Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near East 🇺🇸

Step into history at the Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near East, a unique institution located at 6 Divinity Avenue in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Originally founded in 1889 as the Harvard Semitic Museum, this fascinating site invites you to explore a rich institutional past that reflects Harvard's dedication to studying ancient history. Designed by the architectural firm A. W.

Longfellow, the building broke ground in 1900, completed construction in 1902, and officially opened its public spaces in February 1903. When you visit, you will engage with a museum that has weathered significant moments in American history. The facility was repurposed during World War II, causing a public closure from August 1942 until April 1946, followed by a second closure from 1958 to 1982. In October 1970, the third floor—which housed the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs—was even impacted by a bomb detonation during campus anti-Vietnam War protests.

Today, as a member of the Harvard Museums of Science and Culture consortium established in December 2012, the museum continues its core mission under its updated name, adopted in April 2020. You can explore its physical galleries or experience a detailed virtual tour featuring numerous historical artifacts.

What to see at Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near East

• Founded in 1889 and located at 6 Divinity Avenue since 1903
• Historic structure designed by architectural firm A. W. Longfellow
• Part of the Harvard Museums of Science and Culture consortium
• Virtual tour availability providing detailed views of museum artifacts

Visiting tips

Take advantage of the online virtual tour to view the museum's artifacts in detail from anywhere.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Daytime

How to get there & what’s nearby

Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near East is easy to reach on Cambridge’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Fitzwilliam Museum and Harvard Art Museums. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Cambridge travel guide.