Meyer Gate

Meyer Gate is a decorative wrought iron entrance at Harvard Yard in Cambridge that connects the Yard with the Science Center Plaza. The structure features an ornamental arch with a lamp, a shield inscribed with '79', and a script letter 'M' honoring the Meyer family.

The gate was completed in 1891 and funded by George von Lengerke Meyer, a graduate from the class of 1879, as a lasting tribute to his time at Harvard. This gift was part of a broader tradition where alumni honored the university through architectural contributions.

The gate displays a German inscription 'Fearless and True' that reflects values important to the university community. Visitors passing through notice these words and often pause to consider what they mean for their own journey through this academic space.

The gate sits at a natural crossroads between the main Yard and the Science Center Plaza, making it easy to spot while navigating the campus. It remains accessible throughout the day and serves as a useful landmark when orienting yourself within this part of the university.

The gate features a quotation from Ralph Waldo Emerson's 1836 journal, where he reflected on the gatherings and intellectual life of the college. This literary reference connects the entrance to Harvard's broader scholarly traditions in an understated way.

GPS coordinates: 42.37564,-71.11671

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:01