Gates of Harvard Yard

A one-of-a-kind guided tour through the iconic gates of Harvard Yard, led by Pulitzer Prize–winning architecture critic Blair Kamin.

Harvard is America’s oldest university, and nothing symbolizes the institution quite like Harvard Yard, defined by the twenty-five gates that frame it. Surprisingly, while the university was founded in 1636, the gates were mostly constructed in the past 125 years. In a relatively brief period of time, they have come to represent not only Harvard but also the ideal vision of the American university, complete with greensward and stately buildings where students come from all over the world.

The essays in this beautifully illustrated book were written by Harvard students and Nieman Fellows led by Pulitzer Prize–winning architecture critic Blair Kamin, who edited the collection and introduces it. Each chapter reveals the story behind a particular gate, illuminating Harvard’s complex history and its place within the broader stories of Boston and America. There is here a deep reverence for the role of space in fostering identity and community. Designed primarily by renowned architects McKim, Mead & White, the gates are crafted from brick, stone, and wrought iron, each reflecting Harvard’s evolving sense of itself.

This edition includes a new afterword by Kamin, as well as a fresh chapter on Harvard Yard’s latest gate, built in 2020 and inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Alongside architectural history, the chapters highlight personal stories—from the reminiscences of esteemed alumni to a mother’s tribute to her son—demonstrating that these gates have become much more than practical passageways.