Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology

The Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology is a research institution at Harvard University housing approximately 1.2 million objects from six continents. The collection includes archaeological finds, photographs, documents, and ethnological pieces that document human cultures across thousands of years.

The museum was established in 1866, starting with prehistoric artifacts from the Merrimack Valley. The building underwent three major expansions between 1877 and 1913 to accommodate the growing collections.

The collections feature objects from North America, Mesoamerica, and Pacific regions that show the crafts and ceremonies of different peoples. Visitors can see how these items reflect the daily lives and traditions of their source communities.

The museum is typically open Tuesday through Sunday, with certain days offering free or reduced admission for local residents. Collections are organized across multiple galleries on several floors, so it helps to get an overview map when you arrive.

The museum recently made digital archives of 32,000 photographs and 20,000 records from the Marshall Family Collection available online. These materials offer a rare window into life among the Khoi and San peoples of southern Africa across many decades.

Operator: Harvard University

Phone: +16174961027

Website: https://peabody.harvard.edu

GPS coordinates: 42.37816,-71.11503

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:25