Free Special Event Open to the Public

On the longest day of the year, explore the world and have fun at the Harvard Museums of Science & Culture's Summer Solstice Celebration. From 5:00–9:00 pm, enjoy free admission to four museums: the Harvard Semitic Museum, the Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology, the Harvard Museum of Natural History, and the Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments.

Start off with a visit to our newest exhibitions

• Learn about the microscopic organisms that make life on Earth possible in Microbial Life: A Universe at the Edge of Sight

• Discover how ancient Near Eastern kings commemorated their military triumphs and civic achievements in From Stone to Silicone: Recasting Mesopotamian Monuments

• Admire more than 600 objects from Asia, Oceania, and the Americas on display in All the World Is Here: Harvard’s Peabody Museum and the Invention of American Anthropology.

Then step outdoors for a host of fun activities

• Make a summer crown with fresh flowers and greens to wear during the event

• Marvel at circus performers 

• Get up close to nature at the animal farm

• Find sustenance from the event food trucks

• Enter the raffle to win HMSC museum memberships and special gifts from our museum shop.

Join us for this festive community evening! In case of rain, the event will move inside the museums.

Free event parking is available at the 52 Oxford Street Garage. Please note that Divinity Avenue will be closed to traffic during the event.

The Harvard Museums of Science & Culture are an 8-minute walk through historic Harvard Yard from the Harvard Square MBTA Red Line station.

Activities

Activities are appropriate for all ages. In case of rain, activities will take place indoors (check printed schedules at museums for final locations).

Flower Crowns
Design your own summer crown with seasonal flowers, garden greens, and ribbons (while supplies last).

Performances