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!
Can you imagine a cleaner, greener future? This June we’re handing over the Museum to artist-activist Jade Pollard-Crowe and some of Cambridge’s brightest early career researchers for an exploration of the natural world, supported by Cambridge Zero.
With hands-on activities in the Learning Gallery and lightning talks in the Upper Gallery, there’s something for everyone. Work together to create a collaborative climate map, get inspired by our collections, and share your ideas for change.
Drop-in, Learning Gallery & Upper Gallery (All ages)
Ice Age Time Machine
Dr David Waterhouse trained as a palaeontologist and for the past 20 years has been involved in studying the animals that lived during that last Ice Age. He's been the curator of the Polar Museum since 2023 and we're thrilled to be welcoming him for a talk on one of his greatest passions.
From David:
Come and create craft inspired by bees. Using paper, card, wool and string you can create a bee to take out into the Garden.
Drop-in to join in the fun. All ages welcome, no need to pre-book. Find us in the Garden Room at the Schools’ Garden.
Normal Garden admission applies for accompanying adults.
The trail will take you on a trip around the Botanic Garden to learn everything you need to know to be a bee. Complete all the lessons, collect the teacher stamps and be awarded with a graduation prize at the end.
All ages are welcome, but these sessions are particularly aimed at inspiring adults to pick up a paintbrush.
No art experience is needed, our friendly staff and volunteers can support you. If the studio is busy, you may be asked to come back later.
Each flower painting session will be facilitated by a different artist, sharing their own individual style, skill and knowledge through invitations and support. Explore more sessions here.
Create a seed ball to take home and plant.
Ages 3 +
Children must be accompanied at all times.
Free child tickets for this event must be booked online. Ticket sales open one week before the event. Adults do not need to book to accompany however please note that adults will be required to pay for Garden entry on arrival.
James Costa and Elizabeth Yale will be giving a series of book launch lectures around UK during May and will be speaking on 13 May at 5.30 - 6.30pm at the Department of Zoology, Main Lecture Theatre, New Museums Site, Downing Street.
Discover more about our current exhibition Handpicked: Painting Flowers from 1900 to Today.
This tour is suitable for blind and visually impaired visitors.
To book tickets, please click the ‘Book Now’ button below or call 01223 748100.
During the audio described tour, you will be guided around the galleries by our Learning Team who will tell you about some of the key artworks on display in the exhibition. You will then have the option to be assisted in the Kettle's Yard Shop.
