What an enjoyable afternoon, a little expensive, however non the less an enjoyable afternoon. The exhibitions were varied, the Bauhaus clearly my favorite! The interior of the building and layout of rooms makes the visit delightful, easy and relaxing. read more

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The Harvard Museum combines the star power of the MFA with the manageability of a smaller museum. Considering the magnificent size and scope of Harvard's collection, the museum itself is actually pretty compact, so it's manageable to see in a few hours. The pretentious plural title comes from the fact that one building now houses the former Fogg Museum (Western art), Sackler Museum (Eastern art), and Busch-Reisinger Museum (German art). But walking through the museum, you don't notice a stark difference between the 3 formerly separate collections: although the galleries are split up over 3 floors, they are integrated seamlessly. The 4th floor is an art study center, and the 5th floor is used for conservation. Besides the art, the museum has plenty of amenities, including a free coat check, lockers, a cafe, and a gift shop. The bathrooms on the first floor can get a little bit crowded because of the cafe and the ticketing desk, but there are plenty of smaller restrooms scattered throughout the building. It would be nice if Harvard offered some steeper discounts on admission, considering the size of its endowment. But since it's such a beautiful, well-curated, and well-run museum, you can justify spending $15 for a ticket. Also, all MA residents visit free with proof of residency on Saturdays from 10am-12pm. If I haven't convinced you to visit yet, you can explore over 225,000 works from the collection on their website! Whether you're a fan of architecture, German expressionism, Bernini, or East Asian screens, you will find plenty to admire here. I can't wait to see how Harvard will continue to change and rotate the collection as they come up on two years since the museum reopening! read more

Harvard Art Museums - Perfect place to relax! - Art Museums Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

So many great pieces and I normally took notes while I was visiting every time. Love this place!

Your review helps others learn about great local businesses.In reality a collection of museums occupying a block between Harvard en route to MIT, Harvard Art features several famous pieces donated from benefactors throughout the Campus' long and storied history, everything from Picasso to Van Gogh's famous Self-portrait sans-ear occupying the lower level galleries while options ranging from antiquity to current student pieces occupy the galleries in other buildings as well as upstairs. A touch pricy for admission, though there are membership and student discounts, expect to spend about 90-minutes browsing the collection. -- read more

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Woah I'm heartbroken that I loved in MA for 15 years & only got here after I moved to California. Don't let this happen you. read more

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University art collections are often hidden gems and this is no exception. Of course, because it's Harvard. The collection is exceptionally curated to provide an overview of large swaths of art history. It's basically an art history text book you can walk through, because each room has an overview of the period and each work has a concise explanation of why its relevant. It's very well done. There are three floors of galleries, as well as a few pieces in the basement level. I ended up coming back another day, rather than trying to cram it all into one afternoon. The building itself is gorgeous. There are lockers to store your things, a little cafe, and tables in the center atrium. It's a popular spot to get a little work done. read more

This definitely was a great museum experience considering it is one of the smaller museums I have visited. They have an impressive collection and a lot of variety. The grounds themselves our impressive and if you are in the area I definitely recommend stopping by! read more

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I can't speak for the museum before the renovation but the new galleries are beautiful. In the central enclave, there's a beautiful high ceiling lobby that allows you to see into the other floors. While it does have a modern feel, the columns and other structures still give off a very historic atmosphere. I had the pleasure of being at the student opening for the museum and it was great. They had a live performance and DJ as well as a under-21 drinks menu going. The coat check was a little bit of a disaster so they should probably work out the kinks there. However, the museum was wonderful. Even just on the first floor in one of the galleries of a personal patron, there were some really reputable paintings from Matisse, Monet, Degas, Van Gogh. Like the staff say, it's not just a university museum, it's on par with some of the actual art museums you will find in the US. I think the layout is quite nice because each of the floors encapsulates a theme and the amount of art and history they have within the Museum is endless. We could have spent days in there, but instead we just skimmed through the floors because of timing. read more

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It was Art Museum day!! *happy dance* Originally, the plan was to check out the MFA but my other half and I decided, since we only have a couple hours before closing for both places, we would check out this museum instead. Parking was easy - we were lucky enough to find meter parking in front. There is street parking around the area (read the signs for times and hour limits), but it's also a convenient 10 min walk from Harvard station. We went it with no specific expectations for what we would see. However, we have been to a few contemporary art and fine art museums on the west coast that we did enjoy. The building is very pretty - each floor is a completely different design so it is definitely interesting to see. Stand in the middle and just look up and enjoy it! We started from the top floor (5) and worked our way down. The top two floors are labs and study rooms. Very nice, but not much to see. As you go through the rest of the museum, you realize they have such a wide variety of galleries from all different periods and era as well as many cultures, cities and walks of life. It's definitely interesting. It's no MFA, but it's a lot bigger than it looks! You can probably spend at least a few hours in here if you went at your own pace and observed everything. I posted some photos but take a look yourself! Also, step outside and enjoy Harvard Square while you're at it :) read more

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In the middle of November,I returned to the Fogg Art Museum and spent 2 delightful days enjoying its splendid,multifarious art collections.As usual,I especially appreciated its fine collection of Late Medieval and Renaissance Period Paintings and Art.Italian paintings from the 13th and 14th Century included fine paintings by Master of Camerino,Master of Cosmas and Damian("Virgin and Christ Child"),Bernardo Daddi,Luca di Tomme("Processional Cross")Roberto Oderisi("Christ With Instruments of Passion"),Simone Martini,Ambrogio Lorenzetti("Crucifixion"),Pietro Lorenzetti,Taddeo Gaddi("Stigmatism of Saint Francis"),and Taddeo di Bartolo("Virgin and Christ Child Enthroned With Angels"),among others.I also appreciated its fine collection of Late Medieval Relics produced by French and German Craftsmen(aquamilles,reliquaries,plaques) Once again,I saw fine Renaissance Period Paintings by Fra Angelico,Giovanni Dei Paolo("Nativity"),Master of Osservanza,Sandro Botticelli,Master of the Catholic Kings(Netherlandish),Jan Provoost("Last Judgement")Aelbert Bouts("Mater Dolorosa")and Filippo Lippi("Saint Jerome in the Desert") ,among others. Since the Fogg Art Museum's art collections are so extensive,I limited this review to its excellent Medieval and Renaissance Period works of Art.I would like to thank the staff of this art museum for helping me,during my wonderful visit. read more

"Worth the time to visit and linger" My wife and I had a wonderful time visiting the Harvard Art Museums last week. The collection of Renoir, Monet and Picasso you will find some interesting works to view. read more

Very impressive museum here. Their collection rivals the MFA. I also enjoyed the walk through Harvard yard, admiring the buildings. There's a lot of art to see here (three floors) so don't read all the descriptions on the walls. Take photos and read them later. The only thing I didn't like was the emo jazz music in the gift shop. Something that impressed me here was the abstract art. It's interesting to look at abstract paintings from a side view. Maybe that's the best way to look at them? Also there were some abstract sculptures that seemed to be facing the wrong way, but I guess that's subjective. They had this big sculpture that looks like musical triangles in the atrium. I think the best view is from the second floor. Funny how this giant sculpture can arouse different emotions from different views. read more

If you are a Cambridge resident, admission is FREE! I don't know much about art, but the art looked nice. There was some art work by famous people. The architecture of the building is really cool too. The ground floor looks as if it was once and outdoor building, that had been turned into an indoor building. The glass ceilings allow lots of natural light. Its not as big as the Louvre, but it is also not as crowded as the Louvre. Ladies, do not bring large bags. They will make you store them in a locker. Also, do not wear heels. There are 5 floors, but you really only need to go to floors 1-3. There is an elevator but you might wan to take the stairs because the stairs are faster. There are also benches around for you to sit in case your feet get tired! read more

I always tell friends that university and college museums are hidden treasures and never should be overlooked, and luckily my streak of excellent museum visits continues! I've been to a handful of university art museums around the country and I have to say that the HAMs is a world-class experience both in its own architecture + opulence and in its curated content. I'd first note the housekeeping items: firstly, parking *can* be tricky and I ended up having to park at a garage ($25 for 3 hours no less) about 10 blocks away and hopping an Uber pool so I'd have time to walk about before closing. Secondly, as other reviewers have called out, this building is technically 3 in 1 so don't be confused by the "museum-s" nomenclature. Staff were very courteous and gracious while explaining how to maximize my experience and get about. Price ($15) for non-resident and non-university attendees was not exorbitant as far as high quality museums go, but for a university museum it's a bit steep. The premises were well maintained and free of litter. Wayfinding and Navigation immediately make sense because of the open and vertical layout. I was most impressed with the breadth of European and American art from the 18th and 19th centuries. I think I spent an hour alone perusing the French and American paintings. Owing to New England's history, the colonial art section was robust and quite a joy since there aren't many Copleys in midwest art museums. All in all, I got to spend nearly 2 hours in the museum and did not come close to exhausting all of the paintings offered. Highly recommend and will make a return visit when next I'm in Boston! read more

This is a not so hidden gem in the Boston area. An amazing collection of art easily accessible from the T at Harvard Square (a 5 minute walk). On Saturday's Massachusetts residents get free admission in the morning from 10-noon. I have been to the ICA and MFA and can say this museum is world class and should be part of every visitors agenda. The galleries and hallways are full of important historical pieces and contemporary artists. Free coat and bag check lockers, easy street access and worth a couple of hours of your time. read more

I was not in Cambridge pre-renovation, and so I cannot speak to the changes that have been made, but I came here with my boyfriend this Monday (opening day!) and we had a great time. The galleries are spacious and uncramped, and the art is nicely arranged. As someone who studies Islamic art, I was especially a fan of how the Islamic art was grouped together with the European medieval art--which drew so much on Islamic aesthetics, and you could really see it when it was all displayed together! We saw a Warhol. We saw a Rembrandt. We saw multiple portraits of George Washington. We kissed in front of a Monet. We were overwhelmed by the price of books in the gift shop. What more could you ask for? read more

This was absolutely the high point of our visit to the Harvard campus. Yes, I should have known they had a museum, and no, I didn't. The building is modern and they graciously provide free lockers so you don't have to lug your stuff around. It's not a massive space like MFA, but it's still decent sized. The collection is impressive: colonial portraits and a Degas ballerina were among my favorites. I did not notice this was multiple museums until I read the other reviews - the collections blend together seamlessly. Well worth a visit, and a nice break from the crowds in Cambridge. read more

An inexpensive and educational way to spend a few hours in Boston. A wide range of exhibits to see ranging from modern expressionism to ancient pottery, you'll travel century by century as you navigate the levels of this museum. A cafe on premises serves quick bites and an array of unique beverages. The lavender latte is definitely worth a try! read more

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All I can say is that I truly adore this place and I've only visited once. They have a rather sizable collection of art, but I don't hear about them as often as the MFA or ICA-- I can tell you I'd much rather revisit Harvard than the ICA, but that money is gone now...(but MFA is money well spent!!) You'll see Degas, Manet, some beautiful Bauhaus design, etc. They've got great pieces from a lot of movements. The gift shop is small but has good sale bins; I bought a very thick coffee table book for 50% off. Upstairs, there are incredibly nice staff in the education centers that are more than happy to make an appointment and show you art. The people here are friendly and enjoy their work, and it's enjoyable for visitors, too. read more

Nice place to visit... without kids! Not kids friendly despite it is free for them. Security staff will follow you and your kids up to the point you feel unconfortable. They weren't impolite at any time, but made clear to have your little one at close range. The museum itself is beautiful, the inner patio has natural illumination, and the museum has a good size, by that I mean not too big, so a few hours are enough to see the entire exposition. Regular price for an adult from out-of-state is $15. read more

The Harvard Art Museums is actually three art museums; the price of admission covers all of them and there is no discount if you only want to see one. The Fogg seems to be the largest and most popular and is the only one I visited. The Fogg is kind of like a mini-MFA. Similar caliber collection (which says a lot), but a little less of everything. Fewer galleries means you can see the whole thing in one visit. No crowds. A sterile, overpriced, 2004's-idea-of-trendy cafe. Parts of the museum are closed weekends. For example, there was an interesting article in the Boston Globe about the museum's decision to place its collection of thousands of vintage pigments on display following the recent remodel, but that part of the museum was closed during my visit. If you're looking for a terrific art museum experience but only want to devote a couple hours instead of a day, the Harvard Art Museums are worth a visit. read more

What an amazing space. The new courtyard if remarkable and unlike anything if seen. I was not around to see the old fogg, but I hear it's a great improvement. The cafe is wonderful. Although a dollar more than most cafés, we have to remember we are at a museum and not a dunkin doughnuts. Everything is made fresh everyday in house and their cold brew iced coffee is the best I've had this side of the Charles. People who complain about the price are over looking the quality of the food and the space!!! Wtg Harvard!! read more

The new museum is awesome! They have an incredible collection of art through the ages. I loved the atrium, the natural lighting in the galleries. They have some prolific artists and some beautiful pieces. The security guards were a little strange though. I guess they mistook me for a small child who was likely to touch the art because it seemed like someone was following me around in every gallery. I kept felt like they wanted to tell me not to take pictures, even though you can without flash unless a picture says no pictures. Other than that, a great way to meander an afternoon. read more

The staff here are terribly rude to the point of potentially being discriminatory. They follow you around and yell out you for poInting at a painting from 5 feet away. It seems like they profile certain people (those with kids, young people, people of color) and follow them the entire time. Rude. We won't be returning. read more

Art is a 10/10 but the people are so rude. Im a student at another school but forgot my ID, so I was told I couldn't utilize the student discount. Nbd, but when I then went to pay the admissions fee, the woman working the register had a really condescending tone, and when I finished paying and moved away from the register so my good friend (who was behind me in line) could pay, I was told to "not run away" in case "the charge didn't go through." Not sure what made the woman assume my card would get declined, but the whole interaction left a bad taste in my both. It was rude. read more

It's ok, a little bit small especially for the price. Most college art museums we've been to are free to the public- surprising with all the money Harvard has they have to charge. Considering all the libraries and other buildings you might want to see as a tourist are off limits that they don't have something like this open to the public. One guard said we were standing too close to a painting, but another was half asleep looking at his phone and barely knew we were there. read more

The Fogg Art Museum is, in a phrase: overwhelminly boring. There are so many things to be critical of that I'd need to limit & priortize my comments to complete a review. The experience, exhibits, layout and architechture are unwelcoming and not designed to make anything seem accessible. But let me cover some positive notes before my vitriol. PROS: It is located in the environs of Harvard University and thus relatively easy to get to and find. While the signage could use a dramatic upgrade the place is not hidden and when you find it the sign out front confirms it (to a degree). I believe there is a handicap ramp on the opposite parallel street to Quincy, and the lobby -atrium area is large and open (think large square). The admissions area is a hole in the wall large enough to accomodate two customer service people. There are five floors that can be accessed by stairs or elevator. The Galleries are roughly, logically organized and each level has a broad brushstroke of a variety of art that reprsents styles, artists & periods of work. There is essentially no labelling on each level of what is where so you need to have a map from admissions to navigate any place. As a museum, it is a good "starter" (think museum on training wheels) so if you've never been to a museum you could certainly come away with a feeling of "what a museum should look like". In that sense it is like a survey course without a syllabus, textbook or professor. It is clean, quiet and "organized" (more on this later). They offer a number of discounts so there's a variety of ways to get reduced or free entry. I think that covers the positives....now for assessment time. CONS: If this museum were in any other major city and didn't have the Fogg name or Harvard connection it would be an absolutely ordinary "thing to do". It would be a place to consider at the bottom of a to do list and leave you without memorable impression or ability to articulate a reason to go. The building feel (cold marble & stone, bland interior, incipid structure, mostly obnoxious & unhelpful "museum assistants" (take my word for it almost none of the four or five i spoke to were able to articulate much beyond the obvious, banal or the regulations), selection of work including layout and patron flow were nearly miserable and essentially bad and off putting. As mentioned before the majority of work is overwhelming BORING...as boring as a bag of nails. It was effortless to walk through the rooms and find ANYTHING worth spending more than a few fractions of seconds on. It is a startling mystery to imagine what a massive waste of $250 milliom + went into this place for renovations but thoughts of how that money could have actually helped people makes me realize no one involved sees the same problem. One inept museum worker told me when i asked the cost of the renovation "oh they don't share that with us" - oh really, why don't you look in the press releases of your very own website? There's also an odd architechtural quirk, since given how large the space it it feels slightly claustrophic. Which brings me to the galleries in both the old & new sections. The new levels are an abomination of space. They feel cold, antispetic, imposing and very corporate and scientificy. Both levels were closed when we vistited but we were informed that what was up there was behind glass. Great, well if i can look online it'll be the same experience loking through the glass screen of my computer! Going from room to room within each level made for an experience in itself. There are hallways and open spaces that lead to no where or conversely "just a bunch of stuff". The rooms have no sense of presentation and there are items after item that are entirely unremarkable. Many items look like they could have come from Home Goods or Pier 1 Imports (i defy anyone who isn't an expert) to distinguish some of bowls, pottery or figures from the crap at those stores. As one other reviewer noted the museum "assistants" (not sure what they were assisting on) were FAR to invasive into what people were doing. They were clearly overstaffed and must have been as bored as me trying ti find things to do until their shift was over. In the most comical (as well as most annoying) one older cratchity guard went up to a patron standing near a piece on the wall (but looking at another piece from a different vantage) and in a shrill and rather harsh voice said (imagine a mother chastizing a child) "sir you're standing too close to that piece!. I sborted and laughed a her remark to which she felt compelled to say - to me, can i please see your admissions pin. My god, what an arrogant, bored, obnoxious A-hole. "Screw you lady!". While i was fortunate to have been able to have free entry, i left feeling like i was ripped off. Now having just seen the extraordinary, effervescent, and landmark Picasso sculpture exhibit at MoMa may have spoiled me but I was at the MFA two weeks ago and they kick butt over the Fo read more

What a massive disappointment! Before the renovation the Fogg Museum used to have the most spacious sacred-feeling gallery spaces for medieval and renaissance religious art, with high ceilings and beautiful light. That former space has been transformed into cramped, unremarkable small galleries. Great collection, yes. Just sad about the loss of those first floor gallery spaces. read more

A very pleasant space and a well curated museum with a surprising breadth, but don't even think of coming here with well-behaved children. You will be glared at if your child so much as looks cross-eyed at a painting. I don't know how children are to gain an appreciation of fine art as they are stalked and harangued by what frankly are some fearsome looking docents. read more

The best art museum I have ever been to. Their collection is fantastic. The staff is very engaging. You have to go if you are in the area. Fantastic. read more

First floor has a lovely collection of Van Gogh, Picasso, and Monet paintings, which is well hidden in the right hand corner as you walk in. The second and third floors were very nice as well with Rotke, Rodin, and Monet paintings or sculptures. Totally recommended! read more

If you're a fan of modern art, I highly recommend visiting the Harvard Museums, and the Fogg Museum in particular -- the contemporary art curator does a great job at ensuring a thought provoking experience. The Fogg is beautifully designed, with a large central open atrium that transitions from traditional to modern architecture as you move upwards. The collections may not be the largest or most comprehensive of any one genre's or artist's work, but they are wonderfully curated, with much consideration put into the narrative of each grouping. read more

I'm a fan of the art collection here , which is extraordinary. However, I went to the Fogg regularly for many years, and although I don't mind the addition of the three stories, it has lost that intimate, almost sacred feel it once had. And yes, the cafe is without ambiance or any style. Really, can't they at least have a tree in the atrium, after all, it is three stories high. Oh wait, there's probably a clause in the egotistical architect's contract preventing that. If I want to go someplace stark, I'll go into an operating room. And why do all the new museum additions have such small bathrooms with doors that practically take you knees off when you leave? Sigh. read more

Really enjoyed the Corita Kent art exhibit today however the staff at the museum is curt and rude. Truly pompous. For an exhibit that expresses humanity, the staff has truly forgotten where they put theirs. read more

I have been to all major museums across the world. The crew member whose name is Nelly is extremely rude and very unprofessional. She will disturb you from the water bottle in the bag, taking the photos 5 feet away from the glass case and she speak frequently and makes noise all the time. read more

I'll start with the good here: the Harvard Art Museums have some incredible pieces in their collections, and I'm thrilled to see them on display again. Amazing antiquities from the East and West, as well as a small but stellar 20th century collection that might be better than the MFA's. Pretty much everything in between is first rate, too. Plus, fewer crowds and less costly than the MFA. The staff was also really helpful, from the cafe service to the directions I received in the galleries. The new building is nice - it feels less crowded than the old museum, but it also feels kind of generic. OK, now for the blah. Eat before you arrive: the food in the cafe is ridiculously expensive. ($7.50 for a slice of pumpkin bread and an iced tea, for example.) Admission is $15, unless you go to Harvard or live in Cambridge. (Way to keep art out of the reach of the non-privileged! Surely you could do a bit better than that given your endowment...) The "signs" that indicate no photography are less than a centimeter tall, and are only at the main entrance to a gallery. If you miss it, be aware that you'll be reprimanded. Finally, I was really looking forward to seeing the Rothkos... but it turns out they aren't all that great. They seem like they were made to flatter Harvard (the designs incorporate thinly veiled Hs) and just aren't characteristic of the rest of Rothko's work. Rather disappointing. (Perhaps that's why you're not allowed to take pictures in the gallery...) The preservation is pretty cool, but the pictures themselves aren't his best. The upshot: if you're looking for a nice collection in a small museum and not going for the food or the Rothkos, you'll have a pleasant time. read more

I came here on a sunday morning with my friend. I wasn't expecting much, and was so pleasantly surprised. There were some really famous works that I didn't realize were there. One thing that was nice was the size of the collections. The MFA can be daunting because unless you have literally all day you won't see it all. But with these collections you can see everything, and spend a nice chunk of time seeing the whole thing without spending a whole day there. The building itself is amazing. I had a really great time. read more

Lovely space, interesting exhibits, and Cambridge residents get in for free! I have to say my favorite part is the open courtyard with the great hanging metal art, which is a perfect spot to have a coffee. read more

This was my first time here - there are 4 levels and I was only able to get through part of the first level for two hours (I was with a friend and we were chatting). There are a few Picasso, Monet, Renoir pieces worthwhile to see. The way the gallery is set is helpful, the curator does group certain collections - impressionist, abstract, etc together. Worthwhile to spend a few hours here and take the time to read descriptions next to each piece and reflect for a few moments. The great part is, it's free for Cambridge residents and you are asked to lock up back packs and such in free lockers that are provided. A nice collection to see, I look forward to going back and seeing the other levels. read more

Again. . . another visit to the HAM. What a gem. The cafe has a small selection of food and delicious coffee and the nicest staff you could ever want to meet. Nice seating so you can rest up after your visit through the galleries. Nice restrooms. I try to get here often to see not only the new exhibits but also the collections. Don't miss this! read more