Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Explore Cambridge's History at Museum Of Cambridge
Museum Of Cambridge is a cultural institution dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories of everyday people from Cambridge and Cambridgeshire. Established in 1936, we house a collection of over 40,000 objects that reflect the region's social history over the past 300 years. Our Grade II-listed building, a 17th-century former coaching inn, provides a unique setting for visitors to explore local heritage through authentic, everyday items. We actively engage with communities to document contemporary stories, continuing the legacy of our founding curators. Our exhibitions and educational programs aim to connect past and present, fostering appreciation for the region's evolving identity.We rely on donations and volunteer support to maintain our collections and ensure accessibility for all. Through projects like Capturing Cambridge, we digitize and map local history for public engagement. Our venue hire services offer historic spaces for events, combining heritage with modern functionality. We collaborate with local partners to expand our reach and impact. Our team combines expertise in curation, education, and heritage management to deliver our mission.
Services
Exhibitions
Venue Hire
Educational Programs
Collections Access
Volunteer Opportunities
Details
- Year established: 1936
Highlights and features
- We care for over 40,000 historic objects spanning 300 years of local life
- Our Grade II-listed building offers a unique historic setting
- We provide educational programs for schools and families
- Our venue hire includes the historic Enid Porter Room
- We actively collect contemporary stories through community projects
Associations and certifications
- Registered Charity No. 311309
- Company Limited by Guarantee No. 00412205
What people say
Could not recommend more
Ideal for our purposes
Team were a delight
Memorable visit
Fantastic experience
Services
Exhibitions
Our exhibitions showcase 300 years of Cambridgeshire history through everyday objects. Visitors explore curated displays that highlight social changes and cultural traditions. The museum rotates exhibits annually to maintain fresh perspectives on local heritage.
Venue Hire
The Enid Porter Room offers historic event space for meetings and celebrations. Facilities include AV equipment, kitchenette, and courtyard access. Rates vary by duration and community status with discounts available for block bookings.
Educational Programs
We provide curriculum-linked learning experiences for schools. Programs include hands-on object handling and curator-led tours. Resources support history and cultural education for all key stages.
Collections Access
Researchers can access our collection of 40,000+ historic objects. The museum offers guided access to stored items and specialist knowledge about provenance and historical context. Appointments required for detailed research.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer positions include front-of-house, collections management, and event support. Training provided for roles that involve public engagement and heritage preservation. Volunteers contribute significantly to daily operations.
People
Catherine E. Parsons
Honorary Curator
Collected 143 objects in the first year and wrote extensively on local life. Donated over 1,000 keys to Oxford's Pitt-Rivers Museum in 1950.
Reginald C. Lambeth
Former Curator
Resident Custodian turned Curator who created the museum's original linocut. Researched Cambridgeshire agricultural implements and combined museum work with rural industries development.
Ernest Saville Peck
Founder
Pharmacist and academic who proposed the museum concept. Donated significant pharmacy-related artifacts and supported multiple Cambridge cultural institutions.
Questions
What are the museum's opening hours?
Open daily 10am-5pm (11am-4pm Sundays) during school holidays. Closed Tuesdays and with seasonal variations.
Are there concession prices available?
Concession tickets cost £6. Children under 16, carers, and Friends of the Museum enter free.
Can I hire the museum for events?
The Enid Porter Room is available for hire with rates starting at £45/hour. Full building hire requires special arrangements.
Is the museum accessible for wheelchair users?
The courtyard and Enid Porter Room are accessible with small wheelchairs. The main museum has uneven floors and limited lift access.
How can I support the museum?
Support through donations, Gift Aid, volunteering, or becoming a Friend. Corporate partnerships and legacy gifts also welcome.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Robin Herd
Sep 19, 2021
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What a charming little place. Well worth a visit just for the charming staff who were both knowledgeable and helpful.
Rob Howard
Aug 27, 2020
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It would be easy to pass this place by in all the splendor of Cambridge but to miss it would be a shame. It's a traditional folk museum focused on Cambridge life and history (and the Fens) but not on the university. It's in a very ancient building (17th Century) that used to be an Inn and has narrow wooden steps and small rooms with low ceilings and wooden beams so you feel like you are exploring the history of the place as you go around. The exhibits are curios and objects from the past and it's packed with interesting things. You could spend a long time in there if you wanted to. They are well
Mister Rob
Jul 29, 2020
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Very small and not worth 6 to get in. It's full of old stuff but theres nothing of any real interest. It's just rooms full of things, theres no connection to cambridge, you can see items like these in any museum or even in some pubs !! My advice is spend your 6 somewhere else.
How To Videos & Tips
Jun 03, 2020
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I only went because my wife wanted to. But I was pleasantly surprised how interesting and varied it was . Quite small so it's not overwhelming. I would like to borrow their mechanical apple corer. Combine with this Museum with a visit to the adjacent Kettles Yard
Gus
Oct 03, 2019
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Full of interesting things and settings within the old pub building. Really fascinating and down to earth on a scale that's accessible to adults and children. I recommend it to anyone who is curious about life in past times. It's next door to Kettles Yard so you can enjoy both. Entry fee (which is very modest) allows for return visits in the 12 months following your first one.
