Summer of Stories - Storytelling
2023-08-29 13:00 - 15:00 (Europe/London) | Enid Porter Room, Museum of Cambridge, 2-3 Castle Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB3 0AQ, United Kingdom
You are invited to the Summer of Stories – Storytelling at the Museum of Cambridge!
Our storytelling workshop starts with getting settled into your seat to listen to a professional storyteller and author tell you exciting folk tales from around Cambridge, with props. (join us for 2 hours)
There will be an hour of interactive storytelling, before you start creating a story of your own.
What: A free interactive arts, crafts, and storytelling session, where you can hear amazing stories from around Cambridge, and then create your own story. You can create a story as a comic book strip or a collage.
When: We have 3 dates through August – Tuesday 1st, Tuesday 15th and Tuesday 29th
Where: The Session will take place in our beautiful Enid Porter room at the Museum of Cambridge. The entrance to the Enid Porter room is through the Museum courtyard with a green door in an old shopfront with a collection of typewriters and other wonderful artifacts.
Suitable for ages 3+
All of our stories are told in an age-appropriate manner for the audience that we have on the day.
For children age 3 – 6, you can create a story collage with coloured pens, stickers, pom-poms and sequins, then craft characters for your story!
For children age 6 – 13 you can write, draw or create a story using the different writing prompts provided. There will be writing prompts to help you get started, you can also create the characters from your story with our craft supplies.
How to book: Please book a ticket for all adults and children attending. If you would like any help booking your tickets, please email sophie.casford@museumofcambridge.org or call the Museum on 01223 355159
After you have enjoyed our storytelling workshop why not visit the Museum?
There is lots to explore and a fun trail to keep your little ones entertained as you go around. The Museum is open 10 am – 5 pm Monday- Saturday, and 11 am – 4 pm on Sunday.
We are open 7 days a week for the summer holidays (July 19th – September 4th). Children 16 and under are always free at the Museum of Cambridge, adult standard ticket are priced from £6 and admission fees apply.
Accessibility
You can read about our accessibility information on our website. If you’d like to chat through any accessibility requirements, don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01223 355159 or email sophie.casford@museumofcambridge.org.uk. Event attendees with additional needs are welcome to bring a supporter or carer who will be admitted to the event free of charge.
Getting Here
We are in the centre of Cambridge. You’ll find us at the corner of Castle Street and Northampton Street. We are right beside Kettle’s Yard and only a 15-minute walk from King’s College.
You can park your bike at the bike parks on Bridge Street or on Northampton Street. There is a bus stop on Bridge Street. Check out the Stagecoach website to plan your journey to and from the Museum. Find out more about how to get here by train, bike, bus, car or on foot on our website.
Photography
Please note that photographs will be taken throughout this event, and images may be used in future marketing and reporting materials. If you do not wish you or your family’s photograph to be taken, please make sure to let us know.
Healthy Events
If you’re feeling unwell or have recently tested positive for Covid-19, please do not attend this event. We’ll be happy to offer you a refund if applicable, and welcome you to the Museum on another day.
Love events? Love them even more when they’re free? Join the Friends of the Museum of Cambridge today and you’ll get access to free and discounted events, discounts in our shop and year-round free entry for you and a guest.

Little Feet, Big Impressions
2023-08-31 10:00 - 11:30, 2023-09-21 10:00 - 11:30 | Enid Porter Room, Museum of Cambridge, 2-3 Castle Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB3 0AQ, United Kingdom
Come along to these free, fun and interactive sessions for your 1-5 year olds.
Catch up with friends and make new ones with coffee, tea, and biscuits while your Little ones play musical instruments, make some arts and crafts and play with other children.
A chance to meet chat, make friends and entertain your small people.
Refreshments will be provided. Changing facilities available.
Smaller siblings also welcome to attend, please book both parents and childrens tickets.
Pushchairs are welcome but need to fit through a standard door frame.

Hidden Cambridge Tour September
2023-09-03 10:30 - 12:00
Take another look at Cambridge with a 90-minute Hidden Cambridge Walking Tour.
Enjoy a tour of the lesser-known Castle area of Cambridge. Discover some of the hidden nooks and crannies you’ve never noticed before!
Hear stories of beer, brothels and boatmen, and where Nobel prizes jostle with rugby players and mustard factories.
A qualified guide will lead your tour, and the ticket price includes free entry to the Museum of Cambridge within a month of the tour. All proceeds of the tours are donated to support the Museum.
Tickets are £15. Tours start at 10:30 from the Round Church in Cambridge.
Booking is essential. Follow the Eventbrite link to book: 90 minute Hidden Cambridge walking tour Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite

Little Feet, Big Impressions
2023-09-07 10:00 - 11:30 | Enid Porter Room, Museum of Cambridge, 2-3 Castle Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB3 0AQ, United Kingdom
Come along to these free, fun and interactive sessions for your 1-5 year olds.
Catch up with friends and make new ones with coffee, tea, and biscuits while your little ones play musical instruments, make arts and crafts and play with other children.
A chance to meet chat, make friends and entertain your small people.
Refreshments will be provided. Changing facilities available.
Smaller siblings also welcome to attend, please book both parents and carers and children’s tickets.
Pushchairs are welcome but will need to fit through a standard door frame.

Private View: The Reopened Attic and An Exhibition of Mini Museums
2023-09-19 19:00 - 21:00 | The Museum of Cambridge, 2-3 Castle Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB3 0AQ, United Kingdom
Join us for drinks and an exclusive viewing of the Museum’s newly restored Attic and exhibition of Mini Museums, made by the people of Cambridgeshire.

Date: 19th September 2023
Time: 7pm-9pm.
Venue: Museum of Cambridge, 2-3 Castle Street, Cambridge CB3 0AQ

Attendees at this private view will get the chance to explore the newly restored Attic and our exhibition of locally-made Mini Museums, all while the Museum is closed to the public.
Guests will be greeted with a glass of something special on arrival before being given a chance to explore the new exhibit and recently restored Attic on the Museum’s top floor.
You’ll be able to visit the Museum shop which is chock-full of items made by local artists and craftspeople. We also stock books by local authors highlighting our rich regional history. There is something for everyone! Plus, every purchase in the shop supports the ongoing development of this fabulous museum.
Book your spot via Eventbrite: https://privateview.eventbrite.co.uk
The Reopening of the Attic
The Museum’s Attic has been closed to the public since March 2020 and reopened for the first time in August 2023. The Attic has received extensive restoration by our landlords, Cambridge City Council, to repair damage caused by rot and woodworm. This repair involved completely reconstructing the attic dormer and installing new oak timbers and plaster walls using specialised heritage techniques.
Mini Museums Exhibition
In January 2023, we launched the Mini Museums programme in Cambridgeshire, inviting residents to design their very own Mini Museum. Our goal was to discover what was important to the people of the region and what cherished memories or objects they would want to represent in their very own miniature museum.
The response we received was astounding. Almost 3000 people participated in the programme in just two months, creating Mini Museums at home, attending workshops, and engaging with us at our pop-up stalls. Demand was so high that we ran further workshops throughout the summer of 2023, engaging even more communities in the programme.
The Mini Museums created by the residents of Cambridgeshire are truly remarkable, showcasing the creativity and passion of our community –and this new exhibition celebrates just that. The Mini Museums on display depict everyday activities that hold deep meaning to local residents, such as punting on the River Cam, swimming in the Lido, exploring the Fens, visiting museums, enjoying Sunday lunches in the pub, and playing footie in the park.
You can find out more about the project here.
Do book your ticket via Eventbrite. Admission is £5.50 and all proceeds go towards supporting the word of the Museum in caring for and sharing the local histories of Cambridge and the surrounds.
If you need help booking, please email us at enquiries@museumofcambridge.org.uk or call us at 01223 355159. We look forward to seeing you there!
Accessibility
You can also read about our accessibility information on our website. If you’d like to chat through any accessibility requirements, don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01223 355159 or email enquiries@museumofcambridge.org.uk. Event attendees with additional needs are welcome to bring a supporter or carer free of charge.
Getting Here
We are in the centre of Cambridge. You’ll find us at the corner of Castle Street and Northampton Street. We are right beside Kettle’s Yard and only a 15-minute walk from King’s College.
You can park your bike at the bike parks on Bridge Street or on Northampton Street. There is a bus stop on Bridge Street. Check out the Stagecoach website to plan your journey to and from the Museum. Find out more about how to get here by train, bike, bus, car or on foot on our website.
Photography
Please note that photographs will be taken throughout this event, and images may be used in future marketing and reporting materials. If you do not wish you or your family’s photograph to be taken, please make sure to let us know.
Healthy Events
If you’re feeling unwell or have recently tested positive for Covid-19, please do not attend this event. We’ll be happy to offer you a refund if applicable, and welcome you at the Museum on another day.
Love events? Love them even more when they’re free? Join the Friends of the Museum of Cambridge today and you’ll get access to free events, discounts in our shop and year-round free entry for you and a guest.

Talk: Objects of the Mind: Using film to engage audiences with the Science Museum’s mental health collections.
2023-09-27 18:30 - 21:00 | Enid Porter Room, Museum of Cambridge, 2-3 Castle Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB3 0AQ, United Kingdom
Join the Museum of Cambridge for a talk by Tim Snelson, media historian and Associate Professor at the University of East Anglia.
After the Second World War, psychiatrists and other mental health professionals intervened in and influenced cinema culture in unprecedented ways, changing how films were conceived, produced, censored, exhibited and received by audiences.
In an ongoing Research Council-funded project, Tim Snelson and colleagues at the University of Manchester have researched these interactions. A key, but unexpected, finding of this research has been the vital role played by objects – psychiatric instruments, laboratory equipment, diagnostic tools, psychological tests, perceptual apparatus – as the embodied materiality of the psychological ideas that the films circulated and contested.
In this latest project, Objects of the Mind, they have marshalled objects from across the Science Museum’s media and medical collections to explore the convergences between the psychiatric and cinematic and to communicate these findings to new audiences.
In this talk, Tim will preview three short films that he has made with the Science Museum, which will be screened on gallery at a Lates event for NHS’s 75th Anniversary in July in the Wellcome Galleries. These films contextualise objects within the Museum’s medical collections – the straitjacket, the electroencephalograph (EEG), the sand trays used in Margret Lowenfeld’s Word Technique. Tim will use these films to illustrate his research on the interactions of material cultures of media and mental health, but also consider the value of using films and other popular culture to recontextualise and recombine museum objects and, conversely, the potential of bringing an objects-perspective to film and media studies.

Tim Snelson
Tim Snelson is a media historian and is currently Associate Professor at the University of East Anglia. His research looking at the relationship between media and social history has been published in a number of books and journals, including exploring how changes in women’s roles and experiences in wartime shaped production of Hollywood genre films in a book titled Phantom Ladies: Hollywood Horror and the Home Front (Rutgers University Press, 2015). He recently led two Research Council-funded projects on the interactions of psychiatry and cinema, researched and delivered in collaboration with the British Science Association and Science Museum Group. Research from these projects, looking at the interplay of psychiatric and cinematic ideas, expertise and material cultures, will be published in a book titled Demons of the Mind: Psychiatry and Cinema in the Long 1960s by Edinburgh University Press in 2024.

Accessibility
You can also read about our accessibility information on our website. If you’d like to chat through any accessibility requirements, don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01223 355159 or email annie.davis@museumofcambridge.org.uk. Event attendees with additional needs are welcome to bring a supporter or carer who will be admitted to the event free of charge.
Getting Here
We are in the centre of Cambridge. You’ll find us at the corner of Castle Street and Northampton Street. We are right beside Kettle’s Yard and only a 15-minute walk from King’s College.
You can park your bike at the bike parks on Bridge Street or on Northampton Street. There is a bus stop on Bridge Street. Check out the Stagecoach website to plan your journey to and from the Museum. Find out more about how to get here by train, bike, bus, car or on foot on our website.
Photography
Please note that photographs will be taken throughout this event, and images may be used in future marketing and reporting materials. If you do not wish you or your family’s photograph to be taken, please make sure to let us know.
Healthy Events
If you’re feeling unwell or have recently tested positive for Covid-19, please do not attend this event. We’ll be happy to offer you a refund if applicable, and welcome you at the Museum on another day.
Love events? Love them even more when they’re free? Join the Friends of the Museum of Cambridge today and you’ll get access to free events, discounts in our shop and year-round free entry for you and a guest.

Little Feet, Big Impressions
2023-09-28 10:00 - 11:30, 2023-10-05 10:00 - 11:30, 2023-10-12 10:00 - 11:30 | Enid Porter Room, Museum of Cambridge, 2-3 Castle Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB3 0AQ, United Kingdom
Join our regular group of families for a free, fun, and interactive free roam stay and play session for your 1-5 year olds.
You can chat with other parents and carers, and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, and biscuits. Your little ones can play with toys, musical instruments and create artwork with other children their age.
This is a free-roam play session, you and your little ones can move freely through the room to explore the crafts, toys, and musical instruments in whichever order you would like.
We have a wonderful collection of heritage toys for your little ones to explore and play with, giving you a unique opportunity to reminisce over toys you may have played with as a child!
There will be a new craft activity every week! Let your little ones’ creativity flow freely with our stickers, pom-poms, tissue paper, sequins, and other craft supplies.
After the stay and play, you can visit the Museum for free, with fun trails for your little ones!
There are changing facilities available in the Museum.
Pushchairs are welcome but will need to fit through a standard door frame and space is limited.
What: A free engaging playgroup with lots of toys and musical instruments for the children to explore, new craft activities every week. Free tea, coffee, and biscuits are provided!
When: 10 am – 11.30 am, every Thursday morning.
Where: The Session will take place in our beautiful Enid Porter room at the Museum of Cambridge. The entrance to the Enid Porter room is through the Museum courtyard with a green door in an old shopfront with a collection of typewriters and other wonderful artifacts.
Suitable for ages 1 – 5.
How to book: Please book a ticket for all adults and children attending. If you would like any help booking your tickets, please email sophie.casford@museumofcambridge.org or call the Museum on 01223 355159. We do accept walk-ins on the day but we cannot guarantee a place as space is limited.
Accessibility
You can read about our accessibility information on our website. If you’d like to chat through any accessibility requirements, don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01223 355159 or email sophie.casford@museumofcambridge.org.uk. Event attendees with additional needs are welcome to bring a supporter or carer who will be admitted to the event free of charge.
Getting Here
We are in the centre of Cambridge. You’ll find us at the corner of Castle Street and Northampton Street. We are right beside Kettle’s Yard and only a 15-minute walk from King’s College.
You can park your bike at the bike parks on Bridge Street or on Northampton Street. There is a bus stop on Bridge Street. Check out the Stagecoach website to plan your journey to and from the Museum. Find out more about how to get here by train, bike, bus, car or on foot on our website.
Photography
Please note that photographs will be taken throughout this event, and images may be used in future marketing and reporting materials. If you do not wish your or your family’s photograph to be taken, please make sure to let us know.
Healthy Events
If you are feeling unwell or have recently tested positive for Covid-19, please do not attend this event. We’ll be happy to offer you a refund if applicable and welcome you to the Museum on another day.
Love events? Love them even more when they’re free? Join the Friends of the Museum of Cambridge today and you’ll get access to free events, discounts in our shop and year-round free entry for you and a guest.

Hidden Cambridge Tour October
2023-10-01 10:30 - 12:00

Talk: Pre-Conquest East Anglia as Inspiration for a Murder Mystery Novelist
2023-10-12 18:30 - 20:30 | Enid Porter Room, Museum of Cambridge, 2-3 Castle Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB3 0AQ, United Kingdom
Join the Museum of Cambridge online for a fascinating evening with author Lindsay Jacob.
Author, Lindsay Jacob, talks about how the material wealth and spiritual anxieties of Anglo-Saxon East Anglia, and limitations of the systems of law and order, inspired him to start writing a series of pre-Conquest murder mysteries. The area was rich; but to criminals and other kingdoms, it was ripe for theft and conquest. To the covert ‘pagan’, it was a land of spirit-filled fens, meres and woodland; but to the senior echelons of the Church, these same places were home to demons and monsters. The scene was set for tensions within and between secular and spiritual worldviews to inspire murders. And as the Anglo-Saxon legal system struggled against secretive crimes, for these to be solved in imaginative ways by an inquisitive priest.

Love events? Love them even more when they’re free? Join the Friends of the Museum of Cambridge today and you’ll get access to free events, discounts in our shop and year-round free entry for you and a guest.

Drawing Workshop Debora Cane Art @ The Museum of Cambridge -- Cancelled.
2023-10-18 10:00 - 16:00 | The Museum of Cambridge, 2-3 Castle Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB3 0AQ, United Kingdom
This event has been cancelled, but don’t worry, Debora will be back in November. Drawing Workshop Debora Cane Art @ The Museum of Cambridge – The Museum of Cambridge
—–
Join the marvellously talented Debora Cane for the first in a series of observational drawing courses that focus on the collections of the Museum of Cambridge. Be immersed in historical still-life subjects, and learn practical techniques and useful drawing theory. Suitable for everyone, at any skill level, this is the perfect workshop to be inspired by a new skill or develop your talent.
Date: Wednesday, October 18th, 2023
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Museum of Cambridge, 2/3 Castle Street, Cambridge
Event Highlights:
🌟 Guided Pen Drawing Workshops: Debora, the talented artist behind Debora Cane Art has teamed up with the Museum of Cambridge to share her joy and skill in sketching and drawing. Debora will help you find inspiration in your subject, and how to capture the charm and life of the Museum’s objects.
🌟 Historic Subjects: Choose from any object on display at the Museum of Cambridge. With a collection that spans nearly 400 years, there are hundreds of objects to inspire you.
🌟 Expert Tips: Gain valuable insights and tips from Debora on design, defining lines, shading and colour to bring your sketches to life.
🌟 Access to the Museum of Cambridge: Immerse yourself in the 17th-century inn at the Museum of Cambridge, surrounded by objects from Cambridgeshire’s history of social and family life, as well as folklore and arts and crafts.
Essential:
Please bring with you a digital camera, smartphone or tablet to take photographs and view pictures from the visit to the Museum.
Optional:
If you would prefer to bring and use your own materials please feel free to bring:
Sketchbook with thick paper (160gsm or higher, A4 size is ideal).
Drawing tools (Pencil, rubber, black fine-liner pens (Debora recommends pigment fine liners that are not water soluable)
A small set of watercolours
Pigment fine-liner (red and blue)
A couple of small, good quality paint brushes for watercolour washes
Ticket Information:

Adults: £109
Book your tickets here

Ticket Price Includes:

Basic drawing materials.
Guided workshop
Refreshments; tea, coffee, biscuits. (Please provide your own lunch).

Booking Information: Spaces are limited, so be sure to reserve your spot in advance! You can book your tickets online on Eventbrite, or by calling the Museum of Cambridge on 01223 355 159.
Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to learn a new skill, that you can practice anywhere. Be inspired by the history of Cambridge and join Debora for a day of sketching and discovery. See you there!
Accessibility
You can read about our accessibility information on our website. If you’d like to chat through any accessibility requirements, don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01223 355159 or email alex.smaridge@museumofcambridge.org.uk. Event attendees with additional needs are welcome to bring a supporter or carer who will be admitted to the event free of charge.
Getting Here
We are in the centre of Cambridge. You’ll find us at the corner of Castle Street and Northampton Street. We are right beside Kettle’s Yard and only a 15-minute walk from King’s College.
You can park your bike at the bike parks on Bridge Street or on Northampton Street. There is a bus stop on Bridge Street. Check out the Stagecoach website to plan your journey to and from the Museum. Find out more about how to get here by train, bike, bus, car or on foot on our website.
Photography
Please note that photographs will be taken throughout this event, and images may be used in future marketing and reporting materials. If you do not wish you or your family’s photograph to be taken, please make sure to let us know.
Healthy Events
If you’re feeling unwell or have recently tested positive for Covid-19, please do not attend this event. We’ll be happy to offer you a refund if applicable and welcome you at the Museum on another day.
Join the Friends of the Museum of Cambridge today and you’ll get access to free events, discounts in our shop and year-round free entry for you and a guest.

Fun & Phantoms - Halloween Half-Term
2023-10-21 10:00 - 2023-10-30 17:00 | The Museum of Cambridge, 2-3 Castle Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB3 0AQ, United Kingdom
Be a part of Fun & Phantoms – Halloween , at the Museum of Cambridge from October 22nd – 30th.
Watch this space for information about all of our Halloween events!
We will be launching our Creepy Creatives craft workshops, and holding an extra special Halloween playgroup.
Don’t forget to check out our two haunting new trails which will run throughout October.
Wait, there’s more!
The Museum will be open every day from October 22nd – 30th!

What’s On:
Temporary Halloween Display
Step into the enchanting world of all things spooky and paranormal this Halloween half term! Our temporary display in the attic room features a mummified rat, horse bones, and a witch ball to deter witches, and more.
Don’t miss out our star celebrity Hannah, our enigmatic doll. Hannah’s eerie presence and watchful eyes will make your visit all the more other-worldly. Brace yourself for a visit filled with bewitching surprises!
When: October 22nd– 30th

What’s Creeping and Crawling Trail (Suitable for ages 5 – 10)
Explore the intriguing world of critters that crawl around the Museum. Follow the trail, spot the bus along the way and learn how we care for our collection and preserve against the creepy crawlies trying to eat them!
No reservations needed for this eerie journey. Simply arrive, and get ready to explore the Museum!
When: October 22nd– 30th

Creepy Creatives (Suitable for ages 6 – 12)
Prepare to be spellbound as you delve into the depths of our museum and encounter some spine-tingling museum artefacts. But here’s the twist – you won’t just stare in awe. You’ll recreate these haunting artefacts through the magic of art!

Join us for a bewitching time as we craft witch bottles from glass, feathers, sticks, and a dash of glitter to add that extra enchantment. Witch bottles have been used for centuries to ward off negativity and protect against bad luck. It’s the perfect craft for your little ghouls during the October half-term break. Don’t miss out on the magic!
No reservations required, it’s a drop-in session!

When: October 24th and October 28th from 1 – 3 pm

If you have any questions, please email enquiries@museumofcambridge.org.uk or call the Museum on 01223 355159.

Accessibility
You can also read about our accessibility information on our website. If you’d like to chat through any accessibility requirements, don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01223 355159 or email enquiries@museumofcambridge.org.uk. Event attendees with additional needs are welcome to bring a supporter or carer free of charge.
Getting Here
We are in the centre of Cambridge. You’ll find us at the corner of Castle Street and Northampton Street. We are right beside Kettle’s Yard and only a 15-minute walk from King’s College.
You can park your bike at the bike parks on Bridge Street or on Northampton Street. There is a bus stop on Bridge Street. Check out the Stagecoach website to plan your journey to and from the Museum. Find out more about how to get here by train, bike, bus, car or on foot on our website.
Photography
Please note that photographs will be taken throughout this event, and images may be used in future marketing and reporting materials. If you do not wish you or your family’s photograph to be taken, please make sure to let us know.
Healthy Events
If you’re feeling unwell or have recently tested positive for Covid-19, please do not attend this event. We’ll be happy to offer you a refund if applicable, and welcome you at the Museum on another day.
Love events? Love them even more when they’re free? Join the Friends of the Museum of Cambridge today and you’ll get access to free events, discounts in our shop and year-round free entry for you and a guest.

Little Monsters, Big Impressions - Cancelled
2023-10-26 10:00 - 11:30 | Enid Porter Room, Museum of Cambridge, 2-3 Castle Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB3 0AQ, United Kingdom
Unfortunately, we’ve had to cancel this session due to staffing availability. We’re really sorry! We hope to see you at another event really soon – check out our ‘What’s On’ page for more details!
Join us for a ghoulishly good time filled with spooky fun and creative activities. It’s Halloween, and we’re ready to BOO-gie! We will be making Halloween-themed Crafts, and having a spooky Storytime, costumes are very welcome! Pre-booking is required.
What to Expect:
Halloween Crafts: Let your little ones’ creativity run wild with stickers, pom-poms, tissue paper, sequins, and other spooky craft supplies.
Spooky Storytime: Gather ’round as we share eerie tales and mysterious stories.
Costumes Welcome: Dress up in your spookiest, silliest, or most enchanting costumes – the more creative, the better!
Heritage Toys: Discover a delightful collection of heritage toys for your little ones to play with, creating nostalgic moments and opportunities to reminisce over toys you may have enjoyed as a child!
Pre-booking is required to secure your spot!
While your little ones explore, play, and create, you can mingle with other parents and caregivers over a cup of tea or coffee, with delicious biscuits.
This is a free-roam play session, allowing you and your little ones to move freely through the room, exploring crafts, toys, and musical instruments at your own pace.
After our spellbinding playgroup, continue the adventure by visiting the Museum for free, with exciting trails designed to enchant your little ones!
Event Details:
When: Thursday morning, 10 am – 11.30 am.
Where: Our Enid Porter room at the Museum of Cambridge, accessible through the Museum courtyard with a green door adorned with typewriters and fascinating artifacts.
Suitable for ages 1 – 5.
How to Book: Please book a ticket for all adults and children attending. If you need assistance with booking, reach out to Sophie Casford at sophie.casford@museumofcambridge.org or call the Museum at 01223 355159.
We welcome walk-ins on the day, but please note that space is limited, and we can’t guarantee a spot without prior booking.
Accessibility
You can read about our accessibility information on our website. If you’d like to chat through any accessibility requirements, don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01223 355159 or email sophie.casford@museumofcambridge.org.uk. Event attendees with additional needs are welcome to bring a supporter or carer who will be admitted to the event free of charge.
Getting Here
We are in the centre of Cambridge. You’ll find us at the corner of Castle Street and Northampton Street. We are right beside Kettle’s Yard and only a 15-minute walk from King’s College.
You can park your bike at the bike parks on Bridge Street or on Northampton Street. There is a bus stop on Bridge Street. Check out the Stagecoach website to plan your journey to and from the Museum. Find out more about how to get here by train, bike, bus, car or on foot on our website.
Photography
Please note that photographs will be taken throughout this event, and images may be used in future marketing and reporting materials. If you do not wish your or your family’s photograph to be taken, please make sure to let us know.
Healthy Events
If you are feeling unwell or have recently tested positive for Covid-19, please do not attend this event. We’ll be happy to offer you a refund if applicable and welcome you to the Museum on another day.
Love events? Love them even more when they’re free? Join the Friends of the Museum of Cambridge today and you’ll get access to free events, discounts in our shop and year-round free entry for you and a guest.

'Ruth is stranger than fiction' presented by Ruth McPhee
2023-10-27 18:30 - 21:00 | Enid Porter Room, Museum of Cambridge, 2-3 Castle Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB3 0AQ, United Kingdom
A special live podcast event with Ruth McPhee and guests, taking a journey into the darker side of Cambridge’s history with stories from the old county gaol at Castle Mound. From the mid 17th to early 20th century, the prison housed some of the region’s most wretched and devious criminals, and provided the site for high profile and historic executions. Join us to hear about the fate of such infamous villains as serial killer Walter Horsford, violent preacher John Green, and scheming poisoners Mary Reeder and Elias Lucas.

Accessibility
You can also read about our accessibility information on our website. If you’d like to chat through any accessibility requirements, don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01223 355159 or email annie.davis@museumofcambridge.org.uk. Event attendees with additional needs are welcome to bring a supporter or carer who will be admitted to the event free of charge.
Getting Here
We are in the centre of Cambridge. You’ll find us at the corner of Castle Street and Northampton Street. We are right beside Kettle’s Yard and only a 15-minute walk from King’s College.
You can park your bike at the bike parks on Bridge Street or on Northampton Street. There is a bus stop on Bridge Street. Check out the Stagecoach website to plan your journey to and from the Museum. Find out more about how to get here by train, bike, bus, car or on foot on our website.
Photography
Please note that photographs will be taken throughout this event, and images may be used in future marketing and reporting materials. If you do not wish you or your family’s photograph to be taken, please make sure to let us know.
Healthy Events
If you’re feeling unwell or have recently tested positive for Covid-19, please do not attend this event. We’ll be happy to offer you a refund if applicable, and welcome you at the Museum on another day.
Love events? Love them even more when they’re free? Join the Friends of the Museum of Cambridge today and you’ll get access to free events, discounts in our shop and year-round free entry for you and a guest.

Hidden Cambridge Tour November
2023-11-05 10:30 - 12:00

Exhibition: Cars, Carriages and the Cam
2023-11-08 - 2024-03-04 | The Museum of Cambridge, 2-3 Castle Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB3 0AQ, United Kingdom
The Museum of Cambridge is excited to launch our new exhibit, “Cars, Carriages and the Cam: Navigating your way in Cambridge”, set to open on Wednesday 8th of November in our Attic Gallery!
Discover Cambridge’s history of trams, trains, carriages and ferries in a new exhibit discussing the memories and controversies of transport in Cambridge. From Thomas Hobson to the first community bike scheme in Cambridge, the exhibit explores the ever-changing face of Cambridge travel and transport. You’ll have the chance to see how Cambridge has wrestled with travel in the city, explore modern protests, Victorian satire and the controversial arrival of the train station to Cambridge city.
“Cars, Carriages and the Cam: Navigating your way in Cambridge” will be open from the 8th of November 2023 until March 2024.
The Museum is open Monday, Wednesday-Saturday 10-5pm and Sundays 11-4pm. Adult admission is £6, and Student/Jobseeker admission is £4.5 to support us, an independent Museum and charity. Entry to the exhibit is included in your entry ticket. Children 16 and under visit for free.

Workshop: Introduction to Book Making
2023-11-12 12:00 - 16:00 | The Museum of Cambridge, 2-3 Castle Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB3 0AQ, United Kingdom
Introduction to Book Making: Coptic bindings for beginners
Join us for our hands-on workshop where you’ll learn the art of Coptic bindings! This event is perfect for book lovers, craft enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the ancient technique of bookbinding. Make a beautiful hand-bound book for yourself or as a stunning gift.
No experience is needed.
Date: Sunday, 12th November, 2023
Time: 12 PM – 4 PM
Location: The Museum of Cambridge 2-3 Castle Street, Cambridge, CB3 0AQ
Tickets: £70 available here: Introduction to Book Making: Coptic bindings for beginners Tickets, Sun, Nov 12, 2023 at 12:00 PM | Eventbrite
During this interactive class, you’ll discover the fascinating world of bookbinding and explore various materials and tools used in the process. Led by experienced City and Guild-trained book-binder, Nadine, you’ll learn step-by-step how to create your very own Coptic-bound book.
The Workshop Includes:

History of Coptic bindings and explanation of structure and design.

Step-by-step instruction and assistance.

All materials and tools needed to produce your binding to take home.

Light refreshments.

Nadine of Hound Hand Bound Books has developed a passion for traditional bookbinding from her years caring for books in some of Cambridge’s most historic libraries. An accomplished book-binder, City and Guild trained, Nadine is ready to share her skills and passion for books with you.
At the end of the workshop, you’ll leave with a beautiful handmade book that you can proudly display or gift to someone special. Don’t miss this opportunity to unleash your creativity and connect with fellow book enthusiasts!
Spaces are limited, so book your spot now. We can’t wait to see you there!

Accessibility
You can read about our accessibility information on our website. If you’d like to chat through any accessibility requirements, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 01223 355159 or email alex.smaridge@museumofcambridge.org.uk. Event attendees with additional needs are welcome to bring a supporter or carer who will be admitted to the event free of charge.
Getting Here
We are in the centre of Cambridge. You’ll find us at the corner of Castle Street and Northampton Street. We are right beside Kettle’s Yard and only a 15-minute walk from King’s College. You can park your bike at the bike parks on Bridge Street or on Northampton Street. There is a bus stop on Bridge Street. Check out the Stagecoach website to plan your journey to and from the Museum. Find out more about how to get here by train, bike, bus, car or on foot on our website.
Photography
Please note that photographs will be taken throughout this event, and images may be used in future marketing and reporting materials. If you do not wish you or your family’s photograph to be taken, please make sure to let us know.
Healthy Events
If you’re feeling unwell or have recently tested positive for Covid-19, please do not attend this event. We’ll be happy to offer you a refund if applicable, and welcome you at the Museum on another day.
Love events? Join the Friends of the Museum of Cambridge today and you’ll get access to free and discounted events, discounts in our shop and year-round free entry for you and a guest.

Made in Cambridge Christmas Market
2023-11-24 - 2023-11-26 | Enid Porter Room, Museum of Cambridge, 2-3 Castle Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB3 0AQ, United Kingdom
Looking for Museum of Cambridge’s Christmas Market 2024? Click here for more details!
Gift something different this Christmas and shop local hand-made gifts at the Museum of Cambridge Christmas Market.
When:
Friday, 24th November 12 PM – 5 PM
Saturday, 25th November 10 AM – 5 PM
Sunday, 26th November, 10 AM – 4 PM
Where: The Museum of Cambridge 2-3 Castle Street.
Cost: FREE
Vendors:
Friday:
Paula Armstong Ceramics
Discover Amber
The Cambridge Soap Company
WildMoon Whispers
Clodle Illustrations
Pocket of Art
BubblyBandit Sparkling Wine
Saturday:
Hannah B Pottery
Discover Amber
Ansari Prints
Mela Jewellery
WildMoon Whispers
Clodle Illustrations
Creatopia
BubblyBandit Sparkling Wine
Sunday:
SmallGarden Botanicals
Cambridge Honeybees
Ansari Prints
QHERE
Paula Armstrong Ceramics
Clodle Illustrations
BubblyBandit Sparkling Wine
Get ready to immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit at the Made in Cambridge Christmas Market. Browse handmade, local gifts from talented Cambridgeshire makers. This festive market is a celebration of unique, handmade, local talent.
Discover the Cambridge difference:
Handmade treasures: Explore a curated selection of handcrafted gifts, made by the talented people of Cambridgeshire
Local charm: Gift, or treat yourself well, knowing you’ve supported local people
Festive Cheer: Spend time at our festive market and be inspired by festive decor.
Join the Museum of Cambridge for a weekend of festive cheer, and local artistry and talent. Shop, visit or browse amazing food and gifts galore. Let the wonder of our talented city infuse your holiday season with warmth and cheer!
See you soon!

Accessibility
You can also read about our accessibility information on our website. If you’d like to chat through any accessibility requirements, don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01223 355159 or email alex.smaridge@museumofcambridge.org.uk. Event attendees with additional needs are welcome to bring a supporter or carer who will be admitted to the event free of charge.
Getting Here
We are in the centre of Cambridge. You’ll find us at the corner of Castle Street and Northampton Street. We are right beside Kettle’s Yard and only a 15-minute walk from King’s College.
You can park your bike at the bike parks on Bridge Street or on Northampton Street. There is a bus stop on Bridge Street. Check out the Stagecoach website to plan your journey to and from the Museum. Find out more about how to get here by train, bike, bus, car or on foot on our website.
Photography
Please note that photographs will be taken throughout this event, and images may be used in future marketing and reporting materials. If you do not wish you or your family’s photograph to be taken, please make sure to let us know.
Healthy Events
If you’re feeling unwell or have recently tested positive for Covid-19, please do not attend this event. We’ll be happy to offer you a refund if applicable, and welcome you at the Museum on another day.

Love events? Love them even more when they’re free? Join the Friends of the Museum of Cambridge today and you’ll get access to free events, discounts in our shop and year-round free entry for you and a guest.

Hidden Cambridge Tour December
2023-12-03 10:30 - 12:00

Christmas Wreath Making with What the Fleur at the Museum of Cambridge
2023-12-05 18:00 - 21:00 | The Museum of Cambridge, 2-3 Castle Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB3 0AQ, United Kingdom
Join Julia from What the Fleur to embrace the holiday spirit and channel your inner creativity at our enchanting Christmas Wreath Making Event! Join us at the historic Museum of Cambridge, where we’ll provide everything you need to craft your own stunning moss-based Christmas wreath, a beautiful addition to your holiday décor, or a heartfelt gift for a loved one.
Date: Tuesday, December 5th, 2023
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Museum of Cambridge, 2/3 Castle Street, Cambridge

Event Highlights:
🌟 Guided Wreath-Making Workshops: Julia, the owner of What the Fleur will lead this hands-on wreath-making workshop suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned crafters. Learn the art of combining fragrant evergreens, colourful ornaments, and festive ribbons to create a unique masterpiece (there will even be a bit of sparkle!)
🌟 Aromatic Evergreens: Choose from a delightful selection of fresh, fragrant evergreen branches, to give your wreath that wonderful holiday scent.
🌟 Decorative Accessories: Explore an array of decorative elements such as pinecones, berries, holly, and sparkling ornaments to personalize your wreath and make it truly special.
🌟 Expert Tips: Gain valuable insights and tips from Julia on design, colour coordination, and wreath maintenance to keep your moss-based wreath looking beautiful all season long.
🌟 Holiday Atmosphere: Immerse yourself in the festive ambience of the Museum of Cambridge, surrounded by holiday displays and twinkling lights that will add to your creative inspiration.
🌟 Festive Refreshments: Enjoy complimentary mulled wine, and seasonal treats to keep your energy and creativity flowing.
Ticket Information:

Adults: £70
Friends of the Museum: 10% discount
Book your tickets here

Ticket Price Includes:

All wreath-making materials
Guided workshop
Refreshments

Booking Information: Spaces are limited, so be sure to reserve your spot in advance! You can book your tickets online on Eventbrite, or by calling the Museum of Cambridge on 01223 355 159.
Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to kick off the holiday season with a touch of tradition and creativity. Come join us at the Museum of Cambridge and leave with a gorgeous Christmas wreath that will infuse your home with festive cheer!
We look forward to sharing this joyful occasion with you and celebrating the magic of the holiday season together. See you there!
🌟🎁🎉🎄

Accessibility
You can read about our accessibility information on our website. If you’d like to chat through any accessibility requirements, don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01223 355159 or email alex.smaridge@museumofcambridge.org.uk. Event attendees with additional needs are welcome to bring a supporter or carer who will be admitted to the event free of charge.
Getting Here
We are in the centre of Cambridge. You’ll find us at the corner of Castle Street and Northampton Street. We are right beside Kettle’s Yard and only a 15-minute walk from King’s College.
You can park your bike at the bike parks on Bridge Street or on Northampton Street. There is a bus stop on Bridge Street. Check out the Stagecoach website to plan your journey to and from the Museum. Find out more about how to get here by train, bike, bus, car or on foot on our website.
Photography
Please note that photographs will be taken throughout this event, and images may be used in future marketing and reporting materials. If you do not wish you or your family’s photograph to be taken, please make sure to let us know.
Healthy Events
If you’re feeling unwell or have recently tested positive for Covid-19, please do not attend this event. We’ll be happy to offer you a refund if applicable, and welcome you at the Museum on another day.
Love events? Love them even more when they’re free? Join the Friends of the Museum of Cambridge today and you’ll get access to free events, discounts in our shop and year-round free entry for you and a guest.

Christmas Wreath Making with What the Fleur at the Museum of Cambridge
2023-12-07 18:00 - 21:00 | The Museum of Cambridge, 2-3 Castle Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB3 0AQ, United Kingdom
Join Julia from What the Fleur to embrace the holiday spirit and channel your inner creativity at our enchanting Christmas Wreath Making Event! Join us at the historic Museum of Cambridge, where we’ll provide everything you need to craft your own stunning moss-based Christmas wreath, a beautiful addition to your holiday décor, or a heartfelt gift for a loved one.
Date: Thursday, December 7th, 2023
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Museum of Cambridge, 2/3 Castle Street, Cambridge

Event Highlights:
🌟 Guided Wreath-Making Workshops: Julia, the owner of What the Fleur will lead this hands-on wreath-making workshop suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned crafters. Learn the art of combining fragrant evergreens, colourful ornaments, and festive ribbons to create a unique masterpiece (there will even be a bit of sparkle!)
🌟 Aromatic Evergreens: Choose from a delightful selection of fresh, fragrant evergreen branches, to give your wreath that wonderful holiday scent.
🌟 Decorative Accessories: Explore an array of decorative elements such as pinecones, berries, holly, and sparkling ornaments to personalize your wreath and make it truly special.
🌟 Expert Tips: Gain valuable insights and tips from Julia on design, colour coordination, and wreath maintenance to keep your moss-based wreath looking beautiful all season long.
🌟 Holiday Atmosphere: Immerse yourself in the festive ambience of the Museum of Cambridge, surrounded by holiday displays and twinkling lights that will add to your creative inspiration.
🌟 Festive Refreshments: Enjoy complimentary mulled wine, and seasonal treats to keep your energy and creativity flowing.
Ticket Information:

Adults: £70
Friends of the Museum: 10% discount
Book your tickets here

Ticket Price Includes:

All wreath-making materials
Guided workshop
Refreshments

Booking Information: Spaces are limited, so be sure to reserve your spot in advance! You can book your tickets online on Eventbrite, or by calling the Museum of Cambridge on 01223 355 159.
Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to kick off the holiday season with a touch of tradition and creativity. Come join us at the Museum of Cambridge and leave with a gorgeous Christmas wreath that will infuse your home with festive cheer!
We look forward to sharing this joyful occasion with you and celebrating the magic of the holiday season together. See you there!
🌟🎁🎉🎄

Accessibility
You can read about our accessibility information on our website. If you’d like to chat through any accessibility requirements, don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01223 355159 or email alex.smaridge@museumofcambridge.org.uk. Event attendees with additional needs are welcome to bring a supporter or carer who will be admitted to the event free of charge.
Getting Here
We are in the centre of Cambridge. You’ll find us at the corner of Castle Street and Northampton Street. We are right beside Kettle’s Yard and only a 15-minute walk from King’s College.
You can park your bike at the bike parks on Bridge Street or on Northampton Street. There is a bus stop on Bridge Street. Check out the Stagecoach website to plan your journey to and from the Museum. Find out more about how to get here by train, bike, bus, car or on foot on our website.
Photography
Please note that photographs will be taken throughout this event, and images may be used in future marketing and reporting materials. If you do not wish you or your family’s photograph to be taken, please make sure to let us know.
Healthy Events
If you’re feeling unwell or have recently tested positive for Covid-19, please do not attend this event. We’ll be happy to offer you a refund if applicable, and welcome you at the Museum on another day.
Love events? Love them even more when they’re free? Join the Friends of the Museum of Cambridge today and you’ll get access to free events, discounts in our shop and year-round free entry for you and a guest.

Christmas Wreath Making with What the Fleur at the Museum of Cambridge
2023-12-10 14:00 - 17:00 | The Museum of Cambridge, 2-3 Castle Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB3 0AQ, United Kingdom
Join Julia from What the Fleur to embrace the holiday spirit and channel your inner creativity at our enchanting Christmas Wreath Making Event! Join us at the historic Museum of Cambridge, where we’ll provide everything you need to craft your own stunning moss-based Christmas wreath, a beautiful addition to your holiday décor, or a heartfelt gift for a loved one.
Date: Sunday, December 10th, 2023
Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Museum of Cambridge, 2/3 Castle Street, Cambridge

Event Highlights:
🌟 Guided Wreath-Making Workshops: Julia, the owner of What the Fleur will lead this hands-on wreath-making workshop suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned crafters. Learn the art of combining fragrant evergreens, colourful ornaments, and festive ribbons to create a unique masterpiece (there will even be a bit of sparkle!)
🌟 Aromatic Evergreens: Choose from a delightful selection of fresh, fragrant evergreen branches, to give your wreath that wonderful holiday scent.
🌟 Decorative Accessories: Explore an array of decorative elements such as pinecones, berries, holly, and sparkling ornaments to personalize your wreath and make it truly special.
🌟 Expert Tips: Gain valuable insights and tips from Julia on design, colour coordination, and wreath maintenance to keep your moss-based wreath looking beautiful all season long.
🌟 Holiday Atmosphere: Immerse yourself in the festive ambience of the Museum of Cambridge, surrounded by holiday displays and twinkling lights that will add to your creative inspiration.
🌟 Festive Refreshments: Enjoy complimentary mulled wine, and seasonal treats to keep your energy and creativity flowing.
Ticket Information:

Adults: £70
Friends of the Museum: 10% discount
Book your tickets here

Ticket Price Includes:

All wreath-making materials
Guided workshop
Refreshments

Booking Information: Spaces are limited, so be sure to reserve your spot in advance! You can book your tickets online on Eventbrite, or by calling the Museum of Cambridge on 01223 355 159.
Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to kick off the holiday season with a touch of tradition and creativity. Come join us at the Museum of Cambridge and leave with a gorgeous Christmas wreath that will infuse your home with festive cheer!
We look forward to sharing this joyful occasion with you and celebrating the magic of the holiday season together. See you there!
🌟🎁🎉🎄

Accessibility
You can read about our accessibility information on our website. If you’d like to chat through any accessibility requirements, don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01223 355159 or email alex.smaridge@museumofcambridge.org.uk. Event attendees with additional needs are welcome to bring a supporter or carer who will be admitted to the event free of charge.
Getting Here
We are in the centre of Cambridge. You’ll find us at the corner of Castle Street and Northampton Street. We are right beside Kettle’s Yard and only a 15-minute walk from King’s College.
You can park your bike at the bike parks on Bridge Street or on Northampton Street. There is a bus stop on Bridge Street. Check out the Stagecoach website to plan your journey to and from the Museum. Find out more about how to get here by train, bike, bus, car or on foot on our website.
Photography
Please note that photographs will be taken throughout this event, and images may be used in future marketing and reporting materials. If you do not wish you or your family’s photograph to be taken, please make sure to let us know.
Healthy Events
If you’re feeling unwell or have recently tested positive for Covid-19, please do not attend this event. We’ll be happy to offer you a refund if applicable, and welcome you at the Museum on another day.
Love events? Love them even more when they’re free? Join the Friends of the Museum of Cambridge today and you’ll get access to free events, discounts in our shop and year-round free entry for you and a guest.

Museum of Cambridge Festive Party and Silent Auction
2023-12-12 19:00 - 21:00 | The Museum of Cambridge, 2-3 Castle Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB3 0AQ, United Kingdom
Museum of Cambridge Festive Party and Silent Auction
Join us at the Museum of Cambridge for a joyful evening of festive celebrations.

‘Tis the season, and we’re thrilled to invite you to our Festive Party and Silent Auction!
📅 Date: 12th December 2023
🕕 Time: 7pm-9pm
📍 Location: Museum of Cambridge, 2-3 Castle Street, Cambridge CB3 0AQ
We’ll welcome you with a glass of something special on arrival and you’ll have the chance to explore the Museum after it has closed to the public.
Silent Auction
There’ll be plenty of chances for you to secure the perfect gift for your beloveds this festive season! On the night you’ll get the chance to make a bid at our silent auction. Auction lots will include a writing workshop for up to six people, a dinner and an overnight stay for two at a luxury boutique hotel, tours of fabulous local institutions and tickets to some fantastic days out in Cambridge and Cambridgeshire. And ice-cream. Did we mention the ice-cream?!
Auction lots have been generously donated by local institutions including Jack’s Gelato, Scudamore’s Punting Company, University Arms Hotel, Cambridge Ice Arena, Shepreth Wildlife Park, Cambridge Junction, Kettle’s Yard, Brandler Galleries, Playing With Words, Emmanuel College, Cambridge Arts Picturehouse and more.
Not only will you find perfect present (or perhaps a treat for yourself?), your successful bid will go towards supporting the Museum to continue our work as custodians of the histories of the people of Cambridgeshire.
Thank you to all our generous sponsors for making our silent auction so special! If you’d like to sponsor this event, get in touch: annie.davis@museumofcambridge.org.uk.
Adopt-An-Object
We will also be placing some of our Museum objects up for adoption! If you’d like to secure a unique Christmas gift for the history-lover in your life, why not adopt a Museum object for them?
You’ll receive a special information pack including a printed photograph, a certificate of adoption, and two free entry tickets so that you and a guest can visit your object here at the Museum of Cambridge.
Adopting an object is a great way to support the vital work done by our team of staff and volunteers who care for the objects in our collection and help preserve Cambridge’s heritage for future generations.
(In fact, you don’t have to wait until the 12th December to adopt – find out more here!)
New display: Cars, Carriages and the Cam: Navigating Your Way in Cambridge
The Museum of Cambridge is excited to launch our new display, ‘Cars, Carriages and the Cam: Navigating your way in Cambridge’.
Discover Cambridge’s history of trams, trains, carriages and ferries in a new exhibit discussing the memories and controversies of transport in Cambridge. From Thomas Hobson to the first community bike scheme in Cambridge, the exhibit explores the ever-changing face of Cambridge travel and transport. You’ll have the chance to see how Cambridge has wrestled with travel in the city, explore modern protests, Victorian satire and the controversial arrival of the train station to Cambridge city.
‘Cars, Carriages and the Cam: Navigating your way in Cambridge’ will be open from the 8th of November 2023 until the 29th of January 2024.
You can find out more about the display here.
Museum Shop
You’ll also be able to visit the Museum shop which is chock-full of fun vintage games and toys, books about local history, and locally made craft items. Plus, every purchase in the shop supports the ongoing development of this fabulous museum.
🎟️ RSVP via Eventbrite to come along! We can’t wait to see you there.
If you need help booking, please email us at enquiries@museumofcambridge.org.uk or call us at 01223 355159. We look forward to seeing you there!
Accessibility
You can also read about our accessibility information on our website. If you’d like to chat through any accessibility requirements, don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01223 355159 or email enquiries@museumofcambridge.org.uk. Event attendees with additional needs are welcome to bring a supporter or carer free of charge.
Getting Here
We are in the centre of Cambridge. You’ll find us at the corner of Castle Street and Northampton Street. We are right beside Kettle’s Yard and only a 15-minute walk from King’s College.
You can park your bike at the bike parks on Bridge Street or on Northampton Street. There is a bus stop on Bridge Street. Check out the Stagecoach website to plan your journey to and from the Museum. Find out more about how to get here by train, bike, bus, car or on foot on our website.
Photography
Please note that photographs will be taken throughout this event, and images may be used in future marketing and reporting materials. If you do not wish you or your family’s photograph to be taken, please make sure to let us know.
Healthy Events
If you’re feeling unwell or have recently tested positive for Covid-19, please do not attend this event. We’ll be happy to offer you a refund if applicable, and welcome you at the Museum on another day.
Love events? Love them even more when they’re free? Join the Friends of the Museum of Cambridge today and you’ll get access to free events, discounts in our shop and year-round free entry for you and a guest.

Vintage Christmas Decoration Craft Session
2023-12-16 11:00 - 14:00 | The Museum of Cambridge, 2-3 Castle Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB3 0AQ, United Kingdom
Vintage Christmas Decorations Craft Day
When December 16th
Time: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Where: Museum of Cambridge

About the Event
Join us for two days of festive fun at the Museum of Cambridge’s Vintage-Inspired Christmas Craft Sessions. This special event is designed for families with children ages 6-12. Embrace the holiday spirit by making your own unique Christmas decorations inspired by historic Christmas decorations.
Crafting Sessions: Get hands-on with a day of crafts. Families can create their own vintage-inspired Christmas decorations to bring home.
Free: Enjoy the festivities free of charge. The craft sessions are open to all, and there’s no need to book in advance. If you’d like to visit the Museum it’s open from 10-5 on Saturday and 11-4 on Sunday. Normal admission fees apply.
Family-Friendly: This event is perfect for families looking to spend quality time together during the holiday season. Suitable for children aged 6-12.

Accessibility
You can also read about our accessibility information on our website. If you’d like to chat through any accessibility requirements, don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01223 355159 or email enquiries@museumofcambridge.org.uk. Event attendees with additional needs are welcome to bring a supporter or carer who will be admitted to the event free of charge.
Getting Here
We are in the centre of Cambridge. You’ll find us at the corner of Castle Street and Northampton Street. We are right beside Kettle’s Yard and only a 15-minute walk from King’s College.
You can park your bike at the bike parks on Bridge Street or on Northampton Street. There is a bus stop on Bridge Street. Check out the Stagecoach website to plan your journey to and from the Museum. Find out more about how to get here by train, bike, bus, car or on foot on our website.
Photography
Please note that photographs will be taken throughout this event, and images may be used in future marketing and reporting materials. If you do not wish you or your family’s photograph to be taken, please make sure to let us know.
Healthy Events
If you’re feeling unwell or have recently tested positive for Covid-19, please do not attend this event. We’ll be happy to offer you a refund if applicable, and welcome you at the Museum on another day.
Want to visit the Museum year-round and support fantastic local history? Join the Friends of the Museum of Cambridge today and you’ll get access to free events, discounts in our shop and year-round free entry for you and a guest.

Vintage Christmas Decoration Craft Session
2023-12-17 11:00 - 14:00 | The Museum of Cambridge, 2-3 Castle Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB3 0AQ, United Kingdom
Vintage Christmas Decorations Craft Day
When December 17th
Time: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Where: Museum of Cambridge

About the Event
Join us for two days of festive fun at the Museum of Cambridge’s Vintage-Inspired Christmas Craft Sessions. This special event is designed for families with children ages 6-12. Embrace the holiday spirit by making your own unique Christmas decorations inspired by historic Christmas decorations.
Crafting Sessions: Get hands-on with a day of crafts. Families can create their own vintage-inspired Christmas decorations to bring home.
Free: Enjoy the festivities free of charge. The craft sessions are open to all, and there’s no need to book in advance. If you’d like to visit the Museum it’s open from 11-4 on Sunday. Normal admission fees apply.
Family-Friendly: This event is perfect for families looking to spend quality time together during the holiday season. Suitable for children aged 6-12.

Accessibility
You can also read about our accessibility information on our website. If you’d like to chat through any accessibility requirements, don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01223 355159 or email enquiries@museumofcambridge.org.uk. Event attendees with additional needs are welcome to bring a supporter or carer who will be admitted to the event free of charge.
Getting Here
We are in the centre of Cambridge. You’ll find us at the corner of Castle Street and Northampton Street. We are right beside Kettle’s Yard and only a 15-minute walk from King’s College.
You can park your bike at the bike parks on Bridge Street or on Northampton Street. There is a bus stop on Bridge Street. Check out the Stagecoach website to plan your journey to and from the Museum. Find out more about how to get here by train, bike, bus, car or on foot on our website.
Photography
Please note that photographs will be taken throughout this event, and images may be used in future marketing and reporting materials. If you do not wish you or your family’s photograph to be taken, please make sure to let us know.
Healthy Events
If you’re feeling unwell or have recently tested positive for Covid-19, please do not attend this event. We’ll be happy to offer you a refund if applicable, and welcome you at the Museum on another day.
Want to visit the Museum year-round and support fantastic local history? Join the Friends of the Museum of Cambridge today and you’ll get access to free events, discounts in our shop and year-round free entry for you and a guest.

Hidden Cambridge Tour January
2024-01-07 10:30 - 12:00

Conservation in Action
2024-01-18 10:00 - 16:00 | The Museum of Cambridge, 2-3 Castle Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB3 0AQ, United Kingdom
Chat with our collections volunteers as they clean, document, and mark objects on display around the Museum to help safeguard the history of our Museum objects.

Overview
Time and Duration: Morning session 10 am – 12 pm and afternoon session 1:30 pm – 4 pm
Where: All around the Museum of Cambridge! Come and find us.
Booking Information: The Museum of Cambridge is an independent charity and does not receive funds from the Cambridge Council or the University of Cambridge. You can see Conservation in Action free with your admission ticket. Your ticket supports the continued running and conservation care of the Museum and its objects and includes the Museum’s entry fee (usually £6/Adult, £4.5/Student and Jobseeker, free for those under 16).

What is Conservation in Action?
Do you ever wonder how the objects in Museums get cared for? Well now you can find out!
Every Thursday, the Museum of Cambridge has a team of talented collections volunteers who are supported by the Museums Collections Officer Beau in completing an ambitious on-display audit of the collection.

The on-display audit involves cleaning objects with a specific set of equipment and skills which the volunteers are taught. The objects are cleaned, documented, and marked with their accession numbers. You can pop in the Museum every Thursday and find volunteers hard at work and happy to chat and discuss what they are up to!

A big thank you to the Foyle Foundation who have funded the post for our Collections Officer which has allowed this project to run.

Things to note:

Accessibility
The Museum of Cambridge is unforutunately not wheelchair accessible, which you can read about our accessibility information (Accessibility – The Museum of Cambridge) on our website. If you’d like to chat through any accessibility requirements, don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01223 355159 or email sumyin.wong@museumofcambridge.org.uk. Event attendees with additional needs are welcome to bring a supporter or carer who will be admitted to the event free of charge.
Getting Here
We are in the centre of Cambridge. You’ll find us at the corner of Castle Street and Northampton Street. We are right beside Kettle’s Yard and only a 15-minute walk from King’s College.
You can park your bike at the bike parks on Bridge Street or on Northampton Street. There is a bus stop on Bridge Street. Check out the Stagecoach website to plan your journey to and from the Museum. Find out more about how to get here by train, bike, bus, car or on foot on our website.
Photography
Please note that photographs are sometimes taken of volunteers in action and images may be used in future marketing and reporting materials. If you do not wish you or your family’s photograph to be taken, please make sure to let us know.
Healthy Events
If you’re feeling unwell or have recently tested positive for Covid-19, please do not attend this tour. We will be happy to offer you a refund as per our refund policy, and welcome you at the Museum on another day.

The Golden Years of Clara Rackham: Socialist, Suffragist, Social Reformer
2024-01-18 18:45 - 20:00 | Enid Porter Room, Museum of Cambridge, 2-3 Castle Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB3 0AQ, United Kingdom
After her widely acclaimed talk in March, 2023 Emerita Professor Mary Joannou, Emerita Professor at ARU and author of the first biography of Clara Rackham, returns to discuss Clara’s ‘golden years’. Using rare archival photographs, Mary’s richly illustrated presentation traces Clara’s work in Cambridge during the ‘People’s War’ and after the Labour Landslide of 1945 including the new housing programmes in the city and the great international crises of Suez, Cuba and Hungary.
The talk combines Clara’s experiences of ageing, disability, bereavement and personal loss with the pleasure she derived from her extended family, her support of CND and the peace movement and the controversial national campaign for the retention of grammar schools. What emerges is not only a picture of a tireless city and county councillor who helped to change the face of modern Cambridge, but also of a very modest ‘private person’ and impassioned feminist public intellectual, still politically active at the age of ninety, whose work was instrumental to the establishment of the postwar settlement and the Welfare State.
Accessibility
You can also read about our accessibility information on our website. If you’d like to chat through any accessibility requirements, don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01223 355159 or email annie.davis@museumofcambridge.org.uk. Event attendees with additional needs are welcome to bring a supporter or carer who will be admitted to the event free of charge.
Getting Here
We are in the centre of Cambridge. You’ll find us at the corner of Castle Street and Northampton Street. We are right beside Kettle’s Yard and only a 15-minute walk from King’s College.
You can park your bike at the bike parks on Bridge Street or on Northampton Street. There is a bus stop on Bridge Street. Check out the Stagecoach website to plan your journey to and from the Museum. Find out more about how to get here by train, bike, bus, car or on foot on our website.
Photography
Please note that photographs will be taken throughout this event, and images may be used in future marketing and reporting materials. If you do not wish you or your family’s photograph to be taken, please make sure to let us know.
Healthy Events
If you’re feeling unwell or have recently tested positive for Covid-19, please do not attend this event. We’ll be happy to offer you a refund if applicable, and welcome you at the Museum on another day.
Love events? Love them even more when they’re free? Join the Friends of the Museum of Cambridge today and you’ll get access to free events, discounts in our shop and year-round free entry for you and a guest.
