Cambridge Museums and Art Galleries

(Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England, UK)

A city famous for its university colleges, Cambridge also contains an enormous selection of museums, covering all manner of different topics, such as anthropology, archaeology, farming, folklore, science and technology. The Cambridge museums also allow you to learn more about the city's past achievements and famed residents, such as Oliver Cromwell.

Adding another dimension to sightseeing are the city's growing number of art galleries and fine art museums. These showcase paintings, sculptures and ceramics created by artists from Cambridgeshire and beyond, ranging from very modern to more classical in appearance. Close to St. Catharine's College, the Fitzwilliam Museum and Art Gallery is amongst the best and contains a number of masterpieces by world-famous artists, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt and Titian.

Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology

Address: Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3DZ, England
Tel: +44 (0)1223 333516
The Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology is located in the city centre and is one of the most historic attractions of its kind in the whole of Cambridgeshire. Particular highlights include many archaeological exhibits, Roman and Anglo-Saxon artefacts, sculptures, temporary exhibitions and excellent facilities.
Open hours: Tuesday to Saturday - 14:00 to 16:30
Admission: free

Cromwell Museum

Address: Grammar School Walk, Huntingdon, PE18 6LF, England
Tel: +44 (0)1480 375830
The Cromwell Museum is located on the outskirts of the city, in the Huntingdon suburb. This intriguing attraction features interesting displays and exhibitions about arguably the city's most famous scholar, Oliver Cromwell, the leader of the English Civil War who died in the mid-17th century. Visitors can expect to find a mixture of paintings, manuscripts, artefacts and period features.
Open hours: April to October, Tuesday to Friday - 11:00 to 13:00, 14:00 to 17:00, Saturday and Sunday - 11:00 to 13:00, 14:00 to 16:00
November to March, Tuesday to Friday - 11:00 to 13:00, 14:00 to 16:00, Saturday - 11:00 to 13:00, 14:00 to 16:00, Sunday - 14:00 to 16:00
Admission: free

Museum of Technology

Address: The Old Pumping Station, Cheddars Lane, Cambridge, CB5 8LD, England
Tel: +44 (0)1223 368650
The Museum of Technology, located on the outskirts of the city, can be easily reached from the centre by using the riverside footpath. Previously a Victorian pumping station, this characterful building now houses historic steam engines, printing machines, a number of steam related exhibits, and steam days, when the machines are operated.
Open hours: April to October, Sunday - 14:00 to 17:00, November to March, first Sunday of the month - 14:00 to 17:00

Fitzwilliam Museum and Art Gallery

Address: Trumpington Street, Cambridge, CB2 1RB, England
Tel: +44 (0)1223 332900
Founded in 1816 by the Viscount Fitzwilliam of Merrior, the renowned Fitzwilliam Museum is home to many magnificent Cambridgeshire artefacts and antiquities of national importance, spanning many centuries and civilizations. The Fitzwilliam is one of the most popular museums in Cambridge and is also highly regarded for its excellent galleries, which display important art collections, including paintings, sculptures and ceramics. Other highlights include glass exhibits, furniture, illuminated manuscripts, coins, medals, Japanese prints, a café, guided tours and various temporary exhibitions.
Open hours: Tuesday to Saturday - 10:00 to 17:00, Sunday - 14:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Farmland Museum

Address: Ely Road, Waterbeach, Cambridgeshire, CB5 9PQ, England
Tel: +44 (0)1223 860988
The Farmland Museum, in the Ely area, is part of the Deny Abbey and is full of interesting, rural and farming exhibits. Attractions at the Farmland include interactive displays, a village shop display, a café area and a gift shop selling quality souvenirs.
Open hours: April to October, Saturday and Sunday - 12:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for seniors and children

Imperial War Museum

Address: Duxford, Cambridgeshire, CB2 4QR, England
Tel: +44 (0)1223 835000
The Imperial War Museum is known for its extensive war memorabilia and is also home to a large collection of historic airplanes, including Concorde, Spitfires and more modern jet fighter planes. Other attractions here include a large American Air Hangar with many related exhibits, flight simulators, a gift shop and a popular playground area for young children.
Open hours: April to October, daily - 10:00 to 18:00, November to March, Saturday and Sunday - 10:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for seniors and children

Whipple Museum of the History of Science

Address: Free School Lane, Cambridge, CB2 3RH, England
Tel: +44 (0)1223 334500
Located within the city centre and close to Pembroke College, the Whipple Museum of the History of Science is home to a vast array of scientific artefacts and hands-on displays. In particular, look out for the many telescopes, the collection of scientific books and documents, the large art gallery and the gift shop.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 13:30 to 16:30
Admission: free

Cambridge and County Folk Museum

Address: 2-3 Castle Street, Cambridge, CB3 0AQ, England
Tel: +44 (0)1223 355159
The Cambridge and County Folk Museum stands between Kettle's Yard and Magdalene College, and contains a wide variety of exhibits. Highlights include some nostalgic toys from yesteryear, unusual household items, displays about historic city life, a gift shop and many temporary exhibitions throughout the year.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 10:30 to 17:00, Sunday - 14:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge. discounts available for seniors and children

Museum of Classical Archaeology

Address: Sidgwick Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 9DA, England
Tel: +44 (0)1223 335153
The Museum of Classical Archaeology is full of historic, classical sculptures and statues. Noteworthy exhibits include a large number of Greek and Roman sculpture casts, friezes, detailed busts, and the highly regarded Elgin Marbles sculptures. Darwin College, Newnham College and Queen's College all stand close by.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Kettle's Yard

Address: Castle Street, Northampton Street, Cambridge, CB3 0AQ, England
Tel: +44 (0)1223 352124
Kettle's Yard features a large art gallery with many temporary art exhibitions held throughout the year by local Cambridgeshire artists. Highlights at Kettle's Yard include a large art college displayed in a number of small galleries, large concerts, lectures and art exhibitions by leading, contemporary artists.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 11:30 to 17:00

Houghton Mill

Address: Houghton, Huntingdon, PE17 2AZ, England
Tel: +44 (0)1480 301494
Houghton Mill, owned by the National Trust, is situated on the outskirts of Cambridge, in the Huntingdon area. This historic, timber-built water mill dates back to the 17th century and is still completely operational. These days, Houghton Mill is also known for its large art gallery, which regularly displays paintings and sculptures by local artists. Other attractions at Houghton Mill include a tea room, gardens and a shop selling flour which has been ground at the mill itself.
Open hours: Saturday to Wednesday - 14:00 to 17:30
Admission: charge. discounts available for seniors and children

Cambridge University Collection of Air Photographs

Address: The Mond Building, Free School Lane, Cambridge, CB2 3RF, England
Tel: +44 (0)1223 334578
The University Collection of Air Photographs, in the city centre, is home to literally thousands of aerial photographs of the United Kingdom, including many of the area. Located alongside the Corn Exchange and close to King's College, the Corpus Clock and the Lion Yard, the University Collection of Air Photographs also boasts a number of facilities, including helpful librarians.
Open hours: Monday to Thursday - 09:00 to 13:00, 14:00 to 17:00, Friday - 09:00 to 13:00, 14:00 to 16:00
Admission: free