Fitzwilliam Museum
Museum Cambridge museum of art and antiquities with global collections
The Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge showcases European and Egyptian antiquities, coins and Old Master paintings. Visitors browse decorative arts, archaeological finds and regular special exhibitions linked to the university’s collections.
The Fitzwilliam Museum is the art and antiquities museum of the University of Cambridge, founded from the bequest of Richard FitzWilliam in 1816 and located on Trumpington Street in central Cambridge.
Founded through the FitzWilliam bequest in the early 19th century, the museum’s core building was developed in the 19th century and the collections expanded through donations, purchases and university research over the following two centuries.
The Fitzwilliam sits in central Cambridge close to the university colleges, within easy walking distance of the city centre and Cambridge railway station.
- Founding: Established from the bequest of Richard FitzWilliam in 1816, it serves as the principal art and antiquities museum of the University of Cambridge.
- Admission and location: Admission to the permanent collections is free and the museum is located on Trumpington Street near the university's central colleges.
What to See #
- Paintings Galleries: Galleries of Old Master paintings and European art from the Renaissance through the 19th century, arranged within the main museum building on Trumpington Street.
- Antiquities: Departments housing antiquities, including Egyptian, Greek and Roman objects, with display cases and study collections.
- Coins and Manuscripts: A large coins and manuscripts collection available for study and rotation into public displays.
How to Get to Fitzwilliam Museum #
The Fitzwilliam Museum is on Trumpington Street in central Cambridge, immediately adjacent to the city’s university area. From Cambridge railway station it is an easy walk of about 15-25 minutes north along Station Road into the city centre, or a short taxi/bus ride.
If driving, the city centre has limited parking; use one of the public car parks in central Cambridge and walk a few minutes to Trumpington Street.
Tips for Visiting Fitzwilliam Museum #
- Go right at opening on a weekday to beat Cambridge college tour groups and punting crowds that arrive mid-morning; quieter hours let you appreciate the smaller galleries.
- Check the museum website before you go for temporary exhibitions and any special displays that may require separate booking-these can be highlights that regular visitors miss.
- Allow at least 90 minutes and visit the museum's lesser-seen cabinets and prints rooms if open; the quieter upper galleries often contain works that get overlooked by the main crowds.
Best Time to Visit Fitzwilliam Museum #
Visit in spring or autumn weekdays to avoid the highest summer crowds at this popular university museum.
Weather & Climate near Fitzwilliam Museum #
Fitzwilliam Museum's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (558 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with 55 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and mostly overcast skies.