The Gates of Harvard Yard: Architecture, History, and Legacy
Schedule
Wed May 06 2026 at 06:00 pm to 07:00 pm
UTC-04:00Location
Harvard Coop | Cambridge, MA
About this Event
Join Pulitzer Prize–winning architecture critic Blair Kamin, in conversation with Harvard University Press Editorial Director Sharmila Sen, celebrating the new edition of Gates of Harvard Yard.
As America’s oldest university, Harvard is defined in part by the enduring presence of Harvard Yard; framed by twenty-five distinctive gates that shape both its landscape and legacy. This engaging discussion will uncover the stories behind these entrances, offering a deeper look at their architectural significance and the layers of social history they hold. Together, they reveal Harvard’s shifting aspirations and evolving identity, on campus and beyond.
Bring your curiosity and questions to this interactive evening, and experience the gates, and their stories, brought vividly to life.
About Blair Kamin
Blair Kamin is a Pulitzer Prize-winning architecture critic, formerly on staff at the Chicago Tribune. A Nieman Fellow at Harvard University in 2012-13, he is a graduate of Amherst College and the Yale School of Architecture.
About the COOP
Founded in 1882 by Harvard students, The COOP began as a simple but ambitious idea: a store created to serve students. When MIT joined the cooperative in 1916, The COOP quickly became a landmark in Harvard Square. Over the decades, it has welcomed cultural icons while evolving into a global destination for community and culture. Today, The COOP remains a hub for discovery, conversation, and community; bringing together readers, writers, and ideas that shape campus life and reach far beyond it.
Please note
- This event is free and open to the public, but RSVP is required.
- This event is free and open exclusively to Harvard and MIT students. RSVP is required.
- By RSVPing, you agree to receive timely updates on COOP events and special offers.
- Books by Blair Kamin are available for purchase and signing at the COOP
- This event may have an event photographer taking photos for marketing purposes. If you do not want your photo taken, please let a COOP staff member know when you arrive at the event.
- Location details: This event is located on the 3rd floor of The COOP at 1400 Mass Ave. in Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA.
Where is it happening?
Harvard Coop, 1400 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
