Welcome to the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences.
A walk through the University’s oldest museum will take you on a 4.5 billion year journey through time, from the meteoritic building blocks of planets, to the thousands of fossils of animals and plants that illustrate the evolution of life in the oceans, on land and in the air.
Collection Highlights
- Iguanodon – a complete replica dinosaur skeleton gifted to the Museum by the King of Belgium in 1896.
- Tyrannosaurus Rex Skull – A replica of the skull of ‘stan’ found in South Dakota, USA.
- Megaloceros – A giant prehistoric deer skeleton from Ireland purchased by Adam Sedgwick.
- Museum Woodwardianum – The oldest intact geological collection in the world and the Museum’s founding collection of nearly 10,000 objects.
- William Smith Map – The first geological map of the UK published in 1815, standing at nearly 9ft high.
Free entry
Contact Us
Website: sedgwickmuseum.cam.ac.uk
Call: 01223 333456
Email: sedgwickmuseum@esc.cam.ac.uk
Social Media
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Family Visits
Visiting with a buggy - Buggies can use the lift if they need to. Please use the intercom to request access as you must be accompanied by a member of staff if doing this. Buggies can be left inside the Museum entrance if they need to be. The size restrictions of the lift mean that not all buggies will fit. The size of the lift and more details can be found on our website.
Research Enquiries and Image Permissions
For information about consulting the Museum's collection for research purposes, see its research profile.
For image permissions, see the guidance on the Museum’s website.
Travel
The University's museums and Garden are within walking distance of each other. If travelling by car, we recommend using Park and Ride services.
Opening hours
Getting here
52.203073, 0.12231399999996
Accessibility
If you have special access requirements, please contact the Museum in advance of your visit in order to make your experience as smooth as possible.
A visual story: Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences
This visual guide will help your child know what to expect and ease the anxiety which often accompanies a visit to somewhere new and unfamiliar. Download the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences Visual Story to help plan your visit
Physical Access
Step free access to the Museum is via a lift, accessed by a separate door to the Department of Earth Sciences, beneath the Museum staircase. Use the intercom to request access and assistance.
All areas are accessible once you are inside the Museum.
Platform lifts enable access between the split levels of the gallery. A key and instructions are available from a member of staff. Please ask for further assistance if required.
Ample seating is provided throughout the galleries.
Some of the historic display cases may be difficult to view from a wheelchair.
Visibility impairments
Lighting is subdued in some areas. Staff are very happy to guide you around, provide objects for handling and describe the exhibits, if arranged in advance.
Hearing impairments
Induction loops:
An induction loop is available at the Museum’s shop/information point.
Acoustics:
The Museum is generally quiet but can be louder during school visits and high-season.
Assistance dogs
are very welcome.
Disabled parking information
For visitors with restricted mobility, we recommend the Grand Arcade carpark which has blue badge spaces and is located directly opposite the Museum accessible from Corn Exchange Street via Downing Street.
Changing Places Toilet
The closest Changing Places toilet is located in the Grand Arcade car park. Locate more Changing Places toilets in Cambridge.
Additional Sedgwick Museum Access Information
Visit the AccessAble website
