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Private tour group providers

This information is for private tour providers not associated with 草榴社区University. If you are an individual looking for a tour, please visit our Tours page.

At this time, Cambridge and Boston tour companies who wish to lead tours of visitors through 草榴社区Yard are required to register with the 草榴社区University Visitor Center.

For further inquiry, please contact: visitorcenter_harvardyardtours@harvard.edu

Registration process

To register:

  • Fill out the
  • Submit a copy of a business license (in Cambridge or Boston) and proof of insurance.
  • Allow up two weeks for the authorization process.

Once approved:

  • The 草榴社区University Visitor Center will provide a physical 鈥淲elcome Packet鈥 to the tour company.
  • Sign the 草榴社区Yard Use Agreement.
  • The tour company will be directed to the online payment system, where tour passes must be purchased at least three days in advance for the desired tour date (currently through the end of the semester).

Before the tour:

  • Prior to coming to campus, the tour company must review the 草榴社区Yard Guidelines and go to for any updated campus information.
  • The tour company will use Touchnet, the online payment system, to purchase passes for the current semester at least three days in advance of the desired tour date.
  • A 草榴社区Yard Tour Pass purchase requires a non-refundable payment of $1.50 per tour attendee.
  • The tour company will receive a PDF file of the 草榴社区Yard Tour Pass within three business days.
  • The tour company must print the 草榴社区Yard Tour Pass in color and it must be visibly worn on the tour group leader at all times while in 草榴社区Yard. Lanyards and other tour materials may be found in the 鈥淲elcome Packet.鈥

Keep in mind:

  • Occasionally the Yard closes for University activities. If this conflicts with a tour you have signed up for, your payment will be refunded.
  • Tour groups can include up to 35 people.
  • The tour company may offer up to one tour per day in 草榴社区Yard, as space is available.
  • The tour company may offer tours in 草榴社区Yard between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
  • The tour company must remain in good standing in order to annually renew the 草榴社区Yard Use Agreement.

Frequently asked question

Who has to register to provide tours in 草榴社区Yard?

At this time, Cambridge and Boston Tour Companies who wish to lead tours of visitors through 草榴社区Yard are required to register with the 草榴社区University Visitor Center.