Cambridge: Glass Garden at Harvard Museum of Natural History

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Glass Garden at Harvard Museum of Natural History

Cactus (yes, that’s really glass) blue iris, rhododendron, mountain laurel, water lily, orchids, red maple, goldenrod and coffee plant — the Glass Flowers of Harvard are always in bloom. Called “the Sistine Chapel of the glass world,” over 840 scientifically accurate, life-size plant species were crafted by father and son glass artists Leopold and Rudolph Blaschka from 1887 through 1936 in their studio near Dresden, Germany. A restoration effort is underway, but the majority of the collection will continue to be on display. Open: 9 am – 5 pm daily. Closed on major holidays. [ info ]