Harvard Science Center & Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments

The Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments, housed on the first floor of Harvard's Science Center, is one of the world's finest collections of early scientific apparatus. Over 20,000 objects spanning 500 years of scientific discovery include telescopes, sundials, clocks, surveying instruments, electrical apparatus, and navigational tools. Highlights include an orrery (mechanical solar system model), Benjamin Franklin's electrical experiments, and instruments from Harvard's 19th-century observatory. Completely free and usually uncrowded.

• 1.One of Harvard's best-kept secrets — rarely crowded
• 2.Free and requires no tickets or reservations
• 3.The orrery is mesmerizing — watch it run
• 4.Combine with Harvard Museum of Natural History (5 minute walk)
• 5.Great rainy day activity in Harvard Square