Busch–Reisinger Museum

The Busch-Reisinger Museum houses artworks from German-speaking regions spanning from the medieval period through contemporary times, organized across gallery spaces that showcase paintings, sculptures, and decorative objects. The collection comprises approximately 15,000 works representing diverse artistic movements and techniques across Central and Northern European traditions.

The institution was founded in 1903 to preserve art from German-speaking regions and relocated to a new building in 1920 after receiving significant support from benefactors. Over the following decades it became the primary repository of Germanic artistic traditions in North America.

The collection reflects how artists from German-speaking regions interpreted their world through Secession, Expressionism, and modern design movements that continue to influence contemporary art today. Works by these artists show the values and perspectives that shaped Central and Northern European culture during pivotal moments in the 20th century.

The museum sits within the Harvard campus and is accessible on foot with minimal barriers, though there are some steps at the entry level. Plan to spend two to three hours exploring the galleries at a comfortable pace.

The collection includes rare prints and drawings from German-speaking regions that are not commonly seen in public displays, alongside lesser-exhibited works by significant artists of the era. Many visitors overlook these graphic collections despite their value in revealing artistic experimentation.