Cambridge Art & Culture Immersion
A curated journey through Cambridge's artistic treasures
Overview
Cambridge rivals any American city for art and culture. This two-day immersion covers Harvard's museums, contemporary galleries, architectural masterpieces, and the vibrant local arts community.
Your Day
Harvard Art Museums Deep Dive
32 Quincy St
Spend the morning exploring the Fogg, Busch-Reisinger, and Sackler collections. From ancient art to modernism under Renzo Piano's stunning glass roof.
Insider Tips
- •Start with special exhibitions
- •Don't rush - this deserves 3 hours
- •The conservation lab viewing area is fascinating
- •Sit in the courtyard to absorb the architecture
Lunch at Museum Café
Harvard Art Museums
Stay at the museum for lunch under the glass roof. Light, fresh menu.
Harvard Museum of Natural History
26 Oxford St
The Glass Flowers are an art form unto themselves - 4,000 botanical models entirely in glass. Also see the mineral collection.
Insider Tips
- •The Glass Flowers are art meets science
- •Beautiful photography with natural light
- •Combined with Peabody Museum next door if interested
Architecture Walk: Brattle Street
Brattle Street
Walk historic "Tory Row" admiring 18th-century mansions and architectural gems. Visit Longfellow House if open.
Insider Tips
- •Longfellow House is free (National Park)
- •Beautiful historic homes line the street
- •Great for architecture photography
Dinner at Harvest
44 Brattle St
Seasonal New England dining in an elegant setting. Garden terrace in summer.
MIT Museum & Campus Art
314 Main St
Explore kinetic sculptures, holography art, and innovation exhibits. Then walk MIT campus to see public art installations and Frank Gehry's Stata Center.
Insider Tips
- •Arthur Ganson's kinetic sculptures are mesmerizing
- •World's largest holography collection
- •Free MIT campus art map available
- •Over 50 public artworks on campus
Lunch in Kendall Square
Kendall Square
Modern dining options in the innovation district.
Central Square Galleries & Studios
Central Square
Explore Cambridge's artistic heart. Visit Blick Art Materials, check out local galleries, and discover street art.
Insider Tips
- •Central Square has great murals
- •Gallery hours vary - call ahead
- •Blick Art Materials is worth browsing
Mount Auburn Cemetery
580 Mount Auburn St
America's first garden cemetery is a landscape art masterpiece. Climb the tower for panoramic views.
Insider Tips
- •More garden than cemetery
- •Stunning landscape architecture
- •Washington Tower has 360° views
- •Free admission, small fee for tower