From the 30th of March 2026, the Museum of Cambridge will reduce the number of days it opens to the public due to rising operational costs. Housed in the 17th century White Horse Inn, the Museum of Cambridge, an independent charity, will close an additional two days per week and reduce staff by one third in an effort to bring costs down.
Currently, the Museum is open to the public six days per week during term time, but these days will reduce to four from 30th March, opening Friday to Monday. During school holidays it will open for an additional day, Thursday to Monday.
The Museum of Cambridge shares the extraordinary stories of everyday people of Cambridge and Cambridgeshire and is celebrating its 90th anniversary in November 2026. It offers temporary exhibitions, free activities for families, including free community outreach via Museum on a Bike, workshops, and the popular Little Feet, Big Impressions sessions for children aged 1 – 5.
Alex Smaridge, Director of the Museum of Cambridge, said:
“Although this is something we would rather not have to do, increasing closure days at this time gives us an opportunity to act strategically and focus on what we do next, to ensure the long-term future of the museum. We are independent, and like many museums in the sector, we are facing rising operational costs and reduced footfall.
“We are working hard and looking forward to having events and activities on during the school holidays and making sure that everyone in Cambridge can continue to explore their local history.”
Roger Lilley, Chair of Trustees at the Museum of Cambridge, added:
“We are incredibly proud of the work of the Museum and want to ensure that we continue to provide an amazing experience for everyone who comes to visit us.
“The Museum has worked very hard coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure its future, but in the face of increased costs, the Board of Trustees agree that this is the right moment to assess our strategy.
“We remain grateful to the support of our donors and funders. Most importantly, we’d like to reassure everyone that they will still be able to access the Museum, attend our events and learn about their local history.”
The Museum of Cambridge is the independent social history museum of the City and County of Cambridgeshire. From the 30th of March it will be open Friday to Monday during term time and Thursday to Monday during the school holidays.
The Museum of Cambridge is in communication with Cambridge City Council and is grateful for their ongoing support as an advocate of local cultural and community organisations.
The Museum’s activities are supported by Cambridge City Council’s Community Grants programme, as well as Cambridgeshire Community Foundation, and the Esme Fairbairn Collections Fund.
For more information on how to support the Museum of Cambridge’s vital work to preserve local history for future generations, visit www.museumofcambridge.org.uk or phone 01223 355159.