Crimson Cranescape

This panorama, photographed from the Western Avenue Bridge over the Charles River, gives some sense of Harvard’s current, very extensive...

This panorama, photographed from the Western Avenue Bridge over the Charles River, gives some sense of Harvard’s current, very extensive construction program. From right (east) to left, the cranes in Cambridge work at Western Avenue and Memorial Drive, near the Peabody Terrace towers (new graduate-student housing); across Cowperthwaite Street from Mather and Dunster Houses (more apartments); and in the distance, at the Laboratory for Interface Science and Engineering. Not visible are another laboratory facility, the Northwest Building, and the reconstruction of the Hasty Pudding Theatricals performing-arts space. The building boom is quantified on the next page.

Most popular

Conan O’Brien Named Harvard’s 2026 Commencement Speaker

The comedian, host, and 1985 graduate will deliver remarks at the May 28 ceremony. 

Mindfulness—the unconventional research of psychologist Ellen Langer

Psychologist Ellen Langer's unconventional research. Plus, read about applying mindfulness techniques to eating.

Harvard Weathers a Year of Turmoil

The federal government has launched unprecedented actions against the University. Here’s a guide.

Explore More From Current Issue

Caricature of a young man in front of red doors, wearing a green striped sweater.

In 1954, Gregory Corso moved into Eliot House. How he stayed there is a literary legend.

Three actors perform on stage, with one actor interacting closely with another, set against abstract backgrounds.

The play Spare Parts is a contemporary fable about the quest to live forever.

Modern building with large glass windows, surrounded by greenery and pedestrians.

A roundup of University news from the summer of 2026