Summer Solstice Celebration 2018: Night at the Harvard Museums of Science & Culture

Date: 

Thursday, June 21, 2018, 5:00pm to 9:00pm

Location: 

Harvard Museums of Science & Culture, 11 Divinity Avenue
Summer Solstice Celebrants

Free Special Event Open to the Public

 
On the longest day of the year, explore the world and have fun at the Harvard Museums of Science & Culture's Summer Solstice Celebration. From 5:00–9:00 pm, enjoy free admission to four museums: the Harvard Semitic Museum, the Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology, the Harvard Museum of Natural History, and the Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments.
 

Start off with a visit to our newest exhibitions

Then step outdoors for a host of fun activities

  • Make a summer crown with fresh flowers and greens to wear during the event

  • Marvel at circus performers 

  • Get up close to nature at the animal farm

  • Find sustenance from the event food trucks

  • Enter the raffle to win HMSC museum memberships and special gifts from our museum shop.

Join us for this festive community evening! Stay tuned for the complete event schedule. In case of rain, the event will move inside the museums.

Free event parking is available at the 52 Oxford Street Garage. Please note that Divinity Avenue will be closed to traffic during the event.

The Harvard Museums of Science & Culture are an 8-minute walk through historic Harvard Yard from the Harvard Square MBTA Red Line station.

Activities Preview

Time: 5:00 pm–7:30 pm

Location: 11 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts

Activities are appropriate for all ages. In case of rain, activities will take place indoors (check printed schedules at museums for final locations).

Flower Crowns
Design your own summer crown with seasonal flowers, garden greens, and ribbons (while supplies last).

Mesopotamian Sun Medallions
Create a medallion dedicated to the sun and learn how to write in cuneiform like the ancient Mesopotamians.
 
Fire Jumping
Some cultures mark the start of a new solar cycle by crossing over cleansing fire. Take part in this tradition by jumping over the museums’ “bonfire” and earn a flame tattoo.
 
Animal Craze Traveling Farm
Meet and greet a few furry farm animals visiting the museums to celebrate the beginning of summer.
 
Kolam Art
Participate in the making of kolams, South Indian geometric drawings made with rice flour or chalk. Kolams symbolize prosperity and good luck. They are drawn on the ground in front of homes during festivals and other special occasions.
 
Summer Bubbles!
Experiment with a variety of tools to create magnificent bubbles of all sizes.
 

Food Trucks

Time: 5:00 pm until sunset

Location: 11 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts

In case of rain, food trucks will not be available

Ben & Jerry’s ice cream

Bon Me pan-Asian delights

Sheherazad Middle Eastern cuisine

 

Generous support provided by the Massachusetts Cultural Council

Massachusetts Cultural Council logo