Fogg Museum
Museum Harvard art museum specializing in Western art
At Harvard University, the Fogg Museum houses European and American paintings, prints and decorative arts; visitors come for rotating exhibitions and academic collections in Cambridge.
The Fogg Museum is Harvard University’s principal museum of Western art and one of the founding components of the Harvard Art Museums. The original collection and museum institution date to the late 19th century and the Fogg has long served a teaching and research role for the university.
Galleries focus on European and American paintings, sculptures, photographs and works on paper, and the institution operates study rooms and conservation laboratories for academic use. The museum building and collection were consolidated and reopened as part of the Harvard Art Museums project in the 2010s.
The Fogg is located on the Harvard University campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, immediately adjacent to Harvard Yard and within walking distance of the Allston/Cambridge transit points.
- Teaching museum: Founded in the late 19th century, the museum forms the teaching and research core of Harvard's art collections and reopened after a major renovation and consolidation in the 2010s.
What to See #
- Fogg building: Part of the Harvard Art Museums complex that includes the Fogg, Busch-Reisinger and Arthur M. Sackler collections; the building houses galleries for Western art and study spaces for students and researchers.
How to Get to Fogg Museum #
Located in Harvard Square, Cambridge. From Harvard Square MBTA station (Red Line) it is a short walk to Quincy Street. Street parking is limited; public transit is recommended.
Tips for Visiting Fogg Museum #
- Buy timed-entry tickets in advance, especially on weekends and during special exhibitions.
- Don't skip the Study Room programs - they allow closer looking at works on paper and objects often kept in storage.
- Combine the visit with a walk through Harvard Yard and the nearby cafés in Harvard Square for a fuller Cambridge afternoon.
Best Time to Visit Fogg Museum #
Any time the museum is open; buying timed tickets ahead reduces queue time, particularly in summer or during special exhibitions.
Weather & Climate near Fogg Museum #
Fogg Museum's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental - Hot-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -8°C to 30°C. Abundant rainfall (1133 mm/year), wettest in November, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -8°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm).
Comfort
Weather
February
February is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -7°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm).
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm).
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm).
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).
Comfort
Weather
June
June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm).
Comfort
Weather
July
July is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm).
Comfort
Weather
August
August is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).
Comfort
Weather
September
September is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm).
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm).
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (105 mm).
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm).
