All archaeology museums to visit in Massachusetts

Uncover the secrets of the past at 17 archaeology museums in Massachusetts. These museums feature artifacts and exhibits that reveal the history of ancient civilizations.

Are you curious about ancient civilizations and archaeological finds? Here are the archaeology museums you must see in Massachusetts:

  1. Museum of Fine Arts1

    Museum of Fine Arts

     Boston, MA
    The Museum of Fine Arts, located in Boston, Massachusetts, is recognized as one of the largest museums in the United States. Founded in 1870 and opened in 1876, the museum has grown to become a significant cultural institution, housing a diverse range of collections.
  2. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum2

    Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

     Boston, MA
    The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, located in Boston, Massachusetts, is a unique institution dedicated to the preservation and display of European and American art. The museum was founded in 1903 by Isabella Stewart Gardner, a prominent art collector and philanthropist. The museum's collection, which spans various periods and styles, is a testament to Gardner's passion for art and her commitment to sharing it with the public.
  3. Semitic Museum3

    Semitic Museum

     Cambridge, MA
    The Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near East, formerly known as the Harvard Semitic Museum, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1889. It moved to its current location at 6 Divinity Avenue in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1903. This museum is a significant part of the city's cultural landscape and offers a unique opportunity to explore the history and culture of the Ancient Near East.
  4. Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology4

    Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology

     Cambridge, MA
    The Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology is a renowned institution located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It is affiliated with the prestigious Harvard University, making it a significant part of the academic and cultural landscape of the area.
  5. Harvard Art Museums5

    Harvard Art Museums

     Cambridge, MA
    The Harvard Art Museums, located within the prestigious Harvard University, comprise three distinct museums. These include the Fogg Museum, which was established in 1895 and is known for its collection of Western art from the Middle Ages to the present; the Busch-Reisinger Museum, founded in 1903 and the only museum in North America dedicated to the study of art from the German-speaking countries of Central and Northern Europe; and the Arthur M. Sackler Museum, established in 1985, which houses collections of ancient, Islamic, Asian, and later Indian art.
  6. Pilgrim Hall Museum6

    Pilgrim Hall Museum

     Plymouth, MA
    The Pilgrim Hall Museum, situated in Plymouth, Massachusetts, is a museum dedicated to the Pilgrim Fathers. These English Puritan refugees left Leiden, Netherlands in 1620 to cross over to the New World on the Mayflower. The museum provides a rich historical context for understanding the journey and experiences of these early settlers.
  7. Fogg Museum7

    Fogg Museum

     Cambridge, MA
    The Harvard Art Museums, which are part of Harvard University, comprise three museums: the Fogg Museum, the Busch-Reisinger Museum, and the Arthur M. Sackler Museum. The Fogg Museum, founded in 1895, is the oldest of the three and has a rich history. The Busch-Reisinger Museum, established in 1903, and the Arthur M. Sackler Museum, founded in 1985, also contribute to the diverse collection of the Harvard Art Museums.
  8. Worcester Art Museum8

    Worcester Art Museum

     Worcester, MA
    The Worcester Art Museum, also known by the acronym WAM, is a fine arts museum located in the city of Worcester, USA. The museum was officially opened in 1898 and has since become a significant cultural landmark in the region.
  9. Commonwealth Museum9

    Commonwealth Museum

     Boston, MA
    The Massachusetts Archives is home to a vast collection of historical documents and artifacts. These include the state’s own copies of the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights, the 1780 Massachusetts Constitution, and the 1629 charter of Massachusetts Bay. The archives also house Revolutionary and Civil War records, documents signed by George Washington, John Adams, and John Hancock, treaties made with Native American tribes, and slave and witchcraft records. This extensive collection provides a comprehensive look into the history of Massachusetts and the United States.
  10. Alden House Historic Site10

    Alden House Historic Site

     Duxbury, MA
    The John and Priscilla Alden Family Sites is a National Historic Landmark located in Duxbury, Massachusetts. It consists of two separate properties, both of which are significant for their association with John Alden, a settler of the Plymouth Colony who came to America on the Mayflower. Alden's relationship with Priscilla Mullins was immortalized in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's The Courtship of Miles Standish, making their story a part of American folklore.
  11. Robbins Museum11

    Robbins Museum

     Middleborough, MA
    The Robbins Museum is home to a gallery, lecture hall, library, and gift shop, along with 4,550 square feet of exhibit spaces. These spaces showcase over 3,000 artifacts, providing a comprehensive view of the archaeological history of the region. Visitors can explore these exhibits, attend lectures, and even purchase souvenirs from the gift shop.
  12. Berkshire Museum12

    Berkshire Museum

     Pittsfield, MA
    The Berkshire Museum, located in Pittsfield, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, is a unique blend of art, natural history, and ancient civilization. Founded in 1903 by local paper magnate Zenas Crane, the museum was inspired by renowned institutions such as the American Museum of Natural History, the Smithsonian, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The museum's collections are broad and varied, featuring over 40,000 objects from virtually every continent.
  13. Dighton Rock State Park13

    Dighton Rock State Park

     Berkley, MA
    Dighton Rock State Park is a public recreation area and historic preserve situated on the eastern shore of the Taunton River in the town of Berkley, Massachusetts. This location offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance, making it an interesting destination for tourists.
  14. Armenian Museum of America14

    Armenian Museum of America

     Watertown Town, MA
    The Armenian Museum of America, situated in Watertown, Massachusetts, is renowned for having the most extensive collection of Armenian artifacts in North America. This institution serves as a significant cultural hub, showcasing the rich history and heritage of Armenia through its vast collection.
  15. Cape Cod Museum of Natural History15

    Cape Cod Museum of Natural History

     Brewster, MA
    The Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, located in Brewster, Massachusetts, is a compact institution that concentrates on natural history and archaeology. This museum provides a unique opportunity for visitors to explore and learn about the local natural history and archaeological findings.
  16. Peabody Institute of Archaeology - Phillips Academy Andover16

    Peabody Institute of Archaeology - Phillips Academy Andover

     Andover, MA
    The Robert S. Peabody Institute of Archaeology, previously known as the Robert S. Peabody Museum of Archaeology, is a learning center and archaeological collection located in Andover, Massachusetts. It was founded in 1901 and houses a vast collection of artifacts from various regions and time periods, making it a significant destination for those interested in archaeology and history.
  17. 17

    Memorial Hall Museum

     Deerfield, MA
    The Memorial Hall Museum is a significant institution dedicated to the preservation of the history, art, and culture of the Deerfield region and New England at large. It provides a comprehensive insight into the rich cultural heritage of the area, making it an ideal destination for those interested in history and culture.