Fitzwilliam Museum

Founded in 1816, the museum was established through a bequest from Richard, Viscount FitzWilliam. His donation included books, manuscripts and works of art, forming the foundation of the museum’s collection. Over the years, the museum has expanded its holdings and is now one of the leading university museums in the country. Its neoclassical building, completed in 1843, is a major landmark in Cambridge.

The museum holds collections covering a wide range of historical periods and artistic styles. It is particularly noted for its European paintings, including works by Titian, Rembrandt and Van Gogh. The antiquities collection features artefacts from ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. The museum also houses an extensive collection of manuscripts, prints and decorative arts.

What to see at the Fitzwilliam Museum

Visitors can explore a diverse range of exhibits across multiple galleries. The painting collection includes works from the Renaissance to the 20th century. Highlights include pieces by Monet, Turner and Gainsborough.

The antiquities galleries display artefacts from civilisations including Egypt, Greece and Rome. Egyptian coffins, Greek pottery and Roman sculptures are among the items on show. The museum also holds medieval manuscripts and rare books, reflecting the history of writing and illustration.

The applied arts collection includes ceramics, glass and textiles. Decorative arts from Europe and Asia are displayed, showcasing craftsmanship across different cultures and time periods. The museum hosts temporary exhibitions and special events throughout the year.

Temporary exhibitions

In addition to its permanent collection, the Fitzwilliam Museum hosts a programme of temporary exhibitions. Current and planned exhibitions include:

Discovering Dürer
This exhibition (until 3 August 2025) presents a selection of Albrecht Dürer’s prints following a major conservation project of all 374 works in the collection. The display focuses on the techniques and detail found in Dürer’s work and explores how restoration has uncovered the history of individual prints. Dürer was a key figure in Northern Renaissance printmaking, and this exhibition highlights his influence and technical skill through close examination of his surviving prints.

Made in Ancient Egypt
This exhibition (3 October 2025–12 April 2026) focuses on the craftspeople behind well-known ancient Egyptian objects, from coffins to religious texts. It examines how items were made, the materials used and the lives of those who produced them. Objects on display include jewellery, ceramics and sculpture, with some pieces shown in the UK for the first time. Recent research highlights the techniques and tools used, many of which remain familiar today.

Visiting the Fitzwilliam Museum

The Fitzwilliam Museum is located on Trumpington Street, a short walk south of the city centre. From here, you can walk to most points of interest in Cambridge in around 10–20 minutes.

The museum is open Tuesday–Sunday and is closed on Mondays. Admission is free of charge, although some temporary exhibitions may have an entry fee.

There is a lift in the Courtyard Entrance providing wheelchair access to all floors of the museum; however, the Kiosk Cafe on the north lawn is not wheelchair accessible.

Visitor facilities include a cafe and a gift shop.

Allow at least two hours for your visit.

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