Kresge Auditorium
About This Exhibition
Completed in 1955, Kresge Auditorium is another Eero Saarinen masterpiece at MIT. The building's thin-shell concrete dome — one-eighth of a sphere — rests on only three points, creating a dramatic cantilevered entrance. Inside, the 1,226-seat auditorium hosts concerts, lectures, and performances. The building demonstrates MIT's philosophy that engineering and beauty are inseparable, and remains one of the most photographed structures on campus.
Exhibition Highlights
Visitor's Advisory
- 1.Best photographed from the east side with reflecting pool
- 2.Check MIT Arts website for upcoming performances
- 3.Visit alongside the MIT Chapel (steps away)
- 4.The dome is especially dramatic in snow
- 5.Free concerts and lectures happen regularly during academic year
Arriving by Rail
Nearby Exhibitions
More Architectures in Cambridge
Walking Tours
Where to Eat Nearby
Mamaleh's
Toscanini's Ice Cream - Kendall
Row 34
Mamaleh's Kibitz Corner
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Open during events; exterior viewable anytime
Admission
Free to view exterior; event tickets vary
Address
48 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139
Best Time to Visit
Daytime for photography. Check MIT events calendar for performances.
Accessibility
Fully accessible
“This is the sort of place that makes postcards worth sending.”
Every attraction tells a story. This one is yours to discover.