Cambridge, Massachusetts – The Harvard Art Museums have announced an exciting new development that will significantly expand public access to their collections, exhibitions, and research. In a press release on Friday, administrators revealed a new policy offering free admission to all visitors. This initiative marks a permanent change in the museum’s approach to accessibility.
Lawrence S. Bacow, the president of Harvard University, expressed his enthusiasm for the new policy, stating, “Art is for everyone, and the Harvard Art Museums will now be free to all visitors. This initiative ensures that every visitor to our campus will now have the opportunity to view and engage with the phenomenal collections in our care at the Harvard Art Museums.” The move aligns the institution with most university-affiliated museums that already offer free admission.
According to Bacow’s office, it took several years for the university to secure sufficient funds to cover the expenses associated with maintaining the collection and supporting the staff. However, thanks to a generous contribution from the Estate of David Rockefeller, the necessary endowment has been secured.
The Harvard Art Museums underwent a major revamp around 2015, making them important centers for research and conservation. The museums house a diverse collection that spans from Ancient Greece to Postwar America. Standout pieces include a series of Mark Rothko murals commissioned by Harvard in the 1960s, materials from Bruce Nauman’s studio, and an impressive array of drawings by Netherlandish, Dutch, and Flemish Masters.
Director Martha Tedeschi expressed her excitement about the expanded access, noting the positive impact of lowering admission barriers on the Greater Boston community. “We are seeing that lowering that barrier of admission has made a difference,” Tedeschi explained to WBUR. “And we’re looking forward to just eliminating that completely so that our local audience increasingly begins to feel this is a place for them. We’ve been practicing this now for about a year and a half, and we know how it changes us, so we’re excited.”
With free admission to the Harvard Art Museums, individuals from all walks of life can now explore and engage with the rich cultural and artistic heritage that the institution has to offer. The policy shift reflects the museum’s commitment to inclusivity and ensuring that art is accessible to everyone. Visitors can look forward to immersing themselves in the diverse and captivating collections that showcase the breadth of human creativity throughout history.
The Harvard Art Museums’ free admission policy is a significant step toward fostering a vibrant and inclusive cultural environment on the university campus. It invites visitors to embrace the power of art and encourages the local community to forge deeper connections with the museum. As the doors open wide to all, the Harvard Art Museums eagerly anticipate the transformative impact of this new era of accessibility.
