Harvard Semitic Museum

The Harvard Semitic Museum houses significant collections from Harvard's archaeological excavations in the ancient Near East. Founded in 1889, the museum displays artifacts from ancient Israel, Mesopotamia, Egypt, and other Near Eastern civilizations spanning thousands of years. Highlights include pottery, cuneiform tablets, ancient coins, and detailed scale models of archaeological sites. It's a quiet, scholarly museum that offers deep dives into ancient civilizations without the crowds.

• 1.Completely free and rarely crowded — a true hidden gem
• 2.Combine with Peabody Museum and Natural History Museum (same street)
• 3.Great for anyone interested in ancient history and archaeology
• 4.Check for visiting scholar lectures — free and fascinating
• 5.On Divinity Avenue — the quiet side of Harvard campus