K-12 Group Visits
Pre-reserved groups of 10 or more receive discounted admission. Group Visits for grades K-12 offer an opportunity to make the museum your classroom and to develop focused connections between your curriculum and the 12,000 specimens on display.
General Information
We require at least 2 weeks' notice to schedule a Group Visit
$10.00 per student
One chaperone per five students admitted free
$10.00 per additional adult chaperone
Please note: One chaperone per five students is required for grades K-8. Contact us at hmnhreserve@hmsc.harvard.edu about the requirements for older students.
Group Visits are scheduled between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, 7 days a week. The maximum number of students is 150. Larger groups may need to stagger arrival times or schedule across multiple days.
How to Schedule a Visit
Please complete the online Reservation Request Form at least two weeks in advance to begin the reservations process. When the request has been reviewed, you will be contacted by the Education Department to complete the reservation.
Following a confirmed reservation, you will be emailed an invoice for your visit. Please review the information carefully, and be sure to contact us if anything is incorrect. The reservations desk can be reached at hmnhreserve@hmsc.harvard.edu or by calling 617-495-2341.
Payment and Attendance Policy
We request payment by credit card, if possible, which supports our environmental sustainability goals and reduces administrative costs.
Payment is due by the day of the scheduled visit. Payment in advance is welcome. Please reach out if this is not possible for your group.
- Accepted Payment Methods: Credit Card (preferred), Cash, or Check (payable to Harvard University). Purchase Orders (PO) must be arranged with our office in advance.
- Refunds: No refunds will be issued if your group arrives with fewer people than booked.
- Headcount Changes: You may adjust your participant numbers up to three business days before your trip.
- Day-of Additions: If you bring more than three (3) unexpected students or adults, they will be charged regular walk-in rates ($15 per student / $20 per adult).
Financial Aid
Fee reductions are available for schools with financial need. Please note if this may apply to your school in the comments/questions section of the Reservation Request Form.
Delays and Cancellations
- Delays: If your group is running late, call (617) 495-2341 (weekdays) or (617) 495-3045 (weekends).
- Cancellations: Notify the Education Department immediately by email hmnhreserve@hmsc.harvard.edu. Groups canceling within two weeks prior to a scheduled program will be charged the full fee.
- Snow Emergencies: Groups forced to cancel the morning of their visit due to a snow emergency will not be charged and are welcome to reschedule.
Additional Information
Educators are invited to visit the museum for free in advance to develop assignments for their students’ visits. Please contact hmnhreserve@hmsc.harvard.edu to arrange your free visit.
Looking for a free activity to use on your visit? Try these gallery activities.