Hidden in Plain Sight

Adhitya Raghavan (MBA ‘25) makes an attempt to see the unseen.

I hear echoes in my head: “Simba, it is time!” 

For the ECs out there, Bridges is rapidly approaching, and with it, the last month of our time at HBS. We have spent two years living in a whirlwind: cases, globetrotting treks, fireside chats with CEOs, and the ever-present pressure to maximize every moment. But amidst all of this, how much have we really seen?

Last month, my mom visited. And like all moms do, she asked the questions I had never even thought to ask: “What are those comics in the tunnels? What does this art sculpture signify?” And to my surprise, I had no answers. I have spent two years in this place, yet the very walls around me have stories that I have never stopped to notice.

So as we close out this chapter, this is not a bucket list to check off. It is a reminder to pause, to look, and to cherish the unseen pieces of HBS that were here before us and will continue long after we’ve left.

The Inner World: What Lies Inside the Buildings of HBS

• The Comics in the Tunnels: Ever rushed through the Spangler tunnels without sparing a glance at the quirky comics on the walls? These aren’t just random doodles; they’re also relics of past classes, satirical takes on our shared experience, frozen in time. Some of them reference legendary professors, hint at inside jokes from the class of 2005, and even poke fun at case protagonists. A walk through these tunnels is a walk through decades of unfiltered HBS history.

• The Aldrich Security Room Tour: Did you know that you can take a behind-the-scenes tour of HBS’s state-of-the-art security systems? Tucked away in Aldrich is a modern control panel that looks like it belongs in a James Bond film. From this ultra-high-tech room, security monitors every inch of campus in real time, ensuring everything runs smoothly while we go about our case discussions and recruiting events.

• The Echo in Aldrich 112: There’s a particular classroom where, if you stand at just the right spot, your voice bounces back to you in an eerie, almost magical way. It’s a perfect metaphor for how our own voices at HBS are reflected back to us: sometimes challenging, sometimes reaffirming, but always making us think.

• The Stacks Beneath Baker: Two floors beneath Baker Library, a vast underground labyrinth of books exists, home to volumes that haven’t been checked out in years. Wander down there, and you’ll find centuries-old texts, forgotten business theories, and even some HBS faculty dissertations from a time when PowerPoints didn’t exist.

• The Executive Education Side of Tata Hall: Ever wondered how the other half lives? Exec Ed participants have their own exclusive lounges, dining spaces, and accommodations. It’s worth a peek to see how HBS treats its VIPs.

• The Random Offices Between the Dorms: Ever noticed the mysterious offices tucked away in buildings like Ludcke Hall and Green Hill? Who works there? What do they do? The only way to find out is to pop in and ask.

• The Lower Level of Shad: You may know the weight room and basketball court, but did you know Shad has a functional fitness room, a yoga room, and some of the most underutilized workout spaces on campus? Just don’t expect to max out your deadlift there.

• The Spangler and SAS Staff: They have seen generations of students pass through, and their stories are richer than any case study. A simple thank you to those who have made this experience seamless goes a long way.

Look Outside: The Art We Never Stopped to See

HBS isn’t just about cases and classrooms; it’s a campus rich with public art that challenges, inspires, and sometimes confuses those who walk past. Here are some of the sculptures you may have seen but never really looked at:

• Simone Leigh’s Sentinel (Mami Wata) (Mellon Courtyard, 2020-21): A striking bronze figure inspired by African water deities and Black feminist thought. It stands as a quiet but powerful reminder of resilience and cultural strength in the heart of campus.

• Yinka Shonibare CBE RA’s Wind Sculpture (SG) V (Executive Education Lawn, 2019): A burst of vibrant color against the otherwise muted tones of the business school. The flowing form is meant to capture the movement of wind itself — a metaphor for change and globalization and a fitting piece for a place that prides itself on shaping global leaders.

• Ursula von Rydingsvard’s Elegantka II (Schwartz Common, 2013-14/2016): Carved from raw cedar, this towering, textured sculpture is simultaneously organic and commanding. It demands attention but reveals its details slowly, much like the process of learning itself at HBS.

• Mary Frank’s Presence (Hamilton Courtyard, 1985-86): A contemplative bronze and stone work that feels almost hidden in plain sight, reflecting themes of reflection and transformation — two things every student at HBS can relate to by the time Bridges rolls around.

Beyond the Bubble: The Harvard We Might Have Missed

• Every Harvard Grad School: Beyond our HBS bubble, each graduate school has its own unique charm. The Divinity School is home to one of the most peaceful chapels on campus, while the Graduate School of Design’s open studios are an architectural dream. Walk through them all, as you may never have this access again

• Harvard Hill at Mount Auburn Cemetery: If you haven’t taken a reflective walk here, you’re missing out. This quiet, picturesque spot is the resting place of some of Harvard’s most notable figures, offering a view over Cambridge that’s worth the visit.

• The Mystery Pelotons on the Sixth Floor: Somewhere in an engineering building on campus sit two fully functional Peloton bikes waiting to be used. Who put them there? Why are they there? Nobody knows, but if Shad is too packed, maybe it’s worth the trek.

• Widener Library’s Restricted Stacks: Ever wanted to access books that are off-limits to the general public? With the right request, you can explore the hidden collections of one of Harvard’s most iconic libraries.

Boston Beyond Harvard: Lesser-Known Must-Dos

• The Mapparium: A giant stained-glass globe you can walk through because why wouldn’t you want to be inside a three-story map?

• The Arnold Arboretum at Sunrise: One of the most underrated nature spots in the city and a peaceful retreat from the intensity of campus life.

• The Secret Speakeasies: You’ve done Legal Sea Foods; now try the hidden cocktail bars like Drink or Yvonne’s, where finding the entrance is half the fun.

• The Bunker Hill Climb: If you haven’t climbed the 294 steps of the Bunker Hill Monument, you’re missing one of the best skyline views of Boston. Bonus: free leg workout.

• Castle Island Walks: A scenic loop with ocean views, perfect for clearing your head before (or after) making big life decisions.

A Final Thought: Pause and Pace, Not Run and Rush

It will never be enough. No matter how many cases we analyze, how many miles we travel, or how many memories we create, there will always be more to see, more to do. But that’s not a reason to rush; it’s a reason to pause.

Spend time with the people who have made this journey meaningful. Be present in every interaction. And do what you can without burning out because life will go on, and this is just another chapter in the grand scheme of things.

This is not a call to frantically check off a list in our final days here. It is simply a reminder of what exists right in front of us. Look. Notice. Cherish. And say thank you to the people who served us food, cleaned our classrooms, and made HBS feel like home. Because long after we’re gone, these places, these stories, and this community will still be here, waiting for the next class to look up and truly see them.

Adhitya Raghavan (MBA ’25) is originally from Chennai, India. He learned about rockets during his undergrad at Princeton, studying Mechanical and Aerospace engineering. Adhitya loves playing sports and attempting to write poetry, and hopes to build his own energy company post-HBS.