Statue of John Harvard
Park Historic statue of John Harvard in Harvard Yard
In Harvard Yard, the statue of John Harvard draws campus visitors and students for photos and anchors tours of Harvard University’s historic buildings and museums.
The Statue of John Harvard is a bronze memorial located in Harvard Yard in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and functions as a widely photographed campus landmark and meeting point.
Positioned near the entrance to Harvard Yard, the statue is a frequent photo stop and informal gathering place for students and visitors; the statue’s right foot is polished from decades of visitors rubbing it for luck.
Erected in the 19th century as a memorial to an early benefactor of Harvard University, the statue has long been a focal point for campus tours and ceremonies; the plaque on the base contains several inaccuracies that have made the statue notable beyond its sculptural presence.
It sits within Harvard Yard on the main Harvard University campus, a short walk from Harvard Square and the Harvard transit station.
- Rubbing the foot: Rubbing the statue's right foot is a longstanding tradition believed to bring good luck; the foot is noticeably shinier than the rest of the bronze.
- Inscription oddities: The memorial plaque on the statue contains well-known inaccuracies about John Harvard and the founding date of the university, giving rise to the nickname 'Three Lies'.
How to Get to Statue of John Harvard #
A short walk from Harvard Square MBTA station (Red Line). Harvard Yard is centrally located in Cambridge and easily reachable by public transit, bike, or a longer walk from across the Charles River.
Tips for Visiting Statue of John Harvard #
- Expect crowds around the traditional photo spot at Harvard Yard where many visitors rub the statue's foot for luck - be patient and watch your belongings.
- Visit in academic term time to see the statue in context with students moving between classes; summer is quieter.
- Combine with a walk through Harvard Yard to see nearby memorials and architectural details.
Best Time to Visit Statue of John Harvard #
Best visited in spring or autumn for active campus life and pleasant walking weather.
Weather & Climate near Statue of John Harvard #
Statue of John Harvard'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 (1130 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).
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February
February is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -7°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (105 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm).
