11 Fascinating Museums in Cambridge, England

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Looking for the most wonderful museums in Cambridge? I love how much history there is in my home city and these are all of my favourite museums.

Home to the University of Cambridge, there is an eclectic mix of history, beautiful streets, and museums in Cambridge that will appeal to all ages. Cambridge is one of the most beautiful cities in England.

Although it’s often overlooked in favour of London, it’s just as culture-rich. In fact, if you’re looking for a day of culture and history, then Cambridge is the place to be.

Whether you want something more hands-on or prefer to sit back and admire art pieces in an airy gallery setting, there are plenty of options for everyone. If you’re visiting Cambridge soon, here are some suggestions on which museums should make your list!

How many museums are there in Cambridge?

A fairly small city compared to the likes of London, Bristol, or York, there are still more than 30 museums in Cambridge that feature a variety of exhibits.

This ranges from art galleries to science museums, and everything in between. Cambridge is such a historic city that it’s impossible not to find something of interest.

Are there any free museums in Cambridge?

The best thing about most of these museums in Cambridge is that they’re free. Visiting museums is one of the best things to do in Cambridge on a budget.

This makes a nice change from the colleges, of which some are a little pricey to enter! However, some of the museums may have an admission fee for special exhibits or events.

What are the best museums in Cambridge?

So, whether you’re interested in history, science, or art exhibits, without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the best museums in Cambridge.

1. Fitzwilliam Museum

Easily the most famous museum in Cambridge, the Fitzwilliam is home to an extensive collection of art and antiquities, including paintings by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Monet, and other famous artists. 

Located on Trumpington Street, you’ll find a delightful combination of art and history here, from ancient Egyptian artefacts to European tapestries.

Richard Fitzwilliam founded the Fitzilliam in 1816. It’s been open to the public ever since. The building in itself is worth a visit with its neo-classical facade and elegant spiral staircase.

2. The Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology

Dedicated to the study of human history and culture, you’ll find plenty of archaeological and anthropological wonders here. It’s another of the oldest museums in the UK, having been founded in 1884. It contains more than a million objects from all over the world. 

Highlights include exhibits on ancient Greece, Rome, and China, as well as an impressive collection of South Asian art. It’s home to an extensive collection of items, including Egyptian mummies and Buddhist sculptures.

Located on Downing Street, there are more than 25 galleries in total, so you’re sure to find something that interests you.

3. The Polar Museum

Dedicated to the history of polar exploration, this museum is home to one of the most comprehensive collections of polar material in the world.

It has items ranging from sledges used by Sir Ernest Shackleton to the remains of a walrus. There are also galleries dedicated to Arctic exploration, Antarctic expeditions, and the Royal Navy’s polar service.

4. The Cambridge University Museum of Zoology

Natural history fans should put this museum at the top of their list.

The museum is home to more than 20 million specimens, including everything from a dodo skeleton to a woolly mammoth tusk. It’s also home to the largest collection of mounted animals in Europe.

5. Museum of Cambridge

Located in the old police station, this museum is a great place to learn more about life in Cambridge throughout history. Follow the city’s role during Roman times to its development into an industrial powerhouse during 19th century Britain. 

Highlights include exhibits on alabaster and latten works, pottery from the Duchy of Cornwall, and a recreation of an 18th-century apothecary’s shop.

6. Kettle’s Yard

Kettle’s Yard is a house and art gallery dedicated to 20th-century British visual arts. It has the largest collection of works by sculptor Henry Moore. You’ll also find paintings by John Piper, Ben Nicholson, and Christopher Wood. You’ll also find plenty of modern sculptures here too.

After the enlargement of the facilities and the addition of new exhibits, the mansion and gallery were re-opened in February 2018.

7. The Museum of Classical Archeology

If your interest lies in ancient Greece and Rome, then you’ll want to visit this museum. It’s home to an extensive collection of artefacts from these two civilizations, including statues, pottery, and coins. 

Located on Pembroke Street, it was founded in 1983. It’s the oldest classical archaeology museum in the UK. It also houses one of the largest plaster cast collections in the world, including casts of the Parthenon Marbles.

8. The Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences

Located at the University of Cambridge, this geology museum is home to one of the most extensive collections of rocks, minerals, and fossils in Europe. It’s also home to the UK’s largest collection of meteorites, as well as a replica of an erupting volcano!

9. Anglesey Abbey

A slightly different museum to the others on this list, Anglesey Abbey a country house and gardens that’s owned by the National Trust.

It’s believed that it was built as early as the 13th Century. You can find everything from paintings and furniture to tapestries and porcelain on display here. 

The extensive 114 acres of gardens are ideal for going for a walk, especially during the springtime when they’re in full bloom. Unfortunately though, being a National Trust site, Anglesey Abbey isn’t free. It will cost non-members between £16 to enter.

10. Cambridge Museum of Technology

The museum is dedicated to the history of technology. It has everything from locomotives and printing presses to televisions and computers on display. It’s located in an old power station which was built in 1894. You can physically see how technology has developed over the years!

11. Cambridge Science Centre

Last but not least, the Cambridge Science Centre is another of the best museums in Cambridge. It’s a hands-on science centre that features over 100 interactive exhibits.

You can explore the effects of light or sound on everyday objects, as well as discover much more curious facts such as why camels have thick eyelashes. Overall, it’s a great place to learn more about science in a fun and interactive way.

Final Thoughts on Cambridge’s Best Museums

So there you have it – the best museums in Cambridge! There’s something for everyone in this wonderful city. Fortunately, most of these museums are free to enter. So, whether you’re interested in art, history, or science, what are you waiting for?

👉 Planning a trip to Cambridge? Here are my favourite places to stay and my guide to punting in Cambridge.

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