Cambridge Must-Sees: Kettle’s Yard

Kettle’s Yard

Kettle’s Yard is one of Cambridge’s most unique art galleries. It offers visitors an intimate experience with modern and contemporary art.

Originally the home of Jim Ede, a former curator at the Tate Gallery, Kettle’s Yard was established in 1957 when Ede opened his doors to students and visitors, offering them the chance to see his personal collection of artworks in a domestic setting. His vision was to create a space where art, nature, and architecture harmoniously blended, allowing for a relaxed and immersive viewing experience.

The house and gallery underwent a major redevelopment and reopened in 2018 with new exhibition spaces, while retaining the spirit of Ede’s original vision. Today, Kettle’s Yard remains a vibrant centre for modern art, presenting a mix of 20th-century art alongside contemporary exhibitions, artist residencies, and educational programmes. The gallery is part of the University of Cambridge and continues to be a hub for artistic discovery and engagement.

What to See In This Museum

At Kettle’s Yard, visitors can explore a rich collection of 20th-century art in an intimate home setting. The house itself is filled with works by renowned artists such as Ben Nicholson, Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore, and Alfred Wallis. The artworks are displayed alongside carefully curated furniture, natural objects, and other found pieces, creating a unique aesthetic where art and everyday life are intertwined.

The gallery also hosts contemporary art exhibitions, showcasing a wide range of media from painting and sculpture to installation and video art. In addition to its permanent collection, Kettle’s Yard offers temporary exhibitions, artist talks, and workshops that provide new insights into both historical and contemporary art.

How to Get There

Kettle’s Yard is located on Castle Street, just a short walk from the centre of Cambridge. If you’re travelling by train, Cambridge Station is about 30 minutes on foot, or you can take a bus from the station to the city centre. Several local bus routes, including Citi 5 and Citi 6, stop near Castle Street.

For those driving, parking in the city centre can be limited, so using one of Cambridge’s park-and-ride services is recommended. The gallery is also easily accessible by bicycle, with bike parking available nearby.

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