Explore a remarkable range of scientific instruments used to make sense of the world, from the Middle Ages to the present day. Discover objects from astronomy, navigation, surveying, drawing and calculation, including sundials, mathematical instruments, early electrical apparatus—and even a microscope once owned by Charles Darwin.
Plus, enjoy hands-on activities in the newly refurbished Learning Gallery, perfect for little ones — or prebook a Whipple Highlights guided tour. Afterwards, take home a treat from the Whipple gift shop to remember your visit.
What is an orrery? Why is the clock chiming 13? Why would you collect and display a set of plaster horses’ teeth, some green spectacles and several hundred pocket calculators?
Join us for a tour of the Whipple’s collection in 10 objects, featuring spectacular instruments, fascinating scientific stories, and links to some of Cambridge’s most famous names.
Meet at the reception point in the Main Gallery.
What is an orrery? Why is the clock chiming 13? Why would you collect and display a set of plaster horses’ teeth, some green spectacles and several hundred pocket calculators?
Join us for a tour of the Whipple’s collection in 10 objects, featuring spectacular instruments, fascinating scientific stories, and links to some of Cambridge’s most famous names.
Meet at the reception point in the Main Gallery.
This exhibition features the art of John Kelly, an artist who has undertaken extensive fieldwork in the polar regions. Combining drawing, painting, photomontage and audiovisual work with observation and historical research, Polar Panoramas offers a compelling comparison between the Arctic and Antarctic as places of both human endeavour and environmental encounter.
What is an orrery? Why is the clock chiming 13? Why would you collect and display a set of plaster horses’ teeth, some green spectacles and several hundred pocket calculators?
Join us for a tour of the Whipple’s collection in 10 objects, featuring spectacular instruments, fascinating scientific stories, and links to some of Cambridge’s most famous names.
Meet at the reception point in the Main Gallery.
What is an orrery? Why is the clock chiming 13? Why would you collect and display a set of plaster horses’ teeth, some green spectacles and several hundred pocket calculators?
Join us for a tour of the Whipple’s collection in 10 objects, featuring spectacular instruments, fascinating scientific stories, and links to some of Cambridge’s most famous names.
Meet at the reception point in the Main Gallery.
Book your free tickets here!
Fusco was a Cambridge Visual Culture visiting fellow at Kettle’s Yard in May 2025. As part of her residency, Fusco worked daily with Ayres’ 1972 painting, now on permanent display in the house. For this informal event, Fusco will read from her text in situ, inviting visitors to take a closer look at Ayres’ work.
If you would like to visit the Kettle’s Yard house after the talk, please book a ticket here.
Join us for our biggest Family Day of the year! This year we are talking all about insects - from mini-beast hunts & behind the scenes tours to short talks for all the family. All FREE - we do hope that you come along!
We will be LIVE online via You Tube chatting with Professor Helen Roy all about ladybirds - what would you like to know? Why are ladybirds different colours? What do they eat? How long do they live? Get your questions ready as we will be answering them live on the night! Plus we'll be chatting about the Museum's ladybird collection - one of our most important & significant collections.
Watch this space for details on how to join online.
At the Whipple, our collection is brimming with objects that highlight LGBTQ+ histories and themes, showcasing the remarkable contributions of individuals and their stories throughout history. Each tour is uniquely crafted by our specially trained volunteer guides, who bring their own perspectives and creativity to the experience.
