The Gates of Harvard Yard: Architecture, History, and Legacy

Hear the stories, history and architecture of the famous gates of Harvard University. Join Pulitzer Prize–winning architecture critic Blair Kamin, in conversation with Harvard University Press Editorial Director Sharmila Sen, celebrating the new edition of&nbsp;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&nbsp;Blair Kamin Blair Kamin is a Pulitzer Prize-winning architecture critic, formerly on staff at the&nbsp;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.

The COOP

Best selling author Chloe Dalton discusses her book "Raising Hare"

Join us at the COOP for a conversation with Chloe Dalton on her bestselling memoir Raising Hare. When Dalton rescues an orphaned hare, she begins an unexpected journey that challenges her assumptions about control, ambition, and success. As she learns to care for a wild creature who ultimately chooses freedom, she reflects on trust, patience, letting go, and the restorative power of nature. A beautifully written and widely praised memoir,&nbsp;Raising Hare&nbsp;offers moving life lessons about connection, balance, and what it truly means to live well. About Chloe Dalton Chloe Dalton is a writer, political adviser and foreign policy specialist. She spent over a decade working in the UK Parliament and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and has advised, and written for and with, numerous prominent figures. She divides her time between London and her home in the English countryside.&nbsp;Raising Hare&nbsp;is her first book.&nbsp; About the COOP Since 1882, the COOP has been a hub for discovery, connection, and community, celebrating voices, ideas, and experiences that enrich campus life and beyond. We invite you to be part of our history and our future.&nbsp; Don’t miss this inspiring evening with Chloe Dalton that’s equal parts restorative and fun.

The Quiet Magic of Friendship: In Conversation with Demond Martin

Join us for an inspiring evening with investor, philanthropist &amp; CEO Demond Martin as he celebrates the release of his new book. Drawing on decades of leadership across finance, philanthropy, and health equity, Demond, CEO of WellWithAll, will reflect on the relationships, values, and pivotal moments that have shaped his journey, and the powerful ideas at the heart of his latest work,&nbsp;Friends of the Good. More than a talk, this is a conversation about purpose, connection, and the quiet force of friendship in driving meaningful change. Demond will be joined by his own “friends of the good” for a dynamic discussion, with time for audience questions and reflection. Don’t miss the chance to hear from a visionary leader whose work continues to expand access, opportunity, and impact across communities. About&nbsp;Demond Martin Investor and philanthropist, Demond Martin is Co-Founder and CEO of WellWithAll, an innovative health and wellness company that pours 20% of its profits into health equity. Prior to becoming CEO of WellWithAll Demond was a senior partner at Adage Capital Management where he invested in the consumer sector for 21 years. Demond joined Adage after graduating from Harvard Business School and received his undergraduate degree in accounting from UNC Charlotte. He subsequently worked as the assistant to President Clinton’s White House Chief of Staff, Erskine Bowles. Demond and his wife Kia through their family foundation focus on erasing gaps created by racial and social injustice in the areas of education and healthcare. Demond serves on a number of non-profit boards including as a trustee at the Berklee College of Music, the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Grammy Global Venture Board, and the Obama Foundation. 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.

Spotlight at the COOP Student Showcase

We’re celebrating the diversity of talent from across Harvard and MIT. Stop by the COOP to meet and support an amazing array of student creators, thinkers, and entrepreneurs! No need to RSVP, just come by, meet students and grab some free ice cream (while it lasts!)

COOP Kids Club Celebrates Earth Day

Join us for a special COOP Kids Club Story Time celebrating Earth Day! We’ll read a selection of engaging, Earth Day–themed picture books that also celebrate the beauty of spring, followed by a hands-on craft activity inspired by nature. It’s a fun and creative way for kids to learn about caring for our planet while welcoming the new season. Ideal for young readers and their families. Come celebrate, create, and explore with us. Free, and open to the public, but&nbsp;RSVP&nbsp;is required. This event is best for children age 3 and up. Please note:<ul><li>This event is free and open to the public, but an RSVP is required.</li><li>By RSVPing, you’ll get the latest updates on COOP events and special offers</li><li>We recommend taking public transportation as street parking is very limited. There are parking garages nearby</li><li>This event will take place in our Kids section on the 3rd floor of The COOP at 1400 Mass Ave. in Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA</li><li>Books featured during Story Time are available for purchase at the COOP</li></ul>About The COOP Kids Club: Calling all kids! The COOP Kids Club is your place for storytime, crafts, singalongs, and playful adventures made just for you. Always at the COOP. Always fun. Always free.

Five Steps to Hypergrowth: The Algorithm with Jon McNeill

Join us at the Harvard Square COOP for an evening with Jon McNeill in conversation with Jodi Goldstein, CEO of the COOP and a leader in innovation and entrepreneurship. An entrepreneur and former president of Tesla, McNeill will discuss his new book, The Algorithm. Drawing on decades of experience scaling high-growth companies, he shares the decision-making framework he used to help build some of the world’s most forward-thinking organizations. Whether you’re a founder, executive, or aspiring leader, this conversation will deliver practical insights on strategy, execution, and building companies that last. Don’t miss the chance to hear two innovation leaders in conversation at the heart of Harvard Square. About Jon NcNeil Jon McNeill is the CEO and Co-Founder of DVx Ventures, where he has helped launch 12 companies targeting large, high-growth markets. A seasoned operator and entrepreneur, he previously served as President of Tesla and as COO of Lyft, where he helped double revenue and take the company public. In his new book, The Algorithm, McNeill shares a behind-the-scenes look at how companies like Tesla, SpaceX, Lululemon, and General Motors achieve hypergrowth—and the practical framework leaders can use to scale with impact.

Memory Expert Nelson Dellis at the COOP

Want a sharper mind? Better memory? Faster focus? Bigger creative leaps? Join us for a high-energy session with Nelson Dellis, world-renowned memory coach and author of&nbsp;Everyday&nbsp;Genius, and learn how extraordinary thinking is closer than you think. You’ll pick up practical memory techniques you can use immediately! Arrive early at 3:30pm to put your memory to the test in our Nelson Dellis Pi Challenge.&nbsp;Between now and Pi Day, memorize as many digits of π as you can. When you arrive between 3:30-4:15 on 3/14, submit your best run to Nelson Dellis himself. The person who recalls the most digits correctly takes home a $314 COOP gift card! This inspiring afternoon will show you how “genius” isn’t a rare gift—it’s a skill you can train. Come curious, leave sharper, and discover your inner genius. About&nbsp;Nelson Dellis Nelson Dellis is a six-time USA Memory Champion, two-time Guinness World Record holder, Grandmaster of Memory, keynote speaker, and world-renowned memory coach. He teaches at the university level, holding degrees in computer science and physics, and is also an accomplished mountaineer with four Mt. Everest expeditions. Beyond the classroom and the mountains, Nelson has medaled in international competitions, contributed to remote viewing research on stock prediction, and even played on a professional card-counting Blackjack team that won over $100,000. He shares his passion for unlocking the mind’s potential with over 300,000 YouTube subscribers, where he makes complex skills practical, fun, and accessible to anyone willing to train their brain. Be sure to check out Dellis on Instagram at @nelzor About the COOP Since 1882, the COOP has been a hub for discovery, connection, and community, celebrating voices, ideas, and experiences that enrich campus life and beyond. We invite you to be part of our history and our future.

Design Expert Nate Berkus at The COOP

Hear from Nate Berkus, one of the world’s most influential interior designers, known for his elevated yet accessible approach to design. Stuck on what your space is missing? Whether you’re tweaking one room or rethinking the whole place, spend an evening with Nate Berkus, one of the most influential voices in interior design, as he shares how to build a home with soul. Drawing from his book&nbsp;Foundations: Timeless Design That Feels Personal, Nate breaks down how to layer character, history, and meaning into your space: no massive budget required. He’ll be joined in conversation by Marc Adelman to talk through Nate’s Four Tenets of Good Design and what actually makes a home feel timeless, lived-in, and unmistakably yours. Come for the inspiration. Leave with ideas you’ll want to try the minute you walk through your front door. About Nate Berkus&nbsp; Nate Berkus is one of the world’s most influential interior designers, known for his elevated yet accessible approach to design. His three-decade career has included numerous television shows and home collections, along with designing award-winning interiors. Consistently named to the prestigious AD100 and Elle Décor A-List, Nate has been featured in Architectural Digest, ELLE DÉCOR, Vogue, The New York Times, Fast Company, and The Wall Street Journal, among others. His latest book, Foundations, was released by Simon &amp; Schuster in Fall 2025 and was named to the New York Times bestseller list. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/nateberkus/?hl=en">@NateBerkus</a>&nbsp;for more. About Marc Adelman For more than two decades, Adelman has worked at the intersection of media, politics, philanthropy, and culture, advising leaders and organizations on how to expand their reach and influence. As the founder of Adelmania Consulting, he has collaborated with corporations, nonprofits, and public figures to create strategic moments that connect ideas with audiences. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid once referred to Adelman as his “court jester,” a reflection of Adelman’s rare ability to operate comfortably in serious rooms while keeping conversations candid, human, and alive—bridging worlds that do not naturally meet. About the COOP: Since 1882, the COOP has been a hub for discovery, connection, and community, celebrating voices, ideas, and experiences that enrich campus life and beyond. We invite you to be part of our history and our future. Please note:<ul><li>This event is free and open to the public, but&nbsp;RSVP is required.</li><li>By RSVPing, you agree to receive timely updates on COOP events and special offers.</li><li>Books by Nate Berkus are available for purchase and signing at the COOP</li><li>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.</li><li>Location details: This event is located on the 3rd floor of The COOP at 1400 Mass Ave. in Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA.</li></ul>Photo credit: Dennis Gocer, The Collective You

COOP Kids Club Celebrates Dr. Seuss’ Birthday

Dr. Seuss is turning 122 and you’re invited too! Celebrate with us at a Cat in the Hat party full of stories and crafts, and green eggs and ham (would you, could you?).&nbsp;Add in plenty of birthday cake—for goodness sake! This&nbsp;free, whimsical celebration is just right for young readers and families. This event is presented in partnership with our friends at The Harvard Square Business Association.&nbsp; About Dr. Seuss Dr. Seuss, also known as Theodor Seuss Geisel, is one of the most beloved children’s book authors of all time. From The Cat in the Hat to Oh, the Places You’ll Go!, his iconic characters, stories, and art style have had a lasting influence on generations of children and adults. About The COOP Kids Club Calling all kids! The COOP Kids Club is your place for storytime, crafts, singalongs, and playful adventures made just for you. Always at the COOP. Always fun. Always free.&nbsp; About the COOP Since 1882, the COOP has been a hub for discovery, connection, and community, celebrating voices, ideas, and experiences that enrich campus life and beyond. We invite you to be part of our history and our future.&nbsp; Please note:&nbsp;<ul><li>This event is free and open to the public, but&nbsp;RSVP is required.&nbsp;</li><li>By RSVPing, you agree to receive timely updates on COOP events and special offers.&nbsp;</li><li>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.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Location details: This event is located on the 3rd floor of The COOP at 1400 Mass Ave. in Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA.</li></ul>Don’t miss this Seuss-tastic birthday celebration!&nbsp;

Chocolate popups at The COOP

The COOP is celebrating love with a week of decadent chocolate pop-ups and Valentine making! Stop by the Harvard Square COOP (1400 Mass Ave) to treat yourself—or someone special—to locally made artisan chocolate. Each day will spotlight a different beloved chocolatier, offering the chance to discover new favorites and enjoy sweet samples along the way. While you’re here, get creative at our Valentine-making station! Whether it’s playful or romantic, it’s the perfect way to spread some love. Come savor delicious bites, create something meaningful, and celebrate love at the COOP. COOP Cards Valentine making Store hours&nbsp; Friday, 2/13 4:30 - 6:30pm Boho Chocolate&nbsp; Saturday, 2/14 1- 5pm&nbsp; Cocoa Beantown

Love (and Flowers) in the Stacks

We’re spreading the Valentine’s Day cheer with a fresh flower giveaway! Hidden inside red books throughout the COOP are 100 bookmarks. Find one, bring it to the Info Desk or register, and fall head over heels for a fresh flower bouquet crafted by our Artist in Residence, @BostonPollen   This floral treasure hunt is open to all and takes place inside the COOP at 1400 Massachusetts Ave in Harvard Square and 80 Broadway in Kendall Square.   Harvard Square hours: 10am - store close or until all bookmarks are found.  Kendall hours: 9:30am - store close or until all bookmarks are found.  Follow on Instagram for more @HarvardCOOP and @MITCOOP Limit one bouquet per person to help spread the love to as many people as possible.  Please be respectful of the store as you search for these bookmarks.  About the COOP: Founded in 1882 by students, the COOP was established as a resource for Harvard and grew to support MIT and the greater Cambridge community. Today, we continue this tradition while being a hub for discovery and connection. We invite you to be part of our history and our future.

The COOP is celebrating love with a week of decadent chocolate pop-ups and Valentine making! Stop by the Harvard Square COOP (1400 Mass Ave) to treat yourself—or someone special—to locally made artisan chocolate. Each day will spotlight a different beloved chocolatier, offering the chance to discover new favorites and enjoy sweet samples along the way. While you’re here, get creative at our Valentine-making station! Whether it’s playful or romantic, it’s the perfect way to spread some love. Come savor delicious bites, create something meaningful, and celebrate love at the COOP. COOP Cards Valentine making Store hours  Friday, 2/13 4:30 - 6:30pm Boho Chocolate  Saturday, 2/14 1- 5pm  Cocoa Beantown

COOP Kids Club: Storytime with author Josh Funk

Join us as we launch our&nbsp;Coop Kids Club&nbsp;story time featuring local children's author Josh Funk reading&nbsp;Whodonut?&nbsp;Bring the kids to find out if Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast be able to team up and solve the mystery of the missing book? Suitable for ages 4+, free, and open to the public. Please RSVP. Josh Funk is a software engineer and the author of many books including the&nbsp;Lady Pancake &amp; Sir French Toast&nbsp;series,&nbsp;How to Code a Sandcastle, Dear Unicorn, Dear Dragon, My Pet Feet,&nbsp;the&nbsp;It's Not a Fairy Tale&nbsp;series,&nbsp;Lost in the&nbsp;Library,&nbsp;and more. His books have sold more than half a million copies worldwide and been translated into a dozen languages. Since 1882, the COOP has been a hub for discovery, connection, and community, celebrating voices, ideas, and experiences that enrich campus and community life.

Harvard Krokodiloes popup performance

Come by the COOP for a FREE sneak peek of the Harvard Krokodiloes Valentine’s Day show! This mini performance (just 15 minutes!) starts at 1pm sharp.  While you’re here, purchase a ticket to their Valentine’s Day show before they sell out! Receive a free treat from Daily Provisions with purchase of a ticket to the show.

Library Lion Storytime with Author Michelle Knudsen and Adam Theater

Join us for an enchanting story time with beloved children's author Michelle Knudsen, followed by music from Adam Theater's play Library Lion.&nbsp; Suitable for ages 4+, free, and open to the public. Please RSVP. About Michelle Knudsen&nbsp; Michelle Knudsen&nbsp;is the&nbsp;New York Times&nbsp;best-selling author of&nbsp;Library Lion, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes;&nbsp;Argus, illustrated by Andréa Wesson;&nbsp;Big Mean Mike, illustrated by Scott Magoon; and&nbsp;Marilyn’s Monster, illustrated by Matt Phelan, as well as the Trelian middle-grade fantasy trilogy and the Evil Librarian YA horror-comedy trilogy. She lives in Brooklyn, New York, and is terrified of spiders. <a href="https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/b0jdCn5VorFEY8PAF9fvuJPi6F?domain=bostontheatrescene.com/">Adam Theater</a>&nbsp;performs its hit play&nbsp;Library Lion, inspired by Knudsen's book, at the Calderwood Pavilion from&nbsp;Jan. 10-25, 2026. About The COOP Since 1882, the COOP has been a hub for discovery, connection, and community, celebrating voices, ideas, and experiences that enrich campus and community life. Please Note<ul><li>This event is free and open to the public, but an RSVP is required.</li><li>By RSVPing, you’ll get the latest updates on COOP events and special offers</li><li>We recommend taking public transportation as street parking is very limited. There are parking garages nearby.</li><li>This event is located on the 3rd floor of The COOP at 1400 Mass Ave. in Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA</li><li>Books by Michelle Knudsen are available for purchase and signing at the COOP</li></ul>

S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Roundups ⭐️

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added

Just added to Joyraft

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S19: interest based

Kid-friendly events in Boston

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

coop

Experiences

The Gates of Harvard Yard: Architecture, History, and Legacy

Best selling author Chloe Dalton discusses her book "Raising Hare"

The Quiet Magic of Friendship: In Conversation with Demond Martin

Spotlight at the COOP Student Showcase

COOP Kids Club Celebrates Earth Day

Five Steps to Hypergrowth: The Algorithm with Jon McNeill

Memory Expert Nelson Dellis at the COOP

Design Expert Nate Berkus at The COOP

COOP Kids Club Celebrates Dr. Seuss’ Birthday

Chocolate popups at The COOP

Love (and Flowers) in the Stacks

Chocolate popups at The COOP

COOP Kids Club: Storytime with author Josh Funk

Harvard Krokodiloes popup performance

Library Lion Storytime with Author Michelle Knudsen and Adam Theater