University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge
Explore the rich diversity of animal life and evolutionary history at Cambridge’s University Museum of Zoology, home to iconic specimens and free entry.
Located in the David Attenborough Building on Downing Place, the University Museum of Zoology in Cambridge offers a fascinating journey through the diversity of animal life. Home to over two million specimens, including iconic creatures like a 21-meter fin whale and one of the UK's most complete dodo skeletons, the museum blends scientific research with public education. Visitors explore themes of evolution, extinction, and biodiversity in engaging galleries with free admission and accessible facilities.
A brief summary to University Museum Of Zoology
- David Attenborough Building, Downing Pl, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, GB
- +441223336650
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 10 am-4:30 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4:30 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4:30 pm
- Friday 10 am-4:30 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4:30 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-4:30 pm
Local tips
- Plan your visit on a weekday or Saturday for quieter galleries; Sundays open from noon with shorter hours.
- Use the accessible entrance via the Whale Hall, which provides step-free access for wheelchair users.
- Enjoy refreshments at the Whale Café, open Tuesday to Saturday, but note food and drinks are not allowed in the galleries.
- Check the museum website for temporary exhibition updates and special events to enhance your visit.
- If you need assistance, reserve a wheelchair in advance by contacting the museum during opening hours.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Lockers
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train and Walk
From Cambridge Station, a 20-minute walk (approximately 1.1 miles) takes you to the museum. Frequent trains connect Cambridge to London Kings Cross (about 55 minutes). Taxis and buses are also available from the station to the city centre.
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Bus and Walk
The museum is a 5-minute walk (around 500 meters) from Drummer Street bus station. Multiple local bus routes serve this station with regular frequency. Walking routes are flat and accessible.
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Car and Park & Ride
Visitors arriving by car can use Cambridge’s Park and Ride services, which offer affordable parking outside the city centre with frequent buses to the museum area. On-site parking is very limited; one accessible parking bay is available on the New Museums Site, accessible via Pembroke Arch.
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Walking
The museum is centrally located within Cambridge’s New Museums Site, making it easily reachable on foot from many city centre hotels and attractions. The terrain is flat and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
University Museum Of Zoology location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about University Museum Of Zoology
A Legacy of Natural History and Scientific Discovery
The University Museum of Zoology in Cambridge is a repository of over two million zoological specimens, many collected by renowned naturalists such as Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace. Housed within the David Attenborough Building, the museum reopened in 2018 following a major redevelopment that modernized its galleries and enhanced visitor experience. It stands as a testament to centuries of scientific inquiry, showcasing the evolution of life on Earth through meticulously preserved specimens and innovative displays.Exhibits that Tell Stories of Life and Extinction
Visitors encounter a broad spectrum of animal life, from minute insects and molluscs to large mammals and extinct species. Highlights include Cambridge’s largest resident, a 21-meter fin whale skeleton suspended dramatically in the Whale Hall, the giant ground sloth, and one of the most complete dodo skeletons in the UK. The museum explores themes such as survival, extinction, and biodiversity, inviting reflection on humanity's relationship with the natural world.Engaging and Accessible Visitor Experience
The museum is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring step-free access via a ramp, lifts to most floors, and facilities such as induction loops and audio description tours for visitors with hearing or visual impairments. Seating is available throughout the galleries, and assistance dogs are welcome. The Whale Café and shop provide refreshments, while lockers are available for visitor convenience. Admission is free, encouraging broad public engagement with zoological science.Educational Outreach and Research Integration
Beyond public exhibitions, the museum serves as a vital research hub for the University of Cambridge’s Department of Zoology. Its collections support scientific study worldwide, while educational programs, including touch tours and verbal description sessions, foster inclusive learning. Temporary exhibitions and changing displays highlight unique items from the extensive stores, keeping the museum dynamic and relevant.Location and Opening Hours
Situated in the heart of Cambridge’s New Museums Site, the museum is within walking distance of the city centre and other university museums. It is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 16:30, Sundays from 12:00 to 16:30, and closed on Mondays except bank holidays. The museum closes for Christmas and New Year from late December to early January. Visitors are encouraged to check for any maintenance closures or special opening hours.Conservation and Sustainability Efforts
The museum actively supports conservation research, including projects on local butterfly species and other wildlife habitats. It promotes sustainable practices within its operations and encourages visitors to respect the natural world, aligning with its mission to educate about biodiversity and environmental stewardship.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
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For the design and aesthetic lover
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For the architecture buff
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For the view chaser and sunset hunter
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For the social media creator & influencer
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For the eco-conscious traveler
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For the kind of experience you’re after
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For how adventurous you want the journey to be
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Location Audience
- Family Friendly
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- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
