From Egyptian coffins and giant whales to dinosaurs and Greek gods, the University of Cambridge Museums contain more than five million works of art, artefacts, and specimens. The Museums are a great place to take time away from the hustle and bustle and discover something new.
This activity is good for wellbeing because
- Museums are a great place to take some time for yourself in a calm environment
- You can learn new things and be inspired
- You can connect with your creativity
How to contact
Where to go
Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
Downing Street
Cambridge
UK
The Polar Museum
Lensfield Road
Cambridge
UK
Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences
Cambridge
UK
Museum of Classical Archaeology
University of Cambridge
Sidgwick Avenue
Cambridge
UK
Whipple Museum of the History of Science
Free School Lane
Cambridge
UK
Kettle's Yard
Castle Street
Cambridge
UK
University Museum Of Zoology
Downing Place
Cambridge
UK
The Fitzwilliam Museum
Trumpington Street
Cambridge
UK
Cambridge University Botanic Garden
Brookside
Cambridge
UK
More information
The University of Cambridge Museums represent the UK’s highest concentration of internationally important collections outside London, with collections that span four and a half billion years.
There are eight Museums within the consortium which are all free to visit. There is also the Botanic Garden which charges a small entrance fee.
There is a brief description of each Museum below, together with a video showing how to find the entrance. Click on the name of a museum to visit its individual website. These will give you much more detailed information about what to expect, as well as information on opening hours and contact details.
The Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology documents 2 million years of human history through artefacts and stories.
The Museum of Classical Archaeology displays plaster casts of the some of the most iconic sculptures from classical antiquity.
Kettle’s Yard is a gallery of modern and contemporary art, housed within the former home of an avid collector.
The Polar Museum documents the history of polar exploration and displays the clothing and equipment used by explorers.
The Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences contains thousands of fossils of animals and plants that illustrate the evolution of life in the oceans, on land and in the air.
The Museum of Zoology showcases the diversity of animal life from moths to monkeys, mammoths to manatees!
The Whipple Museum of the History of Science displays a vast array of scientific instruments dating from the Middle Ages to the present day.
This visual story shows how to enter the Museum.
The Fitzwilliam Museum houses over half a million artworks and artefacts from around the world.
For more information visit The Fitzwilliam Museum page.
Cambridge University Botanic Garden is a treasure trove of over 8,000 plant species, including nine National Collections and a wonderful arboretum.
For more information visit the Botanic Garden page.
Events and activities
The Museums run a variety of educational and creative events for both adults and children. Visit their website for details of upcoming events.
There is also a collection of fun learning activities inspired by the University collections that you can do from home. Visit the Home Activities page to find out more.
Volunteering opportunities
There are opportunities to volunteer within the Museums, most often as front of house or engagement volunteers, responsible for welcoming visitors.
For details of current opportunities visit the volunteering section of their website.
Admission is free
Some of the events have a small charge. This information is listed under each event.
How to contact
Where to go
Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
Downing Street
Cambridge
UK
The Polar Museum
Lensfield Road
Cambridge
UK
Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences
Cambridge
UK
Museum of Classical Archaeology
University of Cambridge
Sidgwick Avenue
Cambridge
UK
Whipple Museum of the History of Science
Free School Lane
Cambridge
UK
Kettle's Yard
Castle Street
Cambridge
UK
University Museum Of Zoology
Downing Place
Cambridge
UK
The Fitzwilliam Museum
Trumpington Street
Cambridge
UK
Cambridge University Botanic Garden
Brookside
Cambridge
UK
