Things to do nearMassachusetts Institute of Technology
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Massachusetts is a world-renowned research university known for its iconic architecture, scientific legacy, and vibrant intellectual culture.
Founded in 1861, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology was established to advance science and practical arts in service of the nation. It moved to its current Cambridge location along the Charles River in 1916, where architect William Welles Bosworth designed the signature domed main building that anchors the campus today.
Visitors can explore the campus freely, taking in works by artists such as Alexander Calder and Henry Moore placed throughout the grounds. The MIT Museum offers engaging exhibits on robotics, holography, and the history of the institution itself.
The campus architecture spans styles from Beaux-Arts to Eero Saarinen's chapel and Frank Gehry's Stata Center, making it a rewarding destination for anyone interested in design. Guided walking tours departing from the admissions office provide context for both the buildings and the research happening inside them.
Few places in the world concentrate so much curiosity and ambition in one compact setting, making a visit to MIT a genuinely inspiring experience regardless of your background.
7-day forecast
Tips for visiting Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Visit during the spring Open House to see labs and student projects that are normally off-limits to the public.
Walk the Infinite Corridor on a clear day in early November or February when sunlight aligns perfectly with the hallway, a phenomenon locals call MIT-henge.
Stop by the List Visual Arts Center for free contemporary art exhibitions that change throughout the academic year.
Bring comfortable shoes as the campus spans both sides of Massachusetts Avenue and connects to the riverfront through a network of walkways.
Head to Kendall Square just outside campus for some of the most concentrated biotech and tech innovation in the country, along with excellent cafes and restaurants.
Top tours & experiences near Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MIT & Harvard Campus History Tour in Cambridge
Discover the histories, architecture, and campus legends of MIT and Harvard
Boston Bike Tour of 6 Neighborhoods & Fenway Park
See Boston by bike on a guided 10–12 mile City View Tour
Boston & Cambridge Private 7-Hour Guided Tour
Explore Boston and Cambridge history with private minivan transport
Private Cambridge Bike Tour of Harvard & MIT from Boston
Ride from Boston to Cambridge’s Harvard, MIT and Charles River sights
French Fry & Pairings Walking Food Tour In Harvard Square
Taste french fries and pairings on a Harvard Square walking tour
4-Hour Guided Driving Tour of Boston & Cambridge
See Boston and Cambridge highlights by minivan with optional photo stops
Guided Boston E-Bike Brewery Tour
Ride Boston’s waterfront and neighborhoods with a Harpoon Brewery stop
Central Square Cambridge Food & Mural Arts Tour
Taste local flavors while decoding Central Square's public art
Boston Food & History Guided Tour
Taste Boston classics while tracing the city's Revolutionary and immigrant past
Private Salem Witch Trials Day Trip from Boston
See Boston landmarks, then explore Salem’s witch trials history with private pickup
7-Hour Boston & Salem Guided Tour
Private Boston and Salem history tour with Revolutionary and witch-hunt stories
Guided MIT & Harvard Walking Tour in Cambridge
Trace campus history, pranks, and architecture from MIT to Harvard Square