13 Must-Visit Museums in Cambridge that Fascinate and Educate
2024-05-04
Museums in Cambridge are an integral part of its history and culture. If you are interested in history and science, you should visit Cambridge's many museums. In these places, there's something to captivate every curious mind. Indeed, a visit to Cambridge is not fun without visiting its lovely museums. So, come immerse yourself in the wonders of discovery and exploration that await in Cambridge's vibrant museum scene.
1. Fitzwilliam Museum
The Fitzwilliam Museum offers a captivating exploration of the world's artistic heritage. It is a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
The museum was established in 1816 by Richard FitzWilliam and attracts around 400 thousand visitors year round.
Among the most important collections in the museum, you will find music manuscripts by notable musicians such as William Byrd and Thomas Tallis.
The Egyptian galleries are another significant highlight, with participatory exhibitions and public displays.
Add to this the spectacular number of paintings and sketches by the most famous European artists. There are paintings by English artists such as John Constable, Sir Godfrey Kneller, and William Blake; Flemish artists like Peter Paul Rubens and Jan Brueghel the Elder; and French painters like Edgar Degas and Pierre-Auguste Renoir.
2. Centre for Computing History
At the Centre for Computing History, visitors of all ages are invited to delve into the world of computers, gaining a deeper understanding of how these innovations have shaped our modern society.
The centre is relatively new, having been established in 2007 under the curatorship of Lisa McGerty. It is acting as a store for vintage computers and game consoles. On display, you will find various artefacts such as comptometers and Apple II computers, collections of magazines and related literature, video games, and LEO computers.
At the centre, you will find a cute cafe and a wonderful gift shop. At the gift shop, you will find Sinclair ZX Spectrum mugs, books, comics, and retro vinyl record coasters.
3. Cambridge Museum of Technology
Visitors to Cambridge Museum of Technology will learn about the pivotal role technology has played in shaping the fabric of society. Visitors can explore the ingenuity and craftsmanship of generations past, from steam engines to telecommunications equipment.
The building was formerly a combined sewage pumping and waste destruction station. It is now home to exhibits and audio-visual displays that showcase Victorian technology and engineering.
Among the museum’s highlights, one can name the Boiler House, the Print Room, and the Ash Disposal Railway. The place also holds special programmes for families and children interested in technological history.
4. Cambridge Science Centre
Cambridge Science Centre fosters a deeper appreciation for the marvels of scientific discovery and innovation. Although small, the centre is very well designed and well curated. Its head office is located on Clifton Road, and its entrance fee is very affordable.
It provides great interactive experiences for kids and families. The staff is certain to create a fun yet educational environment where children are kept entertained.
In between activities, visitors will have the opportunity to explore different sections of the centre and see other artefacts on display.
5. Cambridge University Museum of Zoology
You will uncover the beauty and diversity of life at the Cambridge University Museum of Zoology. The museum is a hub of discovery and learning for nature enthusiasts and scholars. It is located on Downing Street and attracts around 100 thousand visitors per year.
Most of the collections in the museum are the result of excavations and discoveries during the 19th century, a period marked by biological and scientific developments. Some of the most notable zoologists whose collections and letters are displayed in the museum are Charles Darwin, F.M. Balfour, and Alfred Newton.
Perhaps, the most notable specimen in the museum is the fin whale. This iconic landmark can even be seen through the window on the streets of Cambridge. This remains of the second largest species of whale in the world is 21 metres long and was discovered in 1866.
6. Kettle's Yard
Kettle's Yard beckons visitors into a world of art, architecture, and tranquillity. It invites them to pause, reflect, and find inspiration in the beauty of simplicity. Initially the home of Jim Ede, the famous collector, and his wife, Kettle’s Yard is now a place to display Ede’s artistic collections.
The permanent collection at Kettle’s Yard contains art works and paintings Ede collected. They include works by David Jones, Helen Frankenthaler, and Constantin Brâncuși among others.
The cafe on site is called the Garden Kitchen Cafe and offers a wide selection of pastries, cakes, and a range of vegetarian and vegan food. At the gift shop, visitors will also have a chance to buy handmade jewellery and some local artwork.
7. The Polar Museum
The Polar Museum offers a window into the frozen realms of the Arctic and Antarctic. Also known as the Scott Polar Research Institute, the Polar Museum is dedicated to the study of polar regions and glaciers. The institute has the world’s largest collections and polar archives.
Here, visitors will see exhibits about people living in the Arctic for thousands of years, and will get a glimpse of their art. You will also delve into the details of the expeditions and explorations Manning, Scott, and Shackleton led into the Antarctic.
8. Cambridge University Library
Delve into the annals of history or explore the forefront of scientific inquiry at the Cambridge University Library. With roots tracing back to the 15th century, this esteemed institution houses one of the world's most comprehensive collections of books, manuscripts, and archives.
This library is the largest library in the University of Cambridge, and its history dates back to the 15th century. It is accessible to all students of the university, and there is also open access granted to members of the public who apply for it.
Some of the main highlights of the library include a copy of the Gutenberg Bible from 1455, E.G. Browne's collection of codices, and the papers of Isaac Newton.
9. Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
Enter the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology to explore the rich tapestry of human experience through engaging exhibitions and interactive displays.
The museum is home to Cambridge’s local antique collections and ethnographic artefacts from all over the world. Here, you will have a chance to take a wide tour of different cultures and go deep into the history of Cambridge itself.
The museum is divided into several floors. The ground floor’s focus is the archaeology of Cambridge, while the first floor is about anthropology. The second floor also mainly concentrates on world archaeology.
10. Museum of Cambridge
The Museum of Cambridge is a charming museum that offers a journey through time, from the mediaeval origins of the city to its vibrant present-day culture.
The White Horse Inn, which houses the museum, is a grade listed building dating back to the 16th century. This timber-framed building, with its winding stairs and eccentric appearance, is an interesting local attraction in itself.
The museum has a lot to offer. It showcases 300 years of local history through coins, costumes, artworks, and even toys. Some of the objects and artefacts are pretty rare, and they will surely fascinate a lot of history enthusiasts.
11. Museum of Classical Archaeology
With exhibitions, lectures, and educational programmes, the Museum of Classical Archaeology serves as a hub for scholarship and appreciation of the enduring legacy of classical archaeology.
The main highlight of the museum is the Roman and Greek plaster casts, which are some of the rarest of its kind. There are around 450 casts on display in the Cast Gallery. Some of the works and statues in the Cast Gallery date back to ancient times, and some date to the Christian era.
To see the museum, visitors can choose any day from Tuesday to Friday, from morning til the afternoon.
12. Sedgwick Museum
Learn about the Earth's geological past at the Sedgwick Museum, a treasure trove of natural history and earth sciences in Cambridge. This is another museum in Cambridge with an impressive collection of dinosaur skeletons. This place is an educational haven for both adults and children.
The museum boasts a vast mineral collection. It contains more than 50 thousand mineral specimens from around the world, in addition to the 2000 rocks collected by Charles Darwin. Add to this a breathtaking archive collection of papers, notebooks, and sketchbooks charting the history of the museum.
13. Whipple Museum of the History of Science
From astrolabes and telescopes to early computers and laboratory equipment, visitors can trace the evolution of scientific thought and experimentation through the ages in the Whipple Museum.
Founded in 1944 when Robert Whipple presented his collection of instruments to the University of Cambridge, the museum has become an important repository of national and international collections in the history of science.
In the collections, you will find instruments like an 18th century Persian astrolabe, a 17th century compound microscope, and a 20th century X-ray tube. In addition, there are a variety of microscopes, telescopes, and other navigational and astronomical instruments.
After immersing yourself in the rich history and scientific wonders of Cambridge's museums, why not extend your exploration to the tranquil beauty of its countryside? Consider indulging in a night of comfort and serenity at one of Cambridge's countryside accommodations. Minstrel Court, on Ermine Way, offers a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern amenities for a truly unforgettable experience.
