The Harvard Museum of Natural History — Attraction in Cambridge

I have visited dozens of natural history museums all over the world— from LA to Houston, and North Carolina, Kansas, Utah, Arizona, Florida, Germany, and Austria. The Harvard Museum of Natural History is the worst museum I have been to by a mile. We expected so much more from Harvard.

If you come here expecting dinosaurs— just don’t. The paleontology section (including prehistoric mammals and reptiles) is one meager room in a giant museum. There is one complete dinosaur skeleton, a Triassic dino called Plateosaurus. The other specimens are prehistoric reptiles and mammals, and there are just a few of these.

Why no fossils? Well, 80% of this museum is taxidermied animals. And these animals have seen better days. Some of these poor creatures are quite literally falling apart at the seams. I could literally see the stitches falling out and the blow mold underneath. The cheetah looked quite pathetic, with her jaw hanging on by a thread.

Don’t expect to learn anything from this museum, either. Info cards on the animals and specimens are few and far between. It may say the species name and the location, but there is no other information (how they lived, what they ate, what they’re related to, etc). There wasn’t even a name card for half of the fossils, either. There are no interactive activities for kids, either. The museum is horribly disorderly, disorganized, and outdated. There is little thoughtful curation. And, Harvard has the gall to charge $15 a ticket.

If you’re looking for a wonderful natural history museum in Massachusetts, you should drive the 1.5 hrs to Amherst College. The Benieski Museum is spectacular. It is a fraction of the size with hundreds more fossils, minerals, and complete skeletons. It is also free admission. Harvard’s museum is a tiny speck of dust compared to smaller museums at less prestigious universities, like the University of Florida.

TLDR: The Harvard Museum of Natural History is the most pathetic museum of its kind I’ve seen. We expected so much more from Harvard, the #1 institution in the US. Go to literally any other natural history museum if you want see fossils. I strongly do not...

Harvard Natural History Museum August 12, 2024 Top 32 Photos I took at the Harvard Natural History Museum I took a photo of my receipt showing as a teacher in Massachusetts I got to go for FREE! Thanks Harvard! Greater Short-nosed Fruit nose bat Big brown bat See monster art called "Giant Squid Attack" from a French artist Victor Nehlig of a squid attacking sailors. 2 newspaper articles about giant sea-monsters The huge beautiful full color weird under the sea creatures images. Fossilized fish The huge skeleton of an underwater dinosaur with my wife in the foreground to show HOW big it is. Screaming Hairy Armadillo Burmese eared Night Jar Chestnut-headed babbler a huge sea star Triplewart Seadevil, preserved in a jar. Giant Tube Worm, preserved in a jar. Full size human skeleton next to my young son. Black Mastiff Bat and Big Brown Bat. Bush Hyrax Walrus skull head on. Wolverine Black rat, Shaw's Jird, Mitchell's Hopping Mouse, Wood Mouse, Brown Rat, Barbary Striped Grass Mouse. Tasmanian Devil Duck Billed Platypus and full skeleton of the same. Various hummingbirds Great Grey Owl. More various birds I didn't get the names amazing colored Paradise Tanager Moose horns Beetles arranged in a circle. Amazing collection of plants and flowers Massive Gypsum which are crystals found in Limestone caves in Mexico. Igneous Rocks, Sedimentary Rocks, Metamorphic Rocks The beautiful photo collection of frogs in the lobby. You must go here if you like animals. You must go here even if you don't like animals. You must go hear for the fish, the bugs, the stuff preserved in a jar. So many things to look at, marvel at and enjoy. If you are a teacher you have NO...

Anyone interested in the wonders of nature should make time to visit the Harvard Museum of Natural History. Visitors of all ages will find this museum in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to be an engaging and immersive experience. The museum's exquisite collection of glass flowers is one of its most notable features. The accuracy and artistry of Leopold and Rudolf Blaschka's meticulously detailed botanical models are astounding. It's difficult to accept that they are glass instead of actual plants. In addition, the museum displays a remarkable assortment of minerals and gemstones that highlight the diversity and beauty of Earth's geological formations. The exhibits are engaging and educational because they are well-curated and have insightful descriptions. The museum has a large collection of taxidermy specimens, including birds, mammals, and marine life, for zoology enthusiasts. Especially amazing are the life-sized skeletons of ancient animals, such as a massive Kronosaurus. A profound appreciation of the diversity of life on Earth is provided by the biodiversity displays. The interactive and kid-friendly exhibits are another highlight, which makes it a great spot for families. The museum offers an excellent educational setting that piques interest in science, evolution, and conservation. Friendly and informed, the staff is always happy to answer questions and share fascinating information. Despite having a large number of exhibits, the museum's layout makes it easy to navigate and never feels overcrowded. The Harvard Museum of Natural History is a unique location that blends wonder and education. This museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in science, history, or simply seeking an educational afternoon activity....