The Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments at the Putnam Gallery
The Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments at the Putnam Gallery things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
United StatesMassachusettsCambridgeThe Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments at the Putnam Gallery
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We've come a long way. The Collection of Scientific and Medical Instruments is compact, but still provides a stunning visual foundation for how far we've come in our ability to see within ourselves and to see out to the stars. There are examples of early telescopes and microscopes. There is old-time auditory testing equipment side by side with electric lighting from another era. The exhibit features a Grandfather-type clock that was used to sync time over telegraph wires before it was possible anywhere else. Don't overlook the early Dr. Frankenstein MRI machine. Not a great place for chronologically young children, but wonderful for the wondering child in the rest of us.
Lenek AdamsLenek Adams
00
The size of a single art gallery, you will see 300 years of scientific development and innovation at Harvard. Couched within the Science Center and the Program in the History of Science, you will see thoughtfully curated and thought provoking instruments that enhanced medical treatment, navigation, time keeping, and psychological intervention. Recommended to pique the curiosity of the young and heighten the stimulation for the old. Free and open to the public, this collection is not to be missed.
Aakash M. SuchakAakash M. Suchak
10
It was not easy to find this museum, you have to look around for the sign upstairs. The museum itself is situated in the Science block of Harvard University. It is not big, just one room which is full with all kind of inventions from different times. On the second floor there is another room, but there is nothing to see there. The entrance to the museum is always free, and it is really great.
Rose DavisRose Davis
50
Absolutely incredible collection of ancient mechanisms and artifacts! Beautiful array of objects for reference. My partner and I took lots of photos for a project we're working on. This was way better than any Google or Pinterest search we could've done looking for similar items 🌟
Michelle FurlongMichelle Furlong
20
A great place to visit while you're in the Harvard or cambridge area. It's one of the few places that allow you to enter for free. It's not big probably the size of 2 classrooms but its packed with interesting instruments that have defined the knowledge we now take for granted.
Ashan GoonetillekeAshan Goonetilleke
10
One room, free museum, pack full with scientific instruments and artifacts covering from optics to astrophysics, electromagnetism and acustics. Worth a visit if you are around but too short to be worth a single visit.
Alejandro Nuñez-JimenezAlejandro Nuñez-Jimenez
30
Nearby Attractions Of The Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments at the Putnam Gallery
Harvard Square
Harvard University
Harvard Yard
The Harvard Museum of Natural History
Harvard Book Store
The Sinclair
Harvard Coop
John Harvard Statue
The Charles Hotel
Cambridge Common
Harvard Square
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Harvard University
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Harvard Yard
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The Harvard Museum of Natural History
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Nearby Restaurants Of The Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments at the Putnam Gallery
Felipe's Taqueria
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El Jefe's Taqueria - Harvard Square
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Boston Burger Company
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Felipe's Taqueria
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Hokkaido Ramen Santouka Harvard Square
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Learn more insights from Wanderboat AIBasic Info
Address
1 Oxford St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Map
Phone
(617) 495-2779
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Website
chsi.harvard.edu
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Reviews
Overview
4.7
(81 reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
accessibility
Description
Harvard University's Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments, established 1948, is "one of the three largest university collections of its kind in the world". Waywiser, the online catalog of the collection, lists over 60% of the collection's 20,000 objects as of 2014.
attractions: Harvard Square, Harvard University, Harvard Yard, The Harvard Museum of Natural History, Harvard Book Store, The Sinclair, Harvard Coop, John Harvard Statue, The Charles Hotel, Cambridge Common, restaurants: Felipe's Taqueria, Hokkaido Ramen Santouka Harvard Square, Russell House Tavern, Tatte Bakery & Cafe | Harvard Square, Alden & Harlow, The Maharaja, El Jefe's Taqueria - Harvard Square, Wusong Tiki Bar, Boston Burger Company, Zinneken's Belgian waffles | Harvard square
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