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Explore the ideas, artifacts, people, and places that have shaped our history for nearly 400 years.

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.

Harvard Visitor Center tours

All tours are 45 to 60 minutes long. Registration is required in advance for both in-person and virtual tours. Weekly tour registration will be available every Friday. You can download the Visit Harvard mobile app on iOS and Android devices. During business hours you may purchase a Self-Guided Tour Map for $3 available in multiple languages.

For information about Harvard College Admissions tours for prospective students, visit their website.


A student giving a tour in Harvard Square

On campus

Official 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 students’ individual experience. 

Register for the in-person tour

Visit Harvard mobile app

Explore Harvard with our free mobile app, featuring a collection of self-guided walking tours. Whichever tour you decide to embark on, you’ll be sure to learn something new.

Download the app on iOS and Android devices.

Historical Tour of Harvard

Learn the history behind well-known spots across Harvard’s campus! Each stop highlights iconic buildings, traditions, alumni, and much more.

Harvard Public Art & Culture Tour: Allston

Explore vibrant public art in Allston! You’ll encounter can’t-miss installations along Western Avenue and learn the stories behind them and their artists.

Harvard Public Art & Culture Tour: Cambridge

Discover a new side to our campus through an art-filled adventure! Explore outdoor art, famous architecture, renowned cultural institutions, and more.

Discover more Harvard tours

From nature walks to art galleries, these tour offerings include virtual options, in-person experiences, student and staff-led excursions, and more.


An old drawing of Harvard Yard

Tour spotlight

Harvard and the Legacy of Slavery

The Harvard and the Legacy of Slavery Walking Tour Experience explores Harvard University’s entanglements with the institution of slavery through a 10-stop tour around Harvard’s campus.

Learn more about the tour

Prospective students people taking photos of the John Harvard statue

Harvard College In-Person Campus Visit
Options: in-person, student-led

Harvard College Virtual Tour
Options: virtual

SEAS Tours
Options: in-person, student-led

Harvard Business School
Options: in-person, virtual, student-led, mobile

Harvard Law School Virtual Tour Video
Options: virtual

Arts and culture people looking at paintings on a wall

Harvard and the Legacy of Slavery
Options: mobile

Harvard Art Museums: Student Guided Tours
Options: in-person, student-led

Harvard Art Museums: Gallery Tours
Options: in-person, self-guided, staff-led

Nature a guide giving a tour in the arboretum

Harvard Forest Field Trips & Tours
Options: virtual, in-person, staff-led, self-guided

Arnold Arboretum: All Tours
Options: in-person, virtual, staff-led, self-guided

Museums and libraries a person looking at colorful plant pressings

Peabody Museum: All Tours
Options: in-person, virtual, self-guided, staff-led

Houghton & Widener In-Person Tours
Options: in-person, staff-led

Widener 360-Degree Virtual Tour
Options: virtual, self-guided

Houghton Library Virtual Tour
Options: virtual

Harvard Museums of Science & Culture: Virtual Tours
Options: virtual, self-guided

Frequently asked questions