The Polar Museum at the Scott Polar Research Institute in Cambridge explores the history of polar exploration and scientific research in the Arctic and Antarctic. It is part of the University of Cambridge and holds an extensive collection of artefacts, documents and photographs related to the polar regions. Visitors can learn about the expeditions of figures such as Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton, as well as the cultures of Indigenous Arctic communities and the impact of climate change on these environments.
The Scott Polar Research Institute was founded in 1920 as a memorial to Robert Falcon Scott and his team, who died during their 1911–1912 expedition to the South Pole. The institute conducts research into polar science, climate change and glaciology. The museum was established to share its collections with the public and to highlight the achievements and challenges faced by polar explorers and researchers.
The museum’s collections include material from early Arctic and Antarctic expeditions, scientific instruments, and objects from Indigenous Arctic cultures. It provides insight into how these extreme environments have been explored and studied over time. The museum also plays a role in public engagement with issues such as climate change, melting ice caps, and environmental conservation.
![The Polar Museum at the Scott Polar Research Institute in Cambridge, Cambridgeshire (Photo: Kim Fyson [CC BY-SA 2.0])](https://englandrover.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/polar-museum-cambridge-1280x854.jpg)
What to see at the Polar Museum
The museum’s exhibits include artefacts from Scott’s and Shackleton’s expeditions, such as clothing, equipment and personal items. Visitors can see sledges, tents and supplies used during these journeys, offering a glimpse into the harsh conditions faced by early explorers.
The museum also features a collection of maps, photographs and scientific instruments used to survey and study the polar regions. There are displays on the wildlife of the Arctic and Antarctic, including information on penguins, polar bears and marine life.
One section is dedicated to the cultures of Indigenous Arctic peoples, displaying clothing, tools, and artwork. These exhibits highlight the traditional knowledge and survival skills developed over centuries. The museum also has interactive displays explaining the impact of climate change on the polar regions and the importance of ongoing scientific research.
Visiting the Polar Museum
The Polar Museum is on Lensfield Road, around 800m (½ mile) south of central Cambridge, or a 10-minute walk from the city centre.
The museum is open Tuesday–Saturday (closed on Mondays and Sundays) and admission is free of charge.
Visitors should allow around an hour to explore the museum, though those with a strong interest in polar history may wish to spend longer.
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