Top Things to Do in Cambridge, MA, for a Memorable Experience.
Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a bustling city across the Charles River from Boston. As one of the country’s most culturally-rich cities, it boasts various activities and attractions to explore. So whether you’re a history buff, art enthusiast, or foodie, there’s something for everyone in Cambridge.
One of the most notable things to do in Cambridge is to visit the prestigious Harvard University. Founded in 1636, this Ivy League school is known for its beautiful architecture, sprawling campus, and esteemed academic programs.
Visitors can explore the grounds on a guided tour, visit the Harvard Art Museums, or catch a game at the Harvard Stadium.
For those interested in science and technology, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is another must-see attraction in Cambridge.
With a long list of notable alums and groundbreaking research, the campus has impressive buildings and cutting-edge technology. Visitors can also explore the MIT Museum and see exhibits on artificial intelligence, robotics, and more.
In addition to its world-renowned universities, Cambridge boasts a thriving arts scene. The city has several theaters and performance venues, including the American Repertory Theater and the Central Square Theater.
Visitors can catch a Broadway show, an indie film screening, or a local band playing at one of the city’s many bars and music venues.
Harvard Square
Harvard Square is a bustling community center in the heart of Cambridge, Massachusetts. The area is home to restaurants, coffee shops, theaters, and public art. It’s a neighborhood hub and a destination for both locals and visitors.
Home to some of the best award-winning pizzas in Boston, Harvard Square is also a great place to catch some of the best music in the area.
Harvard Square Music Venue has hosted Mission of Burma, JEFF the Brotherhood, and Man Overboard.
Harvard Square is located between the intersections of Brattle Street, Mount Auburn Street, and John F. Kennedy Street. Many buses and the Red Line train stop here, making it easy to explore the area.
There are several parks and a 16-acre common in the surrounding area. It’s also home to the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology.
The Harvard Museum of Natural History
Harvard Museum of Natural History is an educational museum in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Its collection includes animal and plant specimens and offers various hands-on educational programs. In addition to the exhibits, the museum hosts public lectures by Harvard scientists and authors.
The museum draws on the collections of three of Harvard’s natural history research institutions, including the Harvard University Herbaria and the Museum of Comparative Zoology.
These research museums have over 21 million specimens, and the museum displays them in 17 galleries.
Harvard’s collection of glass flowers, a 4,000-model collection of realistic glass replicas of plants, is a highlight of the museum. They were created by father-and-son glass artists Leopold and Rudolph Blaschka.
The museum’s permanent exhibits are the awe-inspiring Birds of the World gallery, the Great Mammal Hall, and the Mineralogical and Geological Museum. These exhibits showcase a wide selection of mammals, birds, and marine invertebrates.
MIT Museum
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Museum in Cambridge is a museum that presents exhibits and programs that explore the intersection of science, technology, and art. While it is geared toward adults, the MIT Museum hosts events for kids and teenagers.
Visitors to the MIT Museum can enjoy exhibitions and programs examining technology’s positive and negative effects. They can also learn about the history of MIT and the university’s achievements.
In addition to regular special exhibitions, the MIT Museum presents programs, workshops, demonstrations, and events.
Several exhibits at the MIT Museum, such as the Berenice Abbott exhibit, highlight her scientific visualization work. Another exhibition features the work of Arthur Ganson.
Ganson created a substantial kinetic sculpture featuring over 5,000 moving parts. Some of the machines are driven by motors, while others are self-operating.
Harvard Art Museums
Cambridge, Massachusetts, has many attractions, including the Harvard Art Museums. This institution has been welcoming visitors since 1895.
The museum has a collection of over 250,000 works of art. They display items from the Old and New Worlds and impressionist and Bauhaus painters.
In addition to the museum, hundreds of special programs are offered throughout the year. Children under 18 are welcome to visit for free. There are also half-day tours available so visitors can learn about specific periods of history.
Another must-see is the Fogg Museum. This museum features exhibits spanning from the Middle Ages to modern times. In addition, you can tour the museum’s historical atrium, which is topped by a glass pyramid.
Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology
The Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology is one of the oldest museums in the world. Founded in 1866, the museum is located on the campus of Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Visitors can explore a diverse collection of anthropological artifacts and archival records there. In addition to archaeology, the museum specializes in ethnology and osteology.
While Peabody Museum has changed dramatically since its founding, it still focuses on anthropological material from around the globe.
As a result, the museum has a vast collection of over 1.2 million objects. Its collections include archaeological and ethnographic materials from Europe, Asia, South America, and the Pacific Islands.
Peabody Museum is open nine to five every day. However, it is closed on Christmas Day and Thanksgiving. It also hosts special exhibitions that include a traveling exhibit about Lakota culture.