Fitzwilliam Museum

Fitzwilliam Museum overview

Located in the heart of the historic city of Cambridge, the Fitzwilliam Museum is a world-class facility housing artefacts from the Roman, Egyptian and Ancient Greek eras.

It also displays a range of art, including masterpieces from the 13th century to the present day, as well as a selection of pottery, oriental art and illuminated manuscripts, for history fans to pour over.

The Fitzwilliam Museum was founded by Richard, VII Viscount Fitzwilliam of Merrion who, in 1816, gave the facility to the University of Cambridge in order to further learning at the establishment.

Max Fisher, of Britain's Best Museum and Galleries, called the attraction a "museum collection of beauty, quality and rarity", its official website reports.

Furthermore, the Standing Commission on Museums & Galleries in 1968 said it was "one of the greatest art collections of the nation and a monument of the first importance".

Fitzwilliam Museum Location

The museum is located on Trumpington Street in Cambridge city centre and therefore is easily accessed by those who live centrally.

For those travelling to Cambridge, the attraction is located a 20-minute walk from the railways station and there is a frequent taxi and bus service between the two. Rail services operate to Cambridge from Kings Cross, Stansted Airport, Peterborough and the Midlands.

Motorists are advised that the area of Cambridge the Fitzwilliam Museum is in is subject to vehicle restrictions. Those travelling by car may prefer to use the city's park and ride systems instead.

The main roads into Cambridge are the M11 from London and the south, turning off at junctions 11, 12 or 13, and the A14 from the west and east, turning off at the A1307 and A1303, respectively.

Why Visit Fitzwilliam Museum?

At the museum visitors can gain a "vivid glimpse" into many aspects of ancient life, through the artefacts that are on display. From items excavated from Egyptian tombs and ivory inlays to copper-alloy figures the museum's collection of antiques help visitors gain an idea of how people from different ages and nations lived on a day-to-day basis.

Meanwhile, the Fitzwilliam Museum's department of paintings, drawings and prints offers visitors the chance to see works of art from Europe, America and Asia, dating back as far as the 13th century. Highlights include works from the Italian Renaissance by world-renowned artists such as Canaletto and a series of portrait miniatures from British artists. French Impressionist painters are also a feature of the gallery rooms as are a collection of British water colours.

Other collections of note include the medieval manuscripts and printed books, the coins and medals collection and the displays of European and Oriental applied art.