Top Things To Do In The Fitzwilliam Museum (Cambridge) In 2026 - 2027

Museum

Top 10 things to do in The Fitzwilliam Museum

1. Highlights Tour
The Highlights Tour invites you to discover the most famous and significant artworks housed within The Fitzwilliam Museum. Over the duration of this tour, guests are guided through a selection of the museum's best-known pieces, offering explanations and insights into the historical and cultural significance of each object. Patrons will have the chance to gaze upon masterpieces from renowned artists, explore artefacts from ancient civilizations, and understand the museum's architectural grandeur. The estimated duration for the tour is typically around an hour, providing a concise yet enriching experience for art lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Duration: 1 hour · Price: Free, donations are welcome
2. Family Art Weekends
Every weekend, The Fitzwilliam Museum transforms into a family-friendly hub with activities designed to engage children and adults alike. During the Family Art Weekends, the museum offers a variety of hands-on artistic activities and thematic educational opportunities. These experiences are crafted to make art both fun and accessible to younger visitors, encouraging a love for culture from an early age. Participants can spend anywhere from half an hour to several hours exploring different stations and projects. The museum provides all necessary materials, and museum staff are there to guide the creative journeys. Families leave not only with their artistic creations but also with cherished memories of their time at the museum.
Duration: Variable, typically 30 minutes to 2 hours · Price: Free, some activities may have a small charge
3. Adult Art Classes
The Fitzwilliam Museum offers a series of adult art classes that cater to both novice and experienced artists seeking to hone their craft or learn new techniques. The classes cover different mediums and styles, influenced by the museum's diverse collection. Each session is facilitated by professional artists or instructors who guide participants through the creative process, providing both group instruction and individual feedback. Participants have the opportunity to draw inspiration directly from the art surrounding them while also enjoying the company of fellow art enthusiasts. These sessions can last anywhere from a couple of hours to a full day and are designed to provide a comprehensive learning experience in a magnificent setting.
Duration: 2-6 hours · Price: Varies, depending on the class and materials required
4. Curator's Introduction
The Curator's Introduction at The Fitzwilliam Museum is a special activity that offers in-depth knowledge and insider perspectives on current exhibitions and collections. During these sessions, museum curators share intriguing backstories, curatorial decisions, and research highlights that visitors might not encounter during a regular museum visit. Each introduction focuses on a specific theme or exhibition, thus content and duration vary. Attendees gain an enhanced understanding of the museum's artifacts, the historical context surrounding them, and the complexity of mounting museum exhibitions. This activity is perfect for those looking to delve deeper into the world of art curation and preservation, while also gaining a greater appreciation for the museum's role in cultural heritage.
Duration: Typically 30 minutes to 1 hour · Price: Free, but may require booking in advance
5. Lunchtime Concerts
The Fitzwilliam Museum's lunchtime concerts are a delightful way to combine the love of art with musical enjoyment. These concerts feature performances by talented musicians from the University of Cambridge and beyond, offering a range of classical and contemporary repertoire. Visitors can experience the unique acoustic setting of the museum's beautifully adorned galleries, providing a backdrop that enhances the listening experience. Generally, these concerts last no more than an hour, designed to fit within a lunch break, making it an ideal retreat in the midst of a busy day. The harmonious blend of visual and auditory art serves to make these concerts an unforgettable activity for visitors.
Duration: 1 hour · Price: Free, with a suggested donation
6. Art History Talks
Periodically, The Fitzwilliam Museum hosts art history talks that cover a wide range of topics related to its collections and special exhibitions. These talks are delivered by scholars, researchers, and art historians who provide invaluable insights into the art world. Each talk is carefully prepared to be accessible to a general audience while also containing depth for the seasoned art aficionado. Talks may cover subjects such as the influence of classical art on modern pieces, the evolution of artistic techniques over time, or the background of a specific period or artist featured in the museum. With a typical duration of about one hour, these talks are not only educational but also highly engaging, often followed by a Q&A session.
Duration: 1 hour · Price: Free, some may require registration
7. Gallery Trails
Gallery Trails at The Fitzwilliam Museum are self-guided tours that allow visitors to explore the museum at their own pace while focusing on specific themes, artists, or historical periods. The museum offers trail guides that are filled with interesting facts and challenges that can help you discover the highlights and hidden gems of the collection. These trails are suitable for all ages, offering an interactive way to engage with the museum's vast array of artifacts and artworks. Depending on interest and pace, a Gallery Trail can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, making it a flexible option for personalizing your museum visit.
Duration: 30 minutes to several hours · Price: Free
8. Exhibition Preview Evenings
Exhibition Preview Evenings are exclusive events that offer a first look at The Fitzwilliam Museum's latest temporary exhibitions before they open to the public. These events often feature talks or introductions by the exhibition curators, offering attendees a deeper understanding of the themes and context of the exhibition. The events provide a unique, less-crowded environment to appreciate the new arrivals to the museum. Typically lasting a couple of hours, these previews can be a special experience for art lovers looking for a more intimate encounter with the museum's offerings. While these events are usually free, they may require booking in advance due to limited space.
Duration: 1-2 hours · Price: Free, but booking is required
9. Sketching in the Galleries
Sketching in the Galleries is an activity for those who would like to practice their drawing skills in the inspirational setting of The Fitzwilliam Museum. Visitors can bring their sketchbooks and pencils and find a quiet corner of the museum to capture the sculptures, paintings, or architectural details. This is a self-directed activity that can fill a short visit or occupy several hours for a more in-depth study. It's an opportunity for artists to challenge themselves in new surroundings and for beginners to practice in a space full of masterworks. The museum environment provides the perfect quiet and contemplative atmosphere to focus on the art of sketching.
Duration: Self-paced · Price: Free, but check the museum's policy on allowable sketching materials
10. Drop-in Drawing Sessions
The Fitzwilliam Museum's Drop-in Drawing Sessions are informal workshops designed to help attendees refine their drawing skills. These sessions are led by a professional artist, providing tips and exercises to assist participants in capturing the essence of the museum's artifacts and artworks. Each session revolves around a different theme or piece from the collection and is suitable for every skill level, from beginners to those looking to enhance their drawing techniques. The sessions are typically structured to allow participants to drop in at any time and stay for as long or as little as they like. It's a wonderful way to interact creatively with the museum's collections and take inspiration from the incredible surroundings.
Duration: Open-ended, usually a few hours · Price: Free, materials provided by the museum

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Other Suggested Reads for The Fitzwilliam Museum

Top 10 things to do in The Fitzwilliam Museum

1. Highlights Tour

The Highlights Tour invites you to discover the most famous and significant artworks housed within The Fitzwilliam Museum. Over the duration of this tour, guests are guided through a selection of the museum's best-known pieces, offering explanations and insights into the historical and cultural significance of each object. Patrons will have the chance to gaze upon masterpieces from renowned artists, explore artefacts from ancient civilizations, and understand the museum's architectural grandeur. The estimated duration for the tour is typically around an hour, providing a concise yet enriching experience for art lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Duration: 1 hour · Price: Free, donations are welcome

2. Family Art Weekends

Every weekend, The Fitzwilliam Museum transforms into a family-friendly hub with activities designed to engage children and adults alike. During the Family Art Weekends, the museum offers a variety of hands-on artistic activities and thematic educational opportunities. These experiences are crafted to make art both fun and accessible to younger visitors, encouraging a love for culture from an early age. Participants can spend anywhere from half an hour to several hours exploring different stations and projects. The museum provides all necessary materials, and museum staff are there to guide the creative journeys. Families leave not only with their artistic creations but also with cherished memories of their time at the museum.

Duration: Variable, typically 30 minutes to 2 hours · Price: Free, some activities may have a small charge

3. Adult Art Classes

The Fitzwilliam Museum offers a series of adult art classes that cater to both novice and experienced artists seeking to hone their craft or learn new techniques. The classes cover different mediums and styles, influenced by the museum's diverse collection. Each session is facilitated by professional artists or instructors who guide participants through the creative process, providing both group instruction and individual feedback. Participants have the opportunity to draw inspiration directly from the art surrounding them while also enjoying the company of fellow art enthusiasts. These sessions can last anywhere from a couple of hours to a full day and are designed to provide a comprehensive learning experience in a magnificent setting.

Duration: 2-6 hours · Price: Varies, depending on the class and materials required

4. Curator's Introduction

The Curator's Introduction at The Fitzwilliam Museum is a special activity that offers in-depth knowledge and insider perspectives on current exhibitions and collections. During these sessions, museum curators share intriguing backstories, curatorial decisions, and research highlights that visitors might not encounter during a regular museum visit. Each introduction focuses on a specific theme or exhibition, thus content and duration vary. Attendees gain an enhanced understanding of the museum's artifacts, the historical context surrounding them, and the complexity of mounting museum exhibitions. This activity is perfect for those looking to delve deeper into the world of art curation and preservation, while also gaining a greater appreciation for the museum's role in cultural heritage.

Duration: Typically 30 minutes to 1 hour · Price: Free, but may require booking in advance

5. Lunchtime Concerts

The Fitzwilliam Museum's lunchtime concerts are a delightful way to combine the love of art with musical enjoyment. These concerts feature performances by talented musicians from the University of Cambridge and beyond, offering a range of classical and contemporary repertoire. Visitors can experience the unique acoustic setting of the museum's beautifully adorned galleries, providing a backdrop that enhances the listening experience. Generally, these concerts last no more than an hour, designed to fit within a lunch break, making it an ideal retreat in the midst of a busy day. The harmonious blend of visual and auditory art serves to make these concerts an unforgettable activity for visitors.

Duration: 1 hour · Price: Free, with a suggested donation

6. Art History Talks

Periodically, The Fitzwilliam Museum hosts art history talks that cover a wide range of topics related to its collections and special exhibitions. These talks are delivered by scholars, researchers, and art historians who provide invaluable insights into the art world. Each talk is carefully prepared to be accessible to a general audience while also containing depth for the seasoned art aficionado. Talks may cover subjects such as the influence of classical art on modern pieces, the evolution of artistic techniques over time, or the background of a specific period or artist featured in the museum. With a typical duration of about one hour, these talks are not only educational but also highly engaging, often followed by a Q&A session.

Duration: 1 hour · Price: Free, some may require registration

7. Gallery Trails

Gallery Trails at The Fitzwilliam Museum are self-guided tours that allow visitors to explore the museum at their own pace while focusing on specific themes, artists, or historical periods. The museum offers trail guides that are filled with interesting facts and challenges that can help you discover the highlights and hidden gems of the collection. These trails are suitable for all ages, offering an interactive way to engage with the museum's vast array of artifacts and artworks. Depending on interest and pace, a Gallery Trail can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, making it a flexible option for personalizing your museum visit.

Duration: 30 minutes to several hours · Price: Free

8. Exhibition Preview Evenings

Exhibition Preview Evenings are exclusive events that offer a first look at The Fitzwilliam Museum's latest temporary exhibitions before they open to the public. These events often feature talks or introductions by the exhibition curators, offering attendees a deeper understanding of the themes and context of the exhibition. The events provide a unique, less-crowded environment to appreciate the new arrivals to the museum. Typically lasting a couple of hours, these previews can be a special experience for art lovers looking for a more intimate encounter with the museum's offerings. While these events are usually free, they may require booking in advance due to limited space.

Duration: 1-2 hours · Price: Free, but booking is required

9. Sketching in the Galleries

Sketching in the Galleries is an activity for those who would like to practice their drawing skills in the inspirational setting of The Fitzwilliam Museum. Visitors can bring their sketchbooks and pencils and find a quiet corner of the museum to capture the sculptures, paintings, or architectural details. This is a self-directed activity that can fill a short visit or occupy several hours for a more in-depth study. It's an opportunity for artists to challenge themselves in new surroundings and for beginners to practice in a space full of masterworks. The museum environment provides the perfect quiet and contemplative atmosphere to focus on the art of sketching.

Duration: Self-paced · Price: Free, but check the museum's policy on allowable sketching materials

10. Drop-in Drawing Sessions

The Fitzwilliam Museum's Drop-in Drawing Sessions are informal workshops designed to help attendees refine their drawing skills. These sessions are led by a professional artist, providing tips and exercises to assist participants in capturing the essence of the museum's artifacts and artworks. Each session revolves around a different theme or piece from the collection and is suitable for every skill level, from beginners to those looking to enhance their drawing techniques. The sessions are typically structured to allow participants to drop in at any time and stay for as long or as little as they like. It's a wonderful way to interact creatively with the museum's collections and take inspiration from the incredible surroundings.

Duration: Open-ended, usually a few hours · Price: Free, materials provided by the museum