Harvard Yard
About This Exhibition
Harvard Yard is the historic and iconic center of Harvard University campus. Walking through the wrought-iron gates, you enter a world of red-brick colonial buildings, towering elm trees, and centuries of academic tradition. The Yard contains freshman dormitories, the historic Massachusetts Hall (1720), and the famous John Harvard statue. Free to walk through year-round, it offers a peaceful escape and quintessential Cambridge experience.
Exhibition Highlights
Visitor's Advisory
- 1.Don't actually rub John Harvard's shoe - it's considered bad luck by students!
- 2.Free student-led tours available daily from the Information Center
- 3.Visit during the academic year to see campus life in action
- 4.Check out the Harvard Museums nearby (art, natural history, archaeology)
- 5.Combine with a walk down Brattle Street for historic homes
Arriving by Rail
Nearby Exhibitions
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Open daily, dawn to dusk
Admission
Free (campus tours available)
Address
Cambridge, MA 02138
Best Time to Visit
Early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds. Fall foliage (October) is spectacular.
Accessibility
Mostly accessible, paved pathways throughout
Official Website
Visit Website“Every brick has a story. Most involve tea-related disagreements.”
Every attraction tells a story. This one is yours to discover.