Recently united under one roof, the Harvard Art Museums bring together art and artists from all over the world and all through time. With more than 50 galleries and a strong permanent collection supplemented by rotating exhibits of contemporary as well as historical subjects, the museums have examples of fine art and the analytical tools to examine them. Visit the Harvard Art Museums to spend several hours passing from canvas to canvas and join a tour led by one of the docents, all current Harvard students.
Linger in the Calderwood Courtyard, whose skylight provides a luminous glow on even a cloudy day. Listen to lively conversations happening at the small café tables as faculty and students exchange ideas, then head into the galleries themselves.
Appreciate the dreamy atmosphere of the Impressionist collection, with works by Manet, Monet and other greats of French painting including Van Gogh, Cezanne and Degas.
For more contemporary art search out works by Ai Weiwei, Georgia O’Keeffe, Nam June Paik or Max Beckmann or appreciate the classics with canvases by Rembrandt van Rijn or Bernini.
Sample older history in the collections of Chinese Buddhist sculpture and ancient Greek vases. Stroll through the delicate collections of Islamic and Indian works on paper. Well-prepared student aides provide regular tours and talks about some of the collection’s biggest, and sometimes most undervalued, stars.
The Harvard Art Museums are located on the eastern side of Harvard’s campus, just off Harvard Yard. Walk here in 5 minutes from the Harvard Square MBTA stop. Most of Harvard’s other attractions are a quick walk away. Travel to the museums from downtown Boston in 15 minutes by car or subway. Parking can be very limited in the vicinity, as most metered parking spaces are reserved for residents, but the campus and square have some metered structures.
The museum complex is open daily from mid morning to early evening. Admission is ticketed, with a variety of pricing levels. Lockers are available to store personal items while visiting.
