Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments

The Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments at Harvard University maintains and exhibits over 20,000 scientific tools spanning multiple centuries of technological advancement.

Harvard University started acquiring scientific instruments in 1672, establishing a formal collection in 1950 to preserve educational and research materials.

The museum contributes to academic research through collaborations between instrument scholars, museum professionals, and Harvard faculty investigating object-based knowledge production.

Located at 1 Oxford Street in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the museum welcomes visitors without admission fees from Monday through Friday between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

This collection stands among the three largest university collections of historical scientific instruments worldwide, documenting the evolution of science education.

Location: Cambridge

Inception: 1950

Part of: Harvard Museums of Science and Culture

Address: 1 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

Phone: +(617)4952779

Website: https://chsi.harvard.edu

GPS coordinates: 42.37650,-71.11610

Latest update: May 17, 2025 10:26