engaging experience, suitable for all ages. Some common drawbacks include occasional difficulty finding maps and potential bottlenecks at popular displays, as well as a lack of on-site food options.

"A great place full of amazing items, and one of a kind finds. From the iconic dinosaur bones to the impressive room of gemstones and educational displays it was fun for the whole family.
When we went there wasn't many people working and it took a while to find a map. Sometimes it was easy to get turned around. And some of the more popular displays lead to a bottle neck of sorts. Definitely worth checking out. Parking was hard to find, but that's to be expected.
We will be back again!"

Josh Anderson

"What a wonderful museum. Went in with the expectation of it being a small exhibit or two, and boy was I wrong. Did not think it would be so filled. Lion, tigers, and bears, oh my!! The climate change exhibit was a bit small. The Glass flowers exhibit is absolutely wild, did not know you could capture so much minute detail. Recommend visiting at least once."

Pro Kumar

"Superp. Glass flowers exhibit was everything I hoped for, truly one of a kind. Loads of brilliant fossils and taxidermy. We were there for at least 3 hours and would have stayed much longer if we weren't tired & hungry!"

Steph Sauer

What People Like

Incredible Glass Flowers
Vast gem & mineral collection
Impressive dinosaur fossils

What People Dislike

No on-site food
Occasional map scarcity
Crowded popular exhibits

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located in Cambridge, easily accessible via the MBTA Red Line to Harvard Square. From the Square, it's a short walk. Parking is available in the Oxford Street Garage, and street parking can be found, especially on Sundays. Reddit

Yes, the Oxford Street Garage at 52 Oxford Street is a convenient option. On Sundays, street parking is often free and readily available with a short walk. Reddit

Absolutely! The MBTA Red Line to Harvard Square is the most convenient public transit option. From there, it's a pleasant walk to the museum. TikTok

While often associated with Boston due to its proximity, the Harvard Museum of Natural History is technically located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on the Harvard University campus. Instagram

The MBTA Red Line is the most direct and popular way to reach Harvard Square. It connects to many other subway lines in Boston. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

General admission is $15 for adults. However, Massachusetts residents can enjoy free admission on Sundays before noon. Library museum passes can also provide free or discounted entry. InstagramReddit

Yes! Massachusetts residents get free admission on Sundays before noon. Additionally, many local libraries offer museum passes for free or discounted entry, which should be reserved online in advance. TikTokReddit

While not always mandatory, booking tickets or museum passes in advance is highly recommended, especially for free admission days or during peak visiting times, to ensure entry. TikTok

The museum is typically open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours and any special holiday closures. [^Review]

Yes, many libraries in Massachusetts offer museum passes that can be used for free or discounted admission to the Harvard Museum of Natural History. You'll need to reserve these passes online through your library's system. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The iconic Glass Flowers exhibit is a must-see, along with the impressive dinosaur skeletons, the dazzling gem and mineral collection, and the historical taxidermy halls. TikTokReddit+1

Yes, it's a fantastic destination for families! Kids are often captivated by the dinosaur bones, the animal exhibits, and the vibrant gemstones. Instagram [^Review]

Most visitors recommend at least 3-4 hours to explore the museum thoroughly, though some wish they had even more time. [^Review]

Crowds can vary. Weekends and free admission days tend to be busier. Weekday afternoons are generally less crowded, offering a more relaxed experience. [^Review]

Currently, there is no snack bar or cafe inside the museum, so it's recommended to eat before or after your visit. Some visitors suggest bringing snacks or planning a picnic. [^Review]

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Harvard Square offers a plethora of casual dining. Consider Felipe's Taqueria for Mexican, The Smoke Shop BBQ for barbecue, or Russel House Tavern for American fare. Hokkaido Ramen and Grendel's Den are also popular choices. Reddit

Cambridge Common is a great casual spot just a block away. If the weather is nice, grabbing takeaway and heading down to the river for a picnic is also a lovely option. Reddit

For a date, consider Grendel's Den for its cool atmosphere and decent food, or explore the diverse options in Harvard Square, such as The Smoke Shop BBQ or Russel House Tavern for a more substantial meal. Reddit

While there are no dining facilities within the museum, it's generally advisable to consume food and drinks outside the exhibit areas to preserve the collections. [^Review]

Harvard Square boasts a wide variety of cuisines, from casual taquerias and pizza joints to ramen shops, pubs, and more upscale dining options. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography for personal use is generally allowed in most areas of the museum. However, flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the exhibits. Always check for specific signage. [^Review]

The Glass Flowers are incredibly photogenic due to their intricate detail. The gem and mineral collection, dinosaur skeletons, and the historical taxidermy displays also make for stunning photos. TikTokReddit

The main restriction is typically on flash photography, which can damage delicate specimens over time. Tripods and selfie sticks may also be restricted in certain areas. [^Review]

Yes, you can take photos of the Glass Flowers, but please refrain from using flash. Their delicate nature requires careful preservation. TikTok

A camera with good low-light performance and the ability to shoot without flash is ideal. Many visitors use their smartphones effectively for capturing the exhibits. [^Review]

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Harvard Museum of Natural History is a fantastic outing for families. Children are often mesmerized by the dinosaur skeletons and the vast array of taxidermied animals, which offer a captivating look at wildlife. The gem and mineral collection is also a hit, with its dazzling colors and unique formations that spark curiosity. Instagram [^Review]

To make the most of your family visit, consider planning for at least 3-4 hours, as there's a lot to see. Grabbing a map early can help navigate the exhibits efficiently, and comfortable shoes are a must for little legs. Taking advantage of free Sunday mornings for Massachusetts residents can also make the trip more budget-friendly. Reddit+1

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the Harvard Museum of Natural History offers excellent value. The most significant tip is to visit on Sunday mornings if you are a Massachusetts resident, as admission is free during these hours. Reddit This allows you to save the standard $15 adult admission fee. Instagram

Another smart strategy is to explore library museum passes. Many public libraries in the Boston area offer these passes, which can grant free or significantly discounted entry. It's crucial to reserve these passes online well in advance, as they are popular. TikTok With these savings, you can allocate more of your budget to exploring the vibrant dining scene in nearby Harvard Square. Reddit

🤓 Science & Art Enthusiasts

This museum is a treasure trove for anyone with a passion for science and art. The Glass Flowers collection is a unique intersection of botanical accuracy and exquisite glass artistry, a true marvel that draws art historians and scientists alike. TikTok The gem and mineral collection offers a deep dive into geology, showcasing rare and beautiful specimens that are a feast for the eyes. Reddit

For those interested in zoology and paleontology, the extensive taxidermy halls provide a historical perspective on scientific display, while the dinosaur skeletons offer a powerful connection to prehistoric life. Reddit+1 The museum's blend of historical research and scientific discovery makes it a compelling destination for intellectual exploration. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Marvel of the Glass Flowers

The Harvard Museum of Natural History is perhaps most famous for its extraordinary Glass Flowers collection. Created by father-and-son artisans Leopold and Rudolf Blaschka over 50 years, this collection features over 4,000 incredibly detailed and lifelike models of plants, from tiny seeds to full-blown trees. These aren't just pretty models; they are scientifically accurate representations of flora, showcasing botanical details with astonishing precision. TikTok

Visitors are consistently amazed by the realism and artistry of these glass creations. The way light plays through the glass, highlighting the delicate veins of leaves and the subtle hues of petals, is truly captivating. It's a testament to the Blaschkas' dedication and skill, offering a unique perspective on the plant kingdom that transcends time. Many describe it as a highlight that is absolutely unmissable. [^Review]

This exhibit is a prime example of how art and science can converge to create something truly unique and educational. It's a quiet, contemplative space that draws you in, making you appreciate the intricate beauty of the natural world in a way you might not have expected. TikTok [^Review]

Exploring the Zoological and Geological Wonders

Beyond the Glass Flowers, the museum boasts extensive collections that span the breadth of natural science. The Zoology Galleries feature a remarkable array of taxidermied animals, presented in dioramas that reflect late 19th-century museum curation. This section offers a fascinating glimpse into how scientific knowledge was presented and preserved historically, essentially acting as a 'museum within a museum.' Reddit

Dominating the fossil halls are the impressive dinosaur skeletons, including a massive whale skeleton that commands attention. These ancient giants spark wonder and curiosity, providing a tangible connection to prehistoric life. Complementing these are the gem and mineral exhibits, showcasing a breathtaking variety of stones, crystals, and geological formations. The sheer brilliance and diversity of colors and textures in this collection are often described as stunning and amazing. Reddit [^Review]

These exhibits cater to a wide range of interests, from paleontology enthusiasts to those fascinated by the earth's treasures. The sheer scale and detail of these collections make the Harvard Museum of Natural History a comprehensive destination for anyone interested in the natural world. Instagram [^Review]

Navigating Your Visit: Tips from Fellow Travelers

Planning your visit to the Harvard Museum of Natural History can be made smoother with insights from those who have been there. A key tip is to leverage free admission days, particularly for Massachusetts residents on Sunday mornings, which can significantly reduce costs. Reddit Many visitors also recommend utilizing library museum passes, which can be reserved online in advance and offer free or discounted entry. TikTok

Comfort is key, as you'll likely spend several hours exploring. Wearing comfortable shoes is a frequently mentioned piece of advice to ensure you can traverse the expansive halls without discomfort. Reddit While the museum is rich with information, some visitors note that maps can be hard to come by, so grabbing one early is a good strategy to avoid getting lost. [^Review]

Finally, be prepared to spend a good chunk of time here; many visitors express wishing they had allocated more time, with 3-4 hours being a common recommendation for a thorough exploration. [^Review] While there's no food service on-site, the surrounding Harvard Square offers plenty of dining options for a post-museum meal. Reddit

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