Where can you find artifacts from a computer made in the 50s? How about a totally cool collection of totally useless things? That’s right, the new MIT Museum! Now at 314 Main Street, the museum recently reopened. From technology to art, there’s something to excite everyone at MIT Museum.
What’s On?
Nestled in the heart of Kendall Square, the most innovative square mile on earth, this 56,000 square foot space houses a whole lot of history. Learn about the university’s innovative culture at the “Essential MIT” gallery. Then head to the “MIT Collects” exhibit for more insights. In an audio installation co-curated with MIT Black History Project, you can hear recordings from community members reflecting on the Black experience at MIT.
Other engaging exhibits offer a glimpse at ongoing research. The galleries overflow with rotating innovations like AI robots and a virtual MIT map created on Minecraft! Artwork abounds in the galleries too. Listen to 100 different languages counting to 100 with “A Counting: Boston-Cambridge.” You can even add your own voice to the piece; find out how on the museum website.
Before visiting, check the museum’s weekly calendar. Drop-in activities happen daily along with special programming. Don’t miss your chance to peer into microscopes in the Learning Labs or test your engineering skills inside the Maker Hub.
Special Events
The fun doesn’t stop there! There’s a full line-up of events on deck for 2022 and ‘23. The annualCambridge Science Festival just kicked off the museum’s reopening. Later this October, the museum will host the first talk in aWomen In STEM Lunch Series where accomplished MIT women will share their journeys with STEM. Events continue in November during theAfter Dark Series. These after-hours events feature live music and local food vendors for guests 21+. Keep an eye on the museum’s event updates as more announcements roll out.
Know Before You Go
Getting to the museum is a breeze, thanks to its location steps from the Red Line’s Kendall/MIT station. Several MBTA bus routes also make stops nearby.
The museum runs daily from 10am–5pm. Admission can be purchased online and costs $18 for adults, $15 for seniors, and $10 for youth under 18 plus older students. Children under age five always get in free. Cambridge residents can score free admission by signing-up for the museum’s membership program.
Visit Virtually
Can’t make it in-person? Equally as exciting as the current exhibitions are the museum’s seven online collections:
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Nautical: Uncover the nation's oldest marine technology archives established in 1921.
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Art: Experience the world’s largest hologram collection.
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Architecture: View impressive drawings dating all the way back to the 1500s.
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Photography: Browse the works of notable photographers from the twentieth century.
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Science: Discover scientific advancements made by MIT and members of the Cambridge community.
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Technology: Marvel at thousands of technological developments that came out of MIT.
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MIT History: Trace MIT’s history through film, photos and more memorabilia.
Whether you’re a local or are visiting Cambridge, have a blast exploring MIT Museum. Share the experience on social media—tag @CambridgeUSA or #PictureCambridge!
