The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is not only one of the most famous educational establishments in the country, but its campus is also one of the architectural highlights of Massachusetts. Wander around the 168-acre (68-hectare) campus along the edges of the Charles River to admire a variety of stunning buildings and thought-provoking museums.
The university was established in 1861 and in 1916 moved to Cambridge, a town neighboring Boston. Stroll around the campus to admire some of its most impressive buildings. Explore buildings designed by 21st-century architectural heroes such as Frank Gehry, I.M. Pei and Eero Saarinen.
The modernist MIT Chapel was designed by Eero Saarinen as a windowless, cylindrical space to encourage contemplation. Marvel at the neoclassical style of the Walker Memorial and the Great Dome. The iconic and controversial Ray and Maria Stata Center is Frank Gehry’s jagged, multicolored contribution to the campus.
Visit one of the institution’s 12 museums and galleries. Explore the MIT Museum to learn about how the establishment has been at the forefront of scientific research and discovery. Exhibits cover topics such as artificial intelligence, the art of holography and student engineering prototypes.
The MIT List Visual Arts Center hosts a collection of over 3,500 artworks, including a wealth of contemporary sculptures and paintings. Come here throughout the year to see a variety of rotating exhibitions in this prestigious gallery space.
Witness the meeting of science and creativity in the MIT Center for Art, Science and Technology. Exhibits show collaborations between engineers and artists that push the boundaries of their disciplines. Marvel at the elegant geometry of the building, which was designed by I.M. Pei.
Spend an evening in the Kresge Auditorium, another building by Saarinen. The auditorium seats over 1,200 people and hosts MIT Music and Theatre Arts performances.
Take a subway or bus from Boston to Cambridge to reach the campus. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is easy to explore on foot and features a range of places to break for food and drink.
