History Buffs
Cambridge Revolutionary History Trail
Walk in the footsteps of Washington, Longfellow, and Harvard's founders
1 day7 stops
All ItinerariesArt Lovers
Cambridge Art & Culture Immersion
A curated journey through Cambridge's artistic treasures
2 days
9 stops
Easy
Year-round (check exhibition schedules)
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
Day 1: 10:00 AM3 hours
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
1:00 PM1 hour
Lunch at Museum Café
Harvard Art Museums
Stay at the museum for lunch under the glass roof. Light, fresh menu.
2:30 PM2 hours
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
5:00 PM1.5 hours
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
7:00 PM2 hours
Dinner at Harvest
44 Brattle St
Seasonal New England dining in an elegant setting. Garden terrace in summer.
Day 2: 10:00 AM2.5 hours
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
1:00 PM1 hour
Lunch in Kendall Square
Kendall Square
Modern dining options in the innovation district.
2:30 PM2 hours
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
5:00 PM1.5 hours
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