Cambridge Must-Sees: The Polar Museum. Image courtesy of geograph.

The Polar Museum

The Polar Museum, part of the Scott Polar Research Institute, offers a captivating exploration of polar regions' history, science, and art.

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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Cambridge Must-Sees: The Polar Museum. Image courtesy of geograph.

The Polar Museum

The Polar Museum, part of the Scott Polar Research Institute, offers a captivating exploration of polar regions’ history, science, and art.