The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge
Discover centuries of art and history in Cambridge’s grand Fitzwilliam Museum, home to over half a million treasures from around the world.
The Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge is a renowned cultural institution housing over half a million artworks and historical artifacts. Set in a grand Grade-I listed building, it features collections ranging from Ancient Egyptian relics to Impressionist masterpieces. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sundays from 12pm to 5pm, the museum offers free general admission, with special exhibitions requiring tickets. Visitors can enjoy the Courtyard Kitchen café and a well-stocked museum shop.
A brief summary to The Fitzwilliam Museum
- Trumpington St, Cambridge, CB2 1RB, GB
- +441223332900
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 4 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-5 pm
Local tips
- Plan your visit on a weekday morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a more tranquil experience.
- Entry to the museum is free, but book tickets in advance for special exhibitions to guarantee access.
- Use the Courtyard Entrance for step-free access and proximity to the lift.
- Allow at least 2-3 hours to explore the extensive collections and exhibitions fully.
- Visit the Courtyard Kitchen café and museum shop for refreshments and unique souvenirs.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Public Bus
Take the U bus from Cambridge Train Station, which stops directly outside the Fitzwilliam Museum. The journey takes about 10-15 minutes. Buses run frequently throughout the day. A single ticket costs approximately £2.50.
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Walking
The museum is about a 20-minute walk from Cambridge Train Station through flat, accessible city streets. This route is suitable for most visitors and offers views of central Cambridge landmarks.
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Park & Ride
Use Cambridge Park & Ride services from city outskirts. Park your car and take a bus into the city center, then walk 5-10 minutes to the museum. This option avoids city center parking challenges and costs around £3-5 for parking plus bus fare.
The Fitzwilliam Museum 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 The Fitzwilliam Museum
A Treasure Trove of Art and Antiquities
The Fitzwilliam Museum stands as one of the finest small museums in Europe, boasting a collection of over half a million objects that span millennia and continents. Its diverse holdings include ancient Egyptian artifacts, illuminated medieval manuscripts, rare coins, classical sculptures, and masterpieces by artists such as Monet, Picasso, Rubens, and Van Dyck. The museum’s galleries are thoughtfully arranged to guide visitors through a rich tapestry of human history and creativity, from antiquity to modern times.Architectural Grandeur and Visitor Experience
Housed in a monumental Grade-I listed neoclassical building on Trumpington Street, the Fitzwilliam Museum impresses with its elegant interiors and spacious galleries. The architecture itself is a work of art, providing a dignified and contemplative setting for the collections. Accessibility is a priority, with step-free access via the Courtyard Entrance, lifts to all floors, wheelchair availability, and facilities for visitors with hearing and visual impairments. The museum also offers seating throughout and assistance from knowledgeable staff.Engaging Exhibitions and Cultural Events
Alongside its permanent collections, the Fitzwilliam hosts a rotating schedule of special exhibitions, events, music performances, and workshops year-round. While general admission to the museum is free, tickets are required for these exhibitions, which often showcase rare and unique works. The museum encourages learning and creativity through educational programs for all ages, making it a vibrant cultural hub in Cambridge.The Courtyard Café and Museum Shop
Visitors can relax and refresh at the Courtyard Kitchen café, which serves hot and cold beverages, artisan sandwiches, cakes, pastries, and ice cream during warmer months. The museum shop offers a curated selection of memorable gifts, books, and unique souvenirs, perfect for taking a piece of the Fitzwilliam experience home.Practical Information for Visitors
The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm, and Sundays and bank holidays from 12pm to 5pm. It is closed on Mondays and certain holidays including Christmas and New Year’s Day. General admission is free, though donations are welcomed. Group visits of 10 or more require advance booking. The Fitzwilliam is centrally located and easily accessible by foot, public transport, or Park & Ride services, with limited disabled parking available nearby.Commitment to Accessibility and Inclusion
The Fitzwilliam Museum is dedicated to providing an inclusive environment for all visitors. It offers large print and tactile signage, induction loops for hearing assistance, verbal description and touch tours, and welcomes assistance dogs. The museum continually works to improve accessibility and visitor experience, ensuring that its treasures can be enjoyed by everyone.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Senate House Hill
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The Old Schools
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Reality Checkpoint
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Duke House
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St Mark's Church
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Cambridge University Botanic Garden
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Kitchen Bridge, St John's College
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The Round Church
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Christian Heritage
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All Saints Church
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Bridge of Sighs
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Hills Road War Memorial
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A poignant bronze statue on Hills Road honoring Cambridgeshire’s war heroes, symbolizing sacrifice and the journey home.
Magdalene Bridge
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Cambridge Gateway from India
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Experience the cultural richness of the Indian community in Cambridge at the Gateway from India, a unique attraction celebrating diversity and heritage.
Museum of Cambridge
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Unmissable attractions to see
Little St Mary's Church
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Discover centuries of history and serene beauty at Little St Mary's, Cambridge’s historic parish church beside Peterhouse.
Cambridge Food Tour
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Coe Fen
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Tranquil fenland green space beside the River Cam, blending natural beauty with historic Cambridge charm.
Pembroke College
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Sheep's Green
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A tranquil riverside nature reserve in Cambridge blending historic grazing meadows, rich wildlife, and a unique outdoor river pool.
ArchaeoLink
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Connecting Cambridge’s past and present through community archaeology and public engagement at the heart of the city’s academic quarter.
Corpus Christi College
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Discover the intimate charm and historic legacy of Cambridge’s only college founded by townspeople, featuring medieval courts and the iconic Chronophage Clock.
Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
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Explore two million years of human history through captivating artefacts and world cultures at Cambridge’s Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology.
St Catharine's College
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Discover historic charm and tranquil courtyards at St Catharine's College, a Renaissance gem in the heart of Cambridge.
University Museum Of Zoology
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Explore the rich diversity of animal life and evolutionary history at Cambridge’s University Museum of Zoology, home to iconic specimens and free entry.
Queens' College
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Discover Queens' College, Cambridge: a historic riverside haven famed for its iconic Mathematical Bridge and serene academic charm.
Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences
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Mathematical Bridge
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Discover the iconic wooden Mathematical Bridge at Queens' College, a marvel of 18th-century engineering and enduring Cambridge legend.
Granta Moorings
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Discover Cambridge’s iconic river with Granta Moorings—expertly guided punts and self-rental canoes from the best mooring on the College Backs.
Arts Picturehouse
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A historic Cambridge cinema blending indie films, art deco charm, and a lively café-bar in the city centre.
Essential places to dine
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Garden House
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MillWorks
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Granta
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Charlie Chan Restaurant
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Sala Thong
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Smokeworks
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Rice Boat Cambridge
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The Cambridge Chop House
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Classic British steakhouse with locally sourced ingredients, historic charm, and stunning views opposite King's College Chapel in Cambridge.
Bread & Meat
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Pint Shop
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Aromi
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Parker's Tavern
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Elegant British and European cuisine with expertly crafted cocktails in a stylish setting overlooking Parker’s Piece in Cambridge.
Honest Burgers Cambridge
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Sticks'n'Sushi - Cambridge
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Greaterskies
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Samuel Smiley
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A charming gift shop on Cambridge’s historic Trumpington Street, offering unique local treasures and a warm shopping atmosphere.
Podarok
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Discover unique gifts, quirky handbags, and beautiful jewellery at Podarok, Cambridge’s independent boutique in the Arts Quarter.
Oliver Bonas
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A feel-good British lifestyle store in Grand Arcade offering colourful fashion, curated homeware and choice gifts across a spacious ground-floor shop.
Nomads
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Indelibly Cambridge
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A compact, well-curated King’s Parade shop for Cambridge-themed gifts, prints and locally made keepsakes—perfect for quick souvenirs with local character.
Ark
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Compact independent gift shop on historic Peas Hill serving market crowds, theatregoers and locals with curated Cambridge keepsakes.
Menkind Cambridge
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Discover unique gadgets and men’s gifts in the heart of Cambridge’s Lion Yard Shopping Centre, blending modern fun with historic charm.
Parade
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Discover unique Cambridge souvenirs at Parade Gift Shop, perfectly located on historic King's Parade with stunning views of King's College.
CJ’s Vintage Store
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Iris and Violet Cambridge
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Souvenirs And Gifts
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Sugarmark!
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Giles & Co
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As Seen On TV
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Mill
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The Anchor
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Tall Trees
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Bar -OH
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Revolution Cambridge
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Novi Kitchen + Bar
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Eagle
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The Castle Bar
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BrewDog Cambridge
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Bath House
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The Cambridge Tap
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The LAB
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Panton Arms
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Ta Bouche
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La Raza
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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High Five
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MASH
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Vinyl Cambridge
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80s karaoke bar
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Neon-lit, 80s-themed karaoke on Hills Road—compact, group-friendly singalongs from the early evening into the night.
The Calling
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Cambridge Pop-up Speakeasy Jazz
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Cambridge Working Mens Club
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Fort St George
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EBC Shop
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Sing Dizzy
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Salisbury Club
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Rock
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The Lounge
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OutOut Nightclub
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
