Harvard Museum of Natural History

Harvard Museum of Natural History
Name	Harvard Museum of Natural History
Established	1998
Location	Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
Type	Natural history museum
Affiliation	Harvard University
Publictransit	Harvard Square

Harvard Museum of Natural History. It is a public-facing institution established in 1998 to present the natural history collections of Harvard University's research museums to a broad audience. Located in the University Museum Building in Cambridge, Massachusetts, it serves as the primary exhibition venue for the Museum of Comparative Zoology, the Harvard University Herbaria, and the Mineralogical & Geological Museum at Harvard University. The museum is renowned for its historic displays, including the world-famous Glass Flowers collection and extensive paleontological specimens.

History

The museum was formally created through the consolidation of public exhibition spaces from three longstanding Harvard University research entities: the Museum of Comparative Zoology, founded by Louis Agassiz in 1859; the Harvard University Herbaria, with origins dating to the 19th century; and the Mineralogical & Geological Museum at Harvard University, established in 1784. This administrative unification under the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences was designed to enhance public access to the vast scientific collections assembled by generations of Harvard scholars and global expeditions. Prior to this, the public galleries had operated somewhat independently, with the iconic Glass Flowers exhibit opening in the late 19th century through the patronage of Elizabeth Ware and her daughter Mary Lee Ware.

Collections

The museum's holdings are drawn directly from the research collections of its affiliated institutions, encompassing tens of millions of specimens. Key components include the zoological collections of the Museum of Comparative Zoology, featuring extensive ornithological and entomological specimens from global locales. The botanical collections are highlighted by the Ware Collection of Blaschka Glass Models of Plants, commonly called the Glass Flowers, created by Leopold Blaschka and his son Rudolf Blaschka. The geological collections include meteorites, minerals, and rocks curated by the Mineralogical & Geological Museum at Harvard University, while paleontological materials feature significant fossils like the Kronosaurus and specimens from the Burgess Shale.

Exhibits

Permanent exhibitions are organized into thematic galleries that showcase both classic and modern scientific displays. The Great Mammal Hall presents mounted skeletons and specimens from across the globe, including large cetaceans. The Glass Flowers gallery remains a centerpiece, displaying over 4,000 models. The Evolution gallery explores vertebrate paleontology with fossils from the Cenozoic, Mesozoic, and Paleozoic eras. Other notable exhibits include the Arthropods: Creatures That Rule display, the Mineralogical Gallery, and the New England Forests diorama, which features interactive elements and soundscapes.

Research and education

While the museum itself is primarily an exhibition venue, it is intrinsically linked to the active research missions of its parent collections at Harvard University. Specimens on display are often part of ongoing studies in systematics, biodiversity, and earth sciences conducted by scientists at the Museum of Comparative Zoology and affiliated departments like the Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology. Educational programming includes curriculum-based tours for K–12 students, public lectures by Harvard researchers, and family activities that connect to broader university initiatives in science education.

Building and facilities

The museum is housed within the historic University Museum Building on Oxford Street in Cambridge, Massachusetts, a structure it shares with the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology. The building, parts of which date to the 19th century, has undergone several renovations to modernize exhibition spaces while preserving its architectural character. Facilities include multiple gallery floors, a museum shop, and an auditorium used for public programs. The location is adjacent to other Harvard museums and is easily accessible via the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority at Harvard Square.

Public engagement

The museum engages a wide public audience through diverse programs and collaborations. It participates in city-wide events like Cambridge Science Festival and offers memberships that provide access to other Harvard museums, including the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology. Special events include evening receptions, behind-the-scenes tours with collections staff, and workshops. The museum also collaborates with external organizations such as the National Geographic Society and local school districts to expand its educational reach and community impact.

Category:Harvard University museums Category:Natural history museums in Massachusetts Category:Museums in Cambridge, Massachusetts Category:1998 establishments in Massachusetts