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Visit Harvard

Tour our historic campus, explore our expansive collections, and learn about our cutting-edge scholarship.

The Harvard University Visitor Center is closed for winter recess starting Saturday, December 21. The office will reopen for regular business hours on Monday, January 6.

Students sitting at the information desk in front of a bright orange wall and screen.

The Harvard University Center is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Harvard University Visitor Center

Harvard University established the Visitor Center in 1962 as the front door to the University, where students greet visitors from all over the world, answer questions about campus, and provide official tours of Harvard.

Email visitor_center@harvard.edu

Tours

Historical places, hidden gems, iconic figures, famous traditions, and world-changing scholarship can be found on the official Harvard tours. Our tours are led by students and are offered both in-person and virtually.

Explore all of our tours

Historical Tour of Harvard

The free, student-led public walking tour through Harvard Yard provides a history of the University, general information, and a unique view on the student experience.

Register for the tour

Visit Harvard mobile app

This free mobile app features a self-guided walking tour through Harvard Yard that highlights the history behind iconic buildings, traditions, alumni and more.

Learn more about the app

Explore on your own

Turn virtually any corner at Harvard and you’ll find something that leaves you feeling inspired. Explore the places, ideas, artifacts, and moments that make us who we are.

Find more at our museums

Harvard Libraries virtual exhibits

Explore the exhibits

Virtual tour of the Harvard Museum of Natural History

Explore the museum

Harvard and the legacy of slavery walking tour

Explore the tour

Places we love

Harvard community members share their favorite places on campus.

Explore all of the spots around campus

Charles River

“In May, the Charles hosts the run of thousands (millions?) of alewives swimming upstream to spawn, accompanied by black-crowned night herons, great blue herons, double-crested cormorants, ospreys, and other predators. I have seen large turtles, 2-foot-long carp, common mergansers, bufflehead ducks, muskrats, Norway rats, and Canada geese from these vantage spots." Rob Gogan, Recycling and waste manager, Facilities Maintenance Operations

Tercentenary Theatre

“I especially like being there at night, when it’s more peaceful, sitting on the steps of Memorial Church or Sever Hall. I’ve spent a lot of time there: Commencement, presidential inaugurations, Harvard’s 375th, special convocations, Harvard College student events, and on many other occasions over the past 25 years. That space just brings back so many great memories!” Jason Luke Associate director, custodial and support services

Class of 1959 Chapel

“I loved the [Class of 1959] Chapel on the Harvard Business School campus, for the water gardens. When I needed to have a deep conversation with someone or 10 minutes alone, I would go sit amidst the plants under the glass walls and ceiling. I still drop by when I am back on campus.” Theresa Tribble, Harvard Business School ’09

Find an event

Harvard offers many on-campus and online events open to the public.

Browse our upcoming events

December 23, 2024 11:00am – 4:00pm EST In-person

Measuring Difference

December 23, 2024 11:00am – 4:00pm EST In-person

Measuring Difference

Measuring Difference
March 06, 2025 4:00pm – 5:00pm EST Hybrid

Kim and Judy Davis Dean’s Lecture in the Arts with Celeste Ng

March 06, 2025 4:00pm – 5:00pm EST Hybrid

Kim and Judy Davis Dean’s Lecture in the Arts with Celeste Ng

Kim and Judy Davis Dean’s Lecture in the Arts with Celeste Ng

Maps and directions

Whether traveling by car, bus, train, or foot, there are plenty of ways to get to Harvard. Find your best option.

Explore our campus