Fitzwilliam Museum
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Overview
Cambridge’s foremost museum with over half a million exhibits, the Fitzwilliam is one of the finest in Europe. It was founded in 1816 by the wealthy musical antiquarian and art collector, Richard Fitzwilliam, the seventh Viscount Fitzwilliam of Merrion (1745–1816), who was an alumnus of Trinity College. He felt the university needed its own art museum and library, and on his death donated a priceless collection of works including Renaissance pieces by Italian painters Palma Vecchio, Titian and Veronese, 144 rare Dutch paintings, engravings by artists such as Rembrandt and sheet music signed by German composer Handel. The Fitzwilliam became the museum of the University of Cambridge, and remains to this day one of the oldest public museums in Britain. You’ll easily find it along the main thoroughfare, Trumpington Street, for it is housed in a monumental neoclassical mansion, a Cambridge landmark. Its magnificent collection has grown over the years and spans centuries and civilisations from as far back as 2500 bc to the present day. Among the exhibits are works by Rubens, Constable, Picasso and Monet, along with antiquities from Ancient Egypt, Greece and Cyprus, rare Oriental works of art and medieval coins. The museum’s own Courtyard Cafe serves morning coffee, light lunches and afternoon tea, and is sure to provide a welcome break.
Features
- Opening Times
- Open all year
- Opening Times: Open all year Tue-Sat 10-5, Sun & BHs 12-5. Closed Good Fri, 24-26 & 31 Dec, 1 Jan
- Facilities
- Parking nearby
- Cafe
About the area
To the west of East Anglia is Cambridgeshire, a county best known as the home to the university that makes up the second half of ‘Oxbridge’ (the other half is Oxford). As well as its globally renowned educational credentials, it also has a rich natural history; much of its area is made up of reclaimed or untouched fens.
Places to eat nearby View all
Nearby places to stay
View all (8)
Nearby places to stay
Hotel du Vin & Bistro Cambridge
This beautiful building, which dates back in part to medieval times, has been transformed to enhance its many quirky architectural features. The bedrooms and suites, some with private t...
The Gonville Hotel
The Gonville is a well-established hotel situated on the inner ring road, a short walk across the green from the city centre. Air-conditioned public areas are cheerfully furnished, and ...
Centennial Hotel
Centennial Hotel is convenient for the railway station and town centre, and is just opposite the Cambridge University Botanic Garden. Well-presented public areas include a welcoming lou...
Cheshunt Cottage & Garden Cottage
Westminster College is perfectly located - only three minutes’ walk away from Cambridge city centre. The College has two self-contained and fully furnished cottages on-site - The Cheshu...
Arundel House Hotel
A popular and smart hotel, Arundel House overlooks the River Cam and enjoys views of open parkland. Its previous existence as a row of Victorian townhouses means the attractive bedrooms...
Mrs Andrews Cottage
Mrs Andrews is an end-of-terrace Victorian house, built in 1877. It’s light and bright, and has its own small private terrace garden. Mrs Andrews is very close to the River Cam and you’...
Mrs Andrews
Mrs Andrews is an end-of-terrace Victorian house, built in 1877. It’s light and bright, and has its own small private terrace garden. Mrs Andrews is very close to the River Cam and you’...
Ashley Hotel
Expect a warm welcome at Ashley Hotel, a delightful Victorian property situated just a short walk from the River Cam. The smartly decorated bedrooms are generally quite spacious and equ...
