Arts & Culture

Explore Harvard’s vibrant arts scene—from campus exhibitions and theater to cultural analysis and literary reviews. Discover how creativity shapes the Harvard experience.

Conan O’Brien in a dark suit and light shirt, smiling and posing with hands clasped.

Conan O’Brien Named Harvard’s 2026 Commencement Speaker

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

by Schuyler Velasco

Michael Carney (standing left) with friends, and (seated) brothers Tom, Martin, and Paddy.

Recent books on evolution, island Ireland, Jonathan Swift, and more

Recent books with Harvard connections

An Aero L-39 Albatros (foreground) and Dassault Falcon 2000 over the Golden Gate Bridge

Jessica Ambats shoots air-to-air photographs of airplanes

Jessica Ambats '95 makes amazing photographs of airplanes from the air.

by Craig Lambert

The small Baraka Café lays out a feast of North African fare.

Baraka Café offers a French-Tunisian chef’s personal touch in Cambridgeport

A French-Tunisian chef’s personal touch in Cambridgeport

by Nell Porter-Brown

Beatrix Potter’s home, gardens, and tales of small creatures, at the Arnold Arboretum

Art, lectures, cultural and campus events at Harvard in March and April

Harvard arts and cultural events

Dean Norris, at right, in the television series <i>Breaking Bad</i> with Bryan Cranston

“Breaking Bad”’s Dean Norris is a prime-time stalwart

Breaking Bad’s Dean Norris ’85, a prime-time stalwart

by Lara Pellegrinelli

Wynton Marsalis (on trumpet) and his band perform at Sanders Theatre.

Wynton Marsalis speaks at Harvard on the soul of jazz

The bandleader weaves performance and storytelling to paint a picture of jazz in nineteenth-century New Orleans.

Dame Helen Mirren

Helen Mirren Honored as Woman of the Year

The Academy Award-winning actress was at the center of the annual Hasty Pudding parade.

Pete Seeger inspired many through his music and political activism.

Folk singer and activist Pete Seeger dies at 94

The folk singer and activist inspired many.

Neil Patrick Harris

Neil Patrick Harris is the Hasty Pudding Club's 2014 Man of the Year

The Emmy-winning actor and singer will receive his Hasty Pudding Pot February 7.

An eighteenth-century Chinese jadeite tripod covered censer that was stolen from the Fogg Museum in 1979 has been formally returned to the Harvard Art Museums.

Stolen Chinese censer returns to Harvard Art Museums

Three decades later, an eighteenth-century artwork returns home.