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Harvard Museum of Natural History The Harvard Museum of Natural History (HMNH) is the public museum of the University's three natural history institutions: the Botanical Museum, the Museum of Comparative Zoology, and the Mineralogical and Geological Museum. Through exhibitions and an array of educational programs, the HMNH presents a historic and interdisciplinary exploration of science and nature. Throughout the year, the HMNH presents changing exhibitions, lectures, events, and international travel opportunities to visitors and members. Ongoing Exhibitions The botanical galleries feature the internationally acclaimed Ware Collection of Blaschka Glass Models of Plants, known as the Glass Flowers. This unique collection of more than 3,000 models was created by the glass artisans Leopold Blaschka and his son, Rudolph. The commission began in 1886, continued for five decades, and represents more than 830 plant species.
The zoological galleries feature examples of animals ranging from the earliest prehistoric creatures, including dinosaurs, fossil invertebrates, and reptiles, to today's mammals, birds, and fish from around the world. Exhibition highlights include one of the first Triceratops ever found, the world's only mounted Kronosaurus, a 42-foot-long prehistoric marine reptile, and "Arthropods: Creatures that Rule," a window into the amazing world of spiders, insects, crustaceans, and their relatives. The mineralogical galleries include extraordinarily comprehensive mineral collections displayed both systematically and thematically, sparkling displays of gemstones in both rough and cut examples, including a 1,642-pound amethyst geode, and "Impact," a new multimedia exhibit on the the exceptional selection of meteorites. Additional gallery highlights include "Climate Change: Our Global Experiment," developed with the Harvard University Center for the Environment, which looks at the scientific study of climate and presents current research and policy choices that will impact the future of the planet. Throughout the year, the Museum presents an exciting array of changing exhibits highlighting collections and research of Harvard University not usually on display. Current exhibitions include "Nests & Eggs," on the diversity of ways that birds nurture and protect their young, "Celebration of Color," on bird coloration and sexual dimorphism, and "Looking at Animals: Photographs by Henry Horenstein," (opening 9/28/2007). For more information on the current exhibits, please call (617) 495-3045 or explore www.hmnh.harvard.edu. Children's classes and programs In the Museum's hands-on educational workshops, children and families can experience the thrill of discovery, exploring natural history against the backdrop of world-renowned collections. Programs change seasonally and represent the Museum's diverse galleries and research. From dinosaurs to geodes, cheetahs to meteorites, there is a class to spark one's imagination. For adults, there are hands-on workshops based on the collections; topics range from scientific illustration to human evolution and biodiversity. For more information, please call (617) 495-2341 or email reservations@oeb.harvard.edu. Regular programs include Nature Storytime on weekends at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., and monthly Sunday 2 p.m. programs for middle-school children and families. Museum membership HMNH members support one of the nation's finest university-based natural history museums and its efforts to present the collections and research of Harvard University to the public. Members receive free, unlimited admission to the entire museum complex; discounts on education programs and on purchases at the museum shop; access to one of three affiliated natural history libraries; invitations to special members-only events, such as exhibition openings and behind-the-scenes tours; and the opportunity to travel to exotic international destinations with museum scientists. For more information, call (617) 496-6972 or email members@oeb.harvard.edu. Public programs The Museum offers evening lectures and courses that are open to the public. For further information about events, call (617) 495-2773 or sign up for the Museum's e-newsletter at www.hmnh.harvard.edu. Group visits The Museum offers group tours of specific exhibit areas for school, college, and adult groups. For more information, call (617) 495-2341 or email reservations@oeb.harvard.edu. General information
Location: 26 Oxford St., Cambridge, MA 02138 The Museum is handicap accessible.
Copyright 2007 President and Fellows of Harvard College
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