Cambridge University maintains a fascinating and stimulating collection of museums, which are an invaluable resource to researchers, students and the public. Most offer free entry. For a full list and details of opening times go to: www.cam.ac.uk/museums Probably the best known of Cambridge's museums is The Fitzwilliam, renowned as one of the best regional museums in Europe (photo at the top of this page). The Fitz offers a wide range of exhibits, encompassing exquisite Greek and Roman antiquities, paintings by Titian, Rembrandt, Turner, Van Gogh and priceless illuminated manuscripts. Entry is free, but a small donation is welcome. Not to be missed is the recently refurbished Polar Museum at the Scott Polar Research Institute offering a fascinating and moving range of permanent and temporary exhibits, including diaries and letters written by Scott and his ill fated team. |
For modern art lovers, the University offers the incomparable Kettle's Yard, the home of former Tate Gallery curator Jim Ede turned into a showcase for 20th century art. Some 20 minutes walk from the historic centre is the University's beautiful Botanic Garden, founded in 1846 by Darwin's mentor, Professor John Henslow. The Orchard, Grantchester: serving teas since 1897 and open all year round. Walk down the river or hire a bicycle. The Orchard is open for morning coffee, lunch and afternoon tea. The scones are famous, as are many of the clients over the years: Bertrand Russell, Maynard Keynes, Wittgensteing, King George VI, Pandit Nehru, Salman Rushdie and John Cleese, to name but a few. |
