The Museum of Classical Archaeology is home to an extensive collection of plaster casts of ancient Greek and Roman sculptures. Part of the University of Cambridge’s Faculty of Classics, the museum offers an opportunity to study classical art and archaeology up close.
The collection consists largely of plaster casts of famous classical sculptures, many of which were originally housed in grand European collections. These casts allow visitors to view reproductions of significant works that are otherwise scattered in museums around the world. The museum plays an important role in the study of classical art, offering access to pieces that shaped the artistic traditions of Western Europe.
![The Museum of Classical Archaeology in Cambridge is home to one of the world’s finest collections of plaster casts of ancient Greek and Roman sculpture. (Photo: Zde [CC BY-SA 4.0])](https://englandrover.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/museum-of-classical-archaeology.jpg)
What to see at the Museum of Classical Archaeology
The museum’s collection features over 450 plaster casts of sculptures from ancient Greece and Rome. These include well-known statues such as the Venus de Milo, the Discobolus and the Laocoön Group. The casts allow for detailed study of classical sculpture, making them a useful resource for students and researchers. Some of the pieces preserve details that have since eroded from the original statues, providing insight into how these artworks may have looked in antiquity.
The displays are arranged to reflect the artistic developments of the classical world. Visitors can trace changes in sculptural style from archaic Greek statues to the highly detailed works of the Roman period. The museum also includes a selection of casts that illustrate myths and historical events, allowing visitors to engage with the stories that shaped ancient civilisations.
In addition to the sculptures, the museum has a small collection of artefacts, including pottery and inscriptions. These items provide further context for the art and culture of the ancient world. Temporary exhibitions and educational events are also held throughout the year, focusing on various aspects of classical archaeology and art history.
Visiting the Museum of Classical Archaeology
The Museum of Classical Archaeology is located within the Faculty of Classics at the University of Cambridge. It is on Sidgwick Avenue, around a 15-minute walk from the city centre.
The museum is open Tuesday–Saturday (closed on Mondays and Sundays) and admission is free of charge.
A visit to the Museum of Classical Archaeology typically takes around one to two hours, depending on your level of interest in the collection.
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