10 Museums in Cambridge you don’t want to miss
While visiting one of the best-known places for academia in the world, why not take the opportunity to take a look around some of the museums in Cambridge, many of which are found right here in the centre of the city, there are a huge variety of intriguing places that are great for adults and kids alike, take a look below for our top picks:
Kettles Yard – Museums in Cambridge
Kettle’s Yard is the University of Cambridge’s modern and contemporary art gallery. It houses a remarkable collection of modern art both on a permanent and rotating basis. In February 2018 Kettles Yard reopened after a major redevelopment project which included a four-floor education wing, new and improved exhibition galleries, and a café! (a tick in anyone’s box) In addition to visual arts, Kettles Yard is also well known in the city for its programme of musical events and recitals. Opening Tuesday – Sunday, tickets can be purchased from www.kettlesyard.co.uk
Museum of Cambridge
Just along from Kettles Yard on Northampton Street is the Museum of Cambridge or formally known as the Cambridge and County Folk Museum for over 70 years, this beautiful Grade II listed 17th-century former coaching inn is well worth a visit. The collection comprises over 20,000 objects representing Cambridge and Cambridgeshire’s history and heritage over 300 years, including items that relate to everyday life, customs, and traditions of local people, places, and events. Entry prices start from the bargain price of £6.00 for an adult pass, which allows unlimited visits for 12 months from the date of issue.
The Centre for Computing History
If video games is more your thing then why not pop along to The Centre for Computing History; located just out of the city centre on Coldham’s Road, this unique museum in Cambridge is the country’s largest computer and video games museum. Featuring computers and gaming consoles with hand-on exhibits, popular with children and adults alike!
The Fitzwilliam Museum
If you don’t fancy leaving the city centre, right at the heart of the city is The Fitzwilliam Museum, it’s one of the largest museums in Cambridge named after Viscount Fitzwilliam, who in 1816 bequeathed his works of art and library to the University of Cambridge. This fascinating art and antiquities museum is widely considered to be one of the finest of its kind in the country. From armor, coins & medals to ancient Egyptian coffins, and silver & jewellery, there is a lot to see in one place.
New Hall Art Collection
Talking of art did you know that The New Hall Art Collection is a permanent collection of modern and contemporary art by women at Murray Edwards College; the largest of its kind in Europe.
Scott Polar Museum
One of the hidden museums in Cambridge is the Scott Polar Museum a short walk from The Fitzwilliam Museum along Lensfield Road which is the oldest dedicated polar research institute in the world, and houses The Scott Polar Museum, collection highlights include snow googles used by Ernest Shackleton & fossil ferns from approximately 140 million ago.
In the gardens is the Antarctic Sledge Dog Memorial, a life-size sculpture of a Husky Sledge Dog.
Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
While visiting this university city several departments have specialized museums in Cambridge, the first of which is the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, originally founded in 1884, it has been in its current location on Downing Street since 1913, following a major redevelopment in 2012 it now features exhibitions about life from all over the world, ranging from ancient times to modern day.
The Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences
The Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences is the oldest of the university’s museums having been established in 1728, it now holds a collection of at least 2 million fossils, minerals, and rocks. A walk through the museum takes you on a 4.5 billion-year journey through time, not a bad way to spend an hour or two.
Whipple Museum
I bet you’re not asked every day if you have a love for the history of science. I didn’t know I had until I went along to the fascinating Whipple Museum, which showcases a magnificent display & eclectic range of exhibits including scientific instruments, apparatus, models, picture prints, photographs, books, and other material related to the history of science. There is also a whole room dedicated to globes, orreries, astrolabes, and armillary spheres, which need to be seen to be believed.
The Imperial War Museum Duxford
Last but no means least if you venture outside Cambridgeshire’s city limits then you can visit The Imperial War Museum Duxford – Europe’s largest aviation museum, which displays an amazing collection of almost 200 historic aircraft, military vehicles, artillery, and naval vessels. Built during World War One walk through the same hangars and buildings as those who served at RAF Duxford during the Second World War. It was one of the first squadrons to take delivery of the iconic Spitfire, which if you are lucky you can see flying in the skies above during your visit.
The Imperial War Museum bought the site in 1976 and developed the site at the epicenter of aviation history. Take the opportunity to walk onto Concorde or discover what the invasion of Normandy in 1944 would have been like from the point of view of the people who took part. With daily flying displays if the weather is good this spectacular museum really is a full day’s activities for the whole family.
While planning your days around Cambridge, why not relax in one of our Superior Rooms?
Christ’s College Accommodation
Christ’s College is the perfect location to stay in whilst visiting Cambridge. The College is close to the Grande Arcade, as well as being a short stroll from the historic market square, Kings College Chapel, Fitzwilliam Museum, and the River Cam.
Our Cambridge accommodation rooms are modern, and many have an en-suite bathroom. As a guest of the College, you are welcome to explore the beautiful grounds which are steeped in history.
We hold a 4-star Visit England Campus Award. so you can be sure of a warm welcome.
To find out more about the Bed and Breakfast accommodation we offer visit www.christscollegehospitality.co.uk
