Harvard University Art Museums - Three museums in one

Three museums constitute Harvard University Art Museums - one that focuses on early Italian, Dutch, French, and American art; another that delves in the world of Egyptian, Asian, Islamic, and Indian artwork; and a third that features Northern European paintings, including post-WWII pieces by German artists. The result: almost too much imagery, color, and culture to take in during one day. The good news is you can always come back.

Located just outside the gates of Harvard Yard, the museums - two of which share a building and the third which is directly across the street - are an stimulating option for spending an afternoon in Harvard Square. They are affordable, under $10 for adults for admission to all three museums, or free if you arrive before noon on Saturdays. And they are filled with room after room of provoking paintings, drawings, and sculptures.

The largest and best known of the three, the Fogg Museum, includes artwork from masters including Paul Cezanne, Pablo Picasso, Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet, Henri Matisse, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. The Busch-Reisinger Museum, located in the building that houses the Fogg, holds a collection of abstract and contemporary work from Eastern and Northern European countries. Across the street, the Arthur M. Sackler Museum houses collections from Ancient Rome, Asia, India, and Egypt.

Getting There

Parking in the area is tough, but the museums are a quick walk from Harvard Square. If you drive, there are one- and two-hour metered spots around Cambridge Common and on other side streets around Harvard Square. There are also several parking garages, although they tend to be somewhat expensive. Parking on Sundays at the metered spots is free, but finding an empty spot is difficult. You can also reach Harvard Square by several bus routes and via the subway's Red Line. The art museums are on Quincy Street, on the opposite side of Harvard Yard from Harvard Square. An online map from the museums' Web site may be helpful.

Web Links

Harvard University Art Museums

Author: C. Danko
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