# Directions and Parking ## expand\_more ![A map of the HMSC museums.](/sites/g/files/omnuum6316/files/2026-03/area_map_01.jpg) ## MBTA Subway Take a Red Line train OUTBOUND from Boston or Alewife INBOUND to Harvard Square (Alewife Station, located off Route 2 in Cambridge, has a garage with $9.00 all day parking ($3.00 on weekends). The Harvard Square T station has multiple exits; take a Massachusetts Avenue exit. Once above ground, look for the Harvard Yard gates and walk diagonally (north-northeast) through Harvard Yard to the other side, and out the gates. The Science Center will be directly in front of you, with Memorial Hall on the right (the large, ornate, brick building with tower, home of Sanders Theater). Proceed into the Science Center, passing the Cabot Science Library and Clover Cafe on your right, until you approach the east-west axis of the building. Turn right (east) at the desk, and proceed toward the glass doors at the far end of the corridor. After passing the Science Center courtyard, the entrance to The Putnam Gallery will be the first grey double doors on the right. Access to the The Special Exhibitions Gallery on the second floor will be up the double flight of stairs opposite from the Putnam Gallery entrance. There is also a bank of elevators just around the corner to the right.). ## MBTA Commuter Rail Take the Fitchburg Line to the Porter Square stop. Exit the rail pad onto Somerville Avenue, the turn West, and turn left onto the Beacon Street bridge. Proceed approximately 100 yards south, then make a gentle right onto Oxford Street. Follow Oxford Street 3/4 of a mile to the Harvard Science Center, 1 Oxford Street (where Oxford Street intersects Kirkland Street at a right angle.). Enter the building on your right through the doors up the steps. The entrance to The Putnam Gallery will be the second grey double doors on the left. Access to the The Special Exhibitions Gallery on the second floor will be up the double flight of stairs opposite from the Putnam Gallery entrance (There is also a bank of elevators located down the corridor just past the Science Center courtyard.). ## Bike Share [Bluebikes](https://www.bluebikes.com/) is Metro Boston’s public bike share program. The majority of bike-docking stations are available year-round, but in winter, it’s best to confirm station locations. View the [Bluebikes map ](https://member.bluebikes.com/map/)to locate the bike docking station across the street from the museum entrance. ## Parking #### **Off-campus Parking** There are a limited number of two-hour metered spaces located on Oxford and Kirkland Streets. These meters only accept US quarters or credit cards or you can pay via the [parking app](https://www.passportparking.com/). After 8:00 pm the meters do not require coins but may be restricted to Cambridge residents. Parking is free on Sundays, and resident permits are not required. Please read the street signs carefully. #### **Commercial Garages** There are [commercial parking garages](https://www.harvardsquare.com/venue_type/parking/) in Harvard Square; however, the museum cannot validate parking for those businesses. #### **University Permit Parking** Limited parking is available for museum visitors in nearby University-operated garages including the 52 Oxford Street Garage, located at the intersection of Everett and Oxford Street. Permits must be purchased in advance. Day permits (valid until 11:00 pm) can be purchased online up to two weeks in advance and range in price between $13 to $25 per pass. All major credit cards are accepted and sales are final. For customer service related to the purchase of permits, please contact the Harvard Parking Office at [(617) 496-7827](tel://(617)%20496-7827) or . Weekend permits for the 52 Oxford Street Garage can also be purchased in person at the museum's admission desk. A license plate number is required for purchase. #### **Purchasing a parking pass online** Before proceeding to the online form, please note the following: - Go to [Harvard University Online Parking Permit System (HOPPS)](https://hopps.vpcs.harvard.edu/) - Register as a "Visitor." - Search Parking - Select the reason for your visit from the drop-down menu, such as "Museum Tour," "Event Participant," or "Other." - Enter the desired date and Permit Type, such as "Weekday" or "Weekend," then choose Search - In the Harvard University Destination field, enter Harvard Museum of Natural History - Select a parking location: [52 Oxford Street Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/2/edit?mid=1P6SeAm7LLGGQn8qmEsVVjG7xJaxQjpw&usp=sharing) in Harvard University's Northwest Building is the closest to the Harvard Museum of Natural History. The 52 Oxford Street Garage is open seven days a week. - Add to Cart - Click the Cart icon in the upper right to pay - Print out the permit - Remember to bring your printed permit when you park #### **Accessible Parking** The 52 Oxford Street Garage has both ADA Accessible and Disability parking. For further information, see [Harvard University Accessible Parking](https://transportation.harvard.edu/campus-accessibility/parking). #### **Tour and School Buses** Tour and school buses must get detailed bus parking instructions from the Education Department by calling reservations at [(617) 495-2341](tel:///(617)%20495-2341).