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Museums & Art Galleries

The Museum of Cambridge

The Museum of Cambridge, housed in a historic 17th-century timber-framed building called the White Horse Inn, offers a fascinating glimpse into the social history and cultural heritage of Cambridge and the surrounding area. Located on Castle Street in Cambridge, England, the museum was founded in 1936 to preserve the local stories, customs, and everyday life of the people in Cambridgeshire and its nearby counties.

The museum is known for its community-centered approach and active engagement with locals. It frequently collaborates with local schools, artists, and community groups to provide educational programs and creative workshops. These events help visitors engage with the historical artifacts in a hands-on way, promoting the preservation and appreciation of local heritage.

What to See In This Museum

The museum’s collections focus on the lives of the people in Cambridge, particularly the working-class communities, rather than academic history or the famous university. The displays cover everyday objects, domestic tools, and artifacts that illustrate various aspects of life from the 17th century to recent decades. Some of the themes include:

  • Childhood: Toys, games, and school-related items that depict how children were raised and educated in Cambridge’s past.
  • Farming and Trade: Objects related to agriculture, local trade, and rural life, showcasing the region’s historical dependence on farming.
  • Cambridge at Work: Items illustrating the variety of trades, crafts, and industries that have been part of Cambridge’s economy over the years.
  • Home Life: Artifacts from household life, such as furniture, kitchen tools, and personal items, giving visitors a sense of domestic life through different periods.

The Museum of Cambridge also regularly hosts special exhibitions and events, many of which are interactive and designed to appeal to all ages. Topics of these exhibitions can range from specific aspects of regional folklore to the evolution of technology in domestic spaces.

Architecture and Ambiance

The White Horse Inn building itself is a beautiful piece of Cambridge history. Its architecture reflects the traditional 17th-century style, with exposed wooden beams and an old-world charm that complements the museum’s theme. The atmosphere is intimate and informal, creating a cozy and immersive experience as visitors walk through different rooms set up to mimic old-style homes, kitchens, and workshops.

How to Get There

The Museum of Cambridge is a relatively small but highly unique museum that offers a deep dive into the everyday lives of Cambridge’s residents. It’s open to the public most days, with ticketed entry. As a registered charity, it relies on donations, memberships, and volunteers to continue its mission of preserving and sharing Cambridge’s social history.

If you’re interested in discovering Cambridge from a different perspective—one that focuses on the lives of its residents rather than its academic fame—the Museum of Cambridge offers an enriching experience!

The Museum of Cambridge is located at 2-3 Castle Street, Cambridge, CB3 0AQ. It is accessible by foot or bicycle. Bike parking is available on Bridge Street or Northampton Street.

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Museums & Art Galleries

The Museum of Zoology

Originally founded in 1865, the museum has grown into a vital resource for researchers, students, and the general public, showcasing an extensive collection of animal specimens from across the globe. Its rich history is closely tied to the development of evolutionary biology and the legacy of Charles Darwin, whose contributions to the study of zoology are reflected in some of the museum’s collections.

Reopened in 2018 after a major refurbishment, the museum now boasts modern, engaging displays that bring the world of animals to life. It is home to hundreds of thousands of specimens, ranging from the smallest insects to giant marine mammals, offering a fascinating glimpse into the diversity of animal life. With its roots in scientific study and discovery, the Museum of Zoology is not only a place of wonder but also a hub for learning about biodiversity and conservation efforts.

What to See In This Museum

Visitors to the Museum of Zoology can expect to encounter a diverse range of animal specimens. One of the museum’s standout features is the enormous fin whale skeleton, which hangs dramatically in the entrance hall. Inside, you’ll find exhibits showcasing the animal kingdom, from tiny insects and preserved birds to large mammals.

The museum also highlights key moments in evolutionary biology, including specimens collected by Charles Darwin during his voyage on the HMS Beagle. Interactive displays make the exhibits engaging for all ages, while the collection of fossils, taxidermy, and skeletons allows visitors to explore the past and present diversity of life on Earth.

Temporary exhibitions, themed around topics such as climate change and conservation, offer fresh perspectives on the importance of protecting the natural world.

How to Get There

The Museum of Zoology is located on Downing Street in central Cambridge, making it easily accessible by foot or public transport. Cambridge Station is approximately a 20-minute walk from the museum, or you can take a bus from the station to the city centre.

Local buses, including the Citi 1, Citi 3, and Citi 7, stop near Downing Street, making it convenient for visitors travelling by bus. For those driving, parking can be limited in the city centre, so it is recommended to use Cambridge’s park-and-ride services. If you’re cycling, Cambridge is a bike-friendly city, and there are places to park your bike nearby.

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Museums & Art Galleries

The Polar Museum

Established in 1920, the Scott Polar Research Institute was founded in memory of Captain Robert Falcon Scott and his ill-fated Terra Nova expedition to Antarctica. Scott’s tragic death during the race to the South Pole deeply moved the British public, leading to the creation of the institute, which today is a world-leading centre for polar research.

The Polar Museum was developed to showcase the institute’s collections and to share the incredible stories of polar exploration with the public.

The museum focuses on both the Arctic and Antarctic regions, providing insight into the lives of explorers, indigenous peoples, and the science that has developed through polar expeditions. It houses artefacts, documents, and scientific instruments from historic expeditions, while also examining contemporary issues such as climate change. The Polar Museum has become a key destination for those interested in the unique environments and histories of Earth’s most extreme regions.

What to See In This Museum

The Polar Museum offers a diverse range of exhibits related to polar exploration and research. Visitors can explore artefacts from legendary expeditions, including items used by Captain Scott and Sir Ernest Shackleton during their Antarctic journeys. The museum displays letters, photographs, and personal items from explorers, providing a human connection to the harsh and dangerous conditions they faced.

The museum also highlights the scientific aspects of polar research, with exhibits focusing on glaciology, meteorology, and the impact of climate change on the polar regions. In addition, there are fascinating displays about the indigenous peoples of the Arctic, showcasing their traditional tools, clothing, and ways of life. Temporary exhibitions often feature contemporary polar research and artwork inspired by the polar landscapes.

How to Get There

The Polar Museum is located on Lensfield Road in Cambridge, just a short walk from the city centre. It is easily accessible by public transport. Cambridge Station is about a 15-minute walk away, or you can take a bus from the station to the city centre. Several bus routes, including the Citi 1, 3, and 7, stop near Lensfield Road.

If you’re travelling by car, parking in Cambridge can be limited, so it’s advisable to use one of the park-and-ride services. The museum is also conveniently accessible by bicycle, with bike parking available nearby.

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Museums & Art Galleries

The Whipple Museum of the History of Science

Established in 1944, the museum was founded following a major donation from Robert Stewart Whipple, a Cambridge graduate and avid collector of scientific instruments. His extensive collection formed the basis of the museum, which now includes a fascinating range of objects that illustrate the development of science over centuries.

The museum is part of the University of Cambridge’s Department of History and Philosophy of Science and has since grown into one of the leading collections of scientific instruments and artefacts in the UK. It explores the history of science from the medieval period to the 20th century, with a focus on astronomy, mathematics, natural philosophy, and scientific discovery. The Whipple Museum provides an invaluable resource for researchers, students, and the general public, offering insights into how scientific knowledge and tools have shaped our understanding of the world.

What to See In This Museum

At the Whipple Museum of the History of Science, visitors can explore a wide range of fascinating scientific instruments, models, and artefacts. Highlights include historical telescopes, globes, and mathematical instruments, many of which date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. The collection also features intricate orreries (models of the solar system), early microscopes, and astrolabes used for astronomical measurements.

The museum offers interactive displays and exhibits that bring the history of scientific discovery to life, from early experiments in physics and chemistry to breakthroughs in astronomy. Visitors can also explore unique teaching instruments from Cambridge’s academic history and models that illustrate various scientific principles.

Temporary exhibitions and special displays often feature rare or newly discovered items from the museum’s vast collection, offering new perspectives on the history of science and innovation.

How to Get There

The Whipple Museum of the History of Science is located on Free School Lane, right in the centre of Cambridge. It is easily accessible by public transport or on foot. Cambridge Station is about a 20-minute walk from the museum, or visitors can take a bus from the station into the city centre.

Several local bus routes, such as the Citi 1 and Citi 3, stop nearby. If driving, parking in central Cambridge can be challenging, so it’s recommended to use one of the city’s park-and-ride services. The museum is also easily reached by bicycle, with parking facilities for bikes available nearby.

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Museums & Art Galleries

The Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology

The Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (MAA) is one of the University of Cambridge’s most remarkable museums, showcasing an impressive collection of artefacts from across the globe. Established in 1884, the museum was initially created to house and study the University’s anthropological and archaeological collections, which had been steadily growing through donations and fieldwork by Cambridge scholars.

The museum’s founders aimed to offer a space for the public, students, and academics to explore human history and culture through objects.

Today, the MAA boasts an extraordinary collection of over a million artefacts from all inhabited continents, spanning more than two million years of human history. The museum has strong ties to notable figures such as Captain James Cook, whose expeditions brought back important Polynesian artefacts, and pioneering anthropologists like Alfred Haddon. It is renowned not only for its collections from Oceania, Africa, and the Americas but also for its rich archaeological findings from across the UK and Europe. As both a research institution and a public museum, the MAA plays a crucial role in the study and appreciation of human culture and history.

What to See In This Museum

At the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, visitors can explore a diverse array of exhibits covering both archaeology and anthropology. The museum is famous for its ethnographic collections, which include striking objects from Oceania, such as intricately carved wooden masks and canoes from the Pacific Islands. Highlights include artefacts from the voyages of Captain Cook and stunning items from Africa, Asia, and the Americas that reveal the cultural diversity of human societies.

In the archaeology galleries, visitors can discover objects from prehistoric Britain, such as ancient tools, pottery, and Roman artefacts. The museum’s collection of Anglo-Saxon treasures, including jewellery and weaponry, is also a must-see. Temporary exhibitions often showcase new research and collections, bringing fresh perspectives on human history and cultural exchange.

How to Get There

The Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology is conveniently located in the centre of Cambridge on Downing Street, just a short walk from the city’s main attractions. If travelling by train, Cambridge Station is about 20 minutes on foot or a 10-minute bus ride away.

Local buses, including routes such as Citi 1, 3, and 7, stop close to the museum. Parking in the city centre can be limited, so it is recommended to use one of Cambridge’s park-and-ride services if you are driving. The museum is also easily accessible by bicycle, with cycle parking available nearby, reflecting Cambridge’s reputation as a bike-friendly city.

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Museums & Art Galleries

The Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences

Founded in 1904 in honour of Adam Sedgwick 🔗, a renowned geologist and Woodwardian Professor of Geology, the museum houses an extensive collection of rocks, minerals, and fossils from around the world. Sedgwick himself played a significant role in the development of geology in the 19th century, and the museum’s collections reflect his life’s work as well as contributions from other leading geologists.

The museum is situated on the Downing Site of the University of Cambridge, in the heart of the city. It was established with the aim of preserving and showcasing geological specimens for both academic study and public interest.

Over the years, the museum has become a valuable educational resource, attracting students, researchers, and visitors from across the globe. Its exhibitions explore the Earth’s 4.5-billion-year history, offering an immersive journey through geological time. Today, the Sedgwick Museum holds over 2 million specimens, making it one of the most significant geological collections in the UK.

What to See In This Museum

The Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences offers a rich and diverse collection. Visitors can explore fossils from prehistoric life, including dinosaur bones, ancient sea creatures, and plants. Some of the highlights include specimens from the Jurassic Coast, as well as fossils collected by Charles Darwin during his voyage on HMS Beagle. There are also beautiful displays of minerals and gemstones, illustrating the Earth’s geological processes.

Additionally, the museum has displays focusing on Cambridge’s own geological history, including fossils from the surrounding areas. Visitors can trace the history of the Earth through interactive exhibits and detailed maps, gaining insights into how the planet has changed over billions of years.

How to Get There

The Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences is located at the Downing Site, which is easily accessible by public transport or on foot. If you’re travelling by train, Cambridge Station is a 20-minute walk from the museum, or you can catch a bus from the station to the city centre.

For those arriving by bus, there are several routes that stop near the Downing Site, including the Citi 1, Citi 3, and Citi 7. Parking in the city can be limited, so using park-and-ride services is a good option if you’re driving. Bicycles can also be parked nearby, as Cambridge is a very cycle-friendly city.

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Museums & Art Galleries

The Fitzwilliam Museum

The Fitzwilliam Museum, founded in 1816, is one of the most renowned art and antiquities museums in the UK. It was established following a bequest from Richard Fitzwilliam, 7th Viscount Fitzwilliam, who donated his extensive collection of art and books, along with funds to build a museum, to the University of Cambridge.

Over the centuries, the museum has expanded its collections, becoming a world-class institution and an integral part of Cambridge’s cultural landscape. The building itself, an impressive neoclassical structure designed by George Basevi, was completed in 1848 and stands as one of the most striking landmarks in the city.

The Fitzwilliam Museum is a must-visit destination for both art lovers and history enthusiasts. Its vast collections span centuries and continents, offering a deep insight into art, culture, and human history. As part of the University of Cambridge, the museum plays a key role in academic research, but it is also open to the public, offering free entry and a chance to explore its impressive collections.

What to See In This Museum

The museum’s collections are incredibly diverse, ranging from ancient artefacts to contemporary art. Highlights include:

  • European paintings by renowned artists such as Monet, Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Turner.
  • A vast array of antiquities, including Egyptian sarcophagi, Greek vases, and Roman sculpture.
  • Manuscripts and rare books, including medieval illuminated manuscripts and early printed works.
  • Exquisite collections of decorative arts, such as ceramics, glass, and armour.
  • Temporary exhibitions, which often showcase specific themes, artists, or periods in art history, ensuring there is always something new to see.

The Fitzwilliam also offers free guided tours, family-friendly activities, and educational programmes, making it an engaging visit for all ages.

How to Get There

The Fitzwilliam Museum is located on Trumpington Street, in the heart of Cambridge, making it easily accessible by foot, bicycle, or public transport. The museum is a short walk from many other city landmarks and can be reached from the Cambridge railway station in about 20 minutes on foot or 10 minutes by bus. Several bus routes, including those from Cambridge Park & Ride, stop near the museum, and there are bicycle racks available on-site for cyclists. There is no on-site parking, so if driving, it is recommended to use one of the city’s public car parks or the Park & Ride service.