MIT Campus Tour

Embark on a captivating journey into the heart of innovation and discovery with the MIT campus tour. Whether you’re a prospective student eagerly considering MIT for your higher education or a curious traveller seeking to immerse yourself in the cutting-edge world of technology and academia, this comprehensive exploration promises to unveil MIT’s remarkable tapestry.

This will allow you to discover and witness firsthand how the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is contributing to the improvement of the world.

Is the MIT campus open to the public?

Is it possible for visitors to walk freely around the MIT campus? At the moment, guests are permitted to enter outdoor areas, certain indoor areas, and non-residential buildings on campus so long as a campus employee accompanies them.

Other guests who are registered using Tim Tickets or who are escorted by MIT ID holders are also welcome to attend open events at MIT, in addition to those who continue to be welcomed at open events.

In-person informational sessions and guided tours

Visitors can choose between two different types of MIT campus tours each week.

• Informational Session followed by Student-Led Tour: Our information sessions are led by admissions officers who provide attendees with information regarding the academic program, student life on campus, the application process, and available financial aid. Following the information session will be a tour of the campus that will be led by students.
• If you choose the student-led tour option, one of the incredible students will lead you on a tour of the locations on campus that are some of their personal favorites.

Self-guided campus walking tour

Create your own, and as you go, listen to tour guides as they talk about some of their favorite places on campus.

In-person group tours

You are welcome to make a reservation for a group tour of the campus if you plan on bringing between six and fifty people to the visit. They are unable to accommodate groups of six to fifty individuals when they conduct their regularly scheduled information sessions and tours.

Please take into consideration that they are only able to accommodate requests for visits that are made at least three weeks in advance.

COVID-19 precautions

During the MIT campus tour, all guests are strongly encouraged to have all of their vaccinations up to date, including a booster shot for those who are eligible. The only exceptions to this rule are guests who have a religious or medical exemption.

Every guest on MIT’s campus is required to abide by the institute’s Covid policies. Before entering the MIT campus, visitors are not required to show proof that they have passed a negative Covid test.

Does MIT have a virtual tour?

Is there a way to explore MIT virtually? It is not necessary to go to Cambridge to get an impression of MIT. Because people who are affiliated with the institute are continually creating, writing, and discovering new things, regardless of whether they are doing so on campus or elsewhere, there is more than enough to experience while at home.

Think of this as you’re jumping off point as you continue to familiarize yourself with MIT.

Virtual Tour

You can take a stroll through the neighborhoods and stop to explore places that define MIT in some significant or quirky way by simply clicking a few buttons on your computer.

You will need a web browser that supports frames as well as the QuickTime plug-in to participate in the MIT Virtual Tour. (Note to users of Unix: If you have a helper application that is capable of QuickTime, you will be able to view the full-motion video on this tour; however, you will not be able to view the QuickTime VR.)

You are not required to have JavaScript turned on to continue through the tour; however, to see the place names that appear whenever you roll your cursor across a yellow dot, you must have JavaScript turned on.

They provide a text listing of all the tour locations for those of you who would rather take the tour without the frames.

How long is the MIT campus tour?

How long does it take to complete the tour of the MIT campus? Info sessions are scheduled for a duration of half an hour, while student-led tours are scheduled for one hour.

There is a requirement for reservations. If you show up for a session without first making a reservation, they will not be able to accommodate you.

What can you see at MIT?

What kinds of things can you look at while you’re at MIT? The prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which can be found in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a private research university that places a significant emphasis on technological fields such as engineering, science, and mathematics.

Even though it is a 168-acre urban campus, you will find both visually interesting buildings and quiet green spaces. The MIT campus tour is something that a lot of guests look forward to doing so that they can admire the building designs.

Julius Adams Stratton Building (Building W20)

The student center is located in the Julius Adams Stratton Building, also known as Building W20. This building was designed by the renowned architect Eduardo Catalano in 1965. You’ll find a selection of quick dining options inside, in addition to a convenience store and some service shops.

In addition, a small outpost of the MIT Coop, the Institute’s bookstore, can be found within the center. The primary location of the MIT Coop, which serves as the cooperative’s headquarters, can be found in Kendall Square on Main Street.

One of the most renowned sculptors in the world, Jaume Plensa, is responsible for the creation of the sculpture known as Alchemist, which can be found outside of the Student Center. In honor of the Institute’s 150th year, this piece was commissioned by a benefactor who wished to remain anonymous.

Kresge Auditorium

The world-famous architect Eero Saarinen was responsible for the design of Kresge Auditorium, which is located in Building W16. A must-visit spot during your MIT campus tour. It was first opened in 1955. There is seating for 1,200 people in the main auditorium. The Shakespeare Ensemble and the Dramashop both put on productions at the 212-seat Little Theatre, which has a capacity for the same number of people.

Kresge Oval is the name of the grassy area that can be found in front of the auditorium. Views of some of the student housing that runs along the Charles River can be had from this vantage point. The Zesiger Sports and Fitness Center is MIT’s primary athletic facility, and it is located directly across from Kresge Auditorium. In addition to two swimming pools, a fitness center, squash courts designed to international standards, and a multi-activity court can be found at this facility.

MIT Chapel

You are more than welcome to enter the non-denominational Chapel at any time unless it is currently being used for a ceremony or another type of event. The world-famous architect Eero Saarinen was responsible for the design of the Chapel in 1955.

The legendary sculptor Harry Bertoia was responsible for the creation of the metal altarpiece that can be found inside. Its purpose is to diffuse the light that comes in through the stunning dome-shaped skylight.

An interesting fact is that the Merton C. Flemings Metals Processing Laboratory at MIT was responsible for casting the bell that is housed in the Chapel.

Hart Nautical Gallery

Located in the MIT Museum is the Hart Nautical Gallery. This museum is home to what is widely considered to be among the most significant collections of nautical artifacts in the country. It is one of the best parts to visit during the MIT campus tour. Daily hours are from 10 am to 5 pm at the gallery.

A fun fact about the Hart Nautical Collections is that they were established in 1924 as a part of the Department of Naval Engineering at the Institute. The Ship Models on Display at the Gallery Today Are: More than two dozen of the MIT Museum’s finest full-hull ship models are on display as part of the exhibition titled “The Evolution of Ship Design,” which pays homage to the field of naval engineering.

Infinite Corridor

The Infinite Corridor serves as MIT’s central nervous system. This area serves as a hub for a significant number of departments, classrooms, and laboratories. The length of the corridor is close to one-sixtieth of a mile. When you are walking down the hallway, please stay to the right, and keep in mind that once the school day is over, the average walking speed significantly picks up.

In the Memorial Lobby, also known as Lobby 10, which can be found off the corridor, alumni who gave their lives in conflicts such as World Wars I and II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War are honored.

Killian Court

Another stop of interest on the MIT campus tour is Killian Court. There are a lot of exciting events that take place here, such as the student orientation and the Commencement ceremony.  James R. Killian Jr., MIT’s 10th president, is honored by having his name bestowed upon Killian Court.

A fun fact about this location is that it provides a wonderful view of the panorama of the Charles River and the skyline of Boston. The iconic Great Dome, which was modeled after the Pantheon in Rome, can be seen when one stands in the courtyard and looks back. The Great Dome serves as the primary architectural focal point of the Institute.

After the university moved from Boston to Cambridge in 1916, this building was one of the initial structures that made up the campus. It is a part of the Main Group of buildings.

Hayden Memorial Library Building

Building 14, also known as the Hayden Memorial Library Building, is the location of several departments that are part of the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is widely known for its exceptional academic programs in the fields of science, mathematics, and technology.

Interesting fact: The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is home to six libraries, including the Hayden Memorial Library (which focuses on science and humanities), the Barker Engineering Library, the Lewis Music Library, the Dewey Library (which focuses on social sciences and management), the Rotch Library (which focuses on architecture and planning), and the Institute Archives & Special Collections.

McDermott Court

McDermott Court was named after Mr and Mrs Eugene McDermott in recognition of their generous support of the arts at MIT, which has resulted in the establishment of the McDermott Award and the McDermott Artist Residency. Alexander Calder, a well-known sculptor, is responsible for the creation of the 40-foot-tall Big Sail, also known as La Grande Voile.

While taking the MIT campus tour, one of the best things to look forward to is McDermott Court. You’ll be able to see the tallest building in all of Cambridge from the courtyard. The Green Building, which was designed by the legendary architect and MIT alum I.M. Pei (’40) and is home to many of the most creative and visible hacks, was given its name in honor of Cecil and Ida Green. The Green Building is an architectural gem. You have probably noticed by now the abundance of public art located throughout the campus.

MIT Media Lab

Building E14, which houses the MIT Media Lab, and the List Visual Arts Center More than 25 research groups are currently working on more than 350 different projects within the Media Lab. These projects range from neuroengineering to the study of how children learn to the design of the city car of the future. Visitors are welcome to go up to the first floor.

The List Visual Arts Center at MIT is MIT’s contemporary art museum. It collects, commissions, and presents artist-centric projects that are thought-provoking and that engage both MIT and the wider global arts community.

It is interesting to note that The List maintains a Campus Loan Art Program and makes artwork from its permanent collection available to MIT students, staff, and faculty. As a result, the MIT campus functions as a museum in addition to its other functions.

North Court

North Court is one of MIT’s larger courtyards, and it was designed by Reed Hilderbrand Associates, a firm that has won numerous architectural awards. It was finished in 2011. The court is surrounded by some buildings, the most notable of which are the Stata Center (Building 32), the Koch Biology Building (Building 68), and the Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research (Building 68).

The North Court quadrangle is utilized as a sunny lawn, plaza, network of promenades, and event space. Thus, it should be on your list of places to visit during your MIT campus tour.

Barker Engineering Library/The Great Dome

The Great Dome, also known as the Barker Engineering Library The library, which can be found right in the middle of campus, is considered to be one of MIT’s signature spaces. Since the Institute’s relocation from Boston to Cambridge in 1916, the Great Dome at MIT has housed the primary reading room. This room has been used as a reading room continuously since that time.

An interesting fact is that the oculus of The Dome was covered up during World War II, but in 2013 it was restored to its original splendor. The place that was once referred to as “the bat cave” now has natural light streaming in.

MIT Museum

The MIT Museum can be found in Building N52, which can be found at 265 Massachusetts Avenue. The main entrance to MIT is located at 77 Massachusetts Avenue. Visitors are encouraged to participate in the ongoing adventure of research and innovation through the galleries, exhibitions, demonstrations, workshops, performances, conversations, and debates that are hosted at the MIT Museum.

Daily hours of operation for the MIT Museum are from 10 am to 5 pm. For more information, visit mitmuseum.mit.edu. An interesting fact is that the MIT Museum welcomes close to 150,000 people each year to participate in its various programs and exhibitions, which investigate both the origins and the newest developments in the fields of science and technology.

The most extensive collection of holograms, robots, and robotic devices in the world, as well as the renowned kinetic sculptures created by Arthur Ganson, are among the highlights of this exhibition.

After you’ve finished exploring the MIT Museum, make your way over to the MIT Press Bookstore. Many books and journals are published by the MIT Press, as well as a curated selection of books published by other publishers in related fields, such as art and architecture, cognition, computer science, linguistics, and neuroscience.

The MIT campus tour may be one of the things that pique your interest in attending the university. MIT is incredibly selective, but your chances of acceptance depend on how strong your profile is. You will require aid from college admissions professionals like AdmissionSight if your objective is to be admitted to MIT.

At AdmissionSight, we have more than ten years of experience helping students navigate the challenging admissions process so they can enroll in the best colleges in the world. One of the best records in the business is that, on average, 75% of our students are accepted into an Ivy League institution, including Stanford, MIT, UChicago, and Caltech. Feel free to schedule a consultation session today.