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Market Square
Key Information
Tucked away on Castle Street in the heart of Cambridge, Kettle’s Yard (CB3 0AQ) is one of the city's most charming and unexpected cultural treasures. More than just a gallery, it’s a serene blend of modern art, history, and homely warmth—a true reflection of its unique origins.
Price
Free
A Creative Escape in Cambridge: Discovering Kettle’s Yard
Founded in 1966 by Jim Ede, a former curator at the Tate Gallery, Kettle’s Yard was originally Ede’s personal home and collection. His vision was simple: to create a space where art, architecture, and life could come together. Today, the site is maintained by the University of Cambridge and continues to embody his philosophy of quiet, thoughtful engagement with contemporary and modern art.
Family-Friendly and Full of Discovery
Kettle’s Yard is an ideal destination for families looking for an enriching, kid-friendly day out in Cambridge. Regular free art activities for children offer a hands-on way for young minds to explore creativity. Whether it’s interactive workshops or drop-in craft sessions, there’s always something on to spark imagination and play.
Exhibitions and Experiences
The gallery hosts a range of free and paid exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing both emerging artists and renowned figures in the world of contemporary art. Beyond visual art, visitors can also enjoy occasional concerts—an extension of Jim Ede’s belief in the power of music to complement the visual arts.
On Saturdays, house tours provide a deeper glimpse into the spirit of Kettle’s Yard. Walking through the original home of Jim Ede, you’ll find artworks by names like Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore arranged alongside pebbles, plants, and simple furniture—demonstrating how art can harmonize with everyday life.
Plan Your Visit
Kettle’s Yard is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 11am to 5pm, and closed on Mondays. Whether you’re a seasoned art lover or a curious traveler, it’s a peaceful and inspiring stop in the bustle of Cambridge.
So next time you’re wandering near Castle Street, take a turn into Kettle’s Yard—you might just find a little magic behind its modest façade.
Open Hours
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Tuesday - Sunday 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
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Kettle's Yard
The Fitzwilliam Museum is a rewarding stop for any visitor. The grand building alone is worth the visit, with interiors that feel more like a palace than a museum. Inside, the Fitzwilliam serves as the University’s treasure house, holding an extraordinary range of displays, from Ancient Egyptian relics and medieval armour to European ceramics and contemporary art. Free to visit and just a short walk from King’s Parade, the Fitzwilliam offers visitors a warm introduction to some of the University’s most treasured artifacts.
What's on display
The Fitzwilliam’s collection spans both centuries and continents, offering visitors an unexpectedly wide range of treasures. Its galleries include paintings by major Italian masters such as Titian, Veronese, Tintoretto and Canaletto, alongside a strong display of Dutch works and Delft earthenware that reflect the museum’s historical Dutch connections.
Fitzwilliam also bequeathed an outstanding collection of Handel memorabilia, adding a musical dimension to the displays. Among the most curious objects are coins from the reign of Ögedei, son of Genghis Khan, once strung together through their square centers — a feature often linked to the origin of the phrase “strapped for cash.”
In the main entrance hall stands a bust of the radical MP John Tooke, a noted supporter of the American rebels during the War of Independence, alongside a sculpture of Prince Albert added in the 1870s.
Visitors can also explore Ancient Egyptian artifacts, medieval weapons and armour, and an extraordinary coin collection enriched by Professor Grierson of Gonville & Caius, whose donation alone was valued at over £5 million.
Foundation
Founded via bequest by Richard FitzWilliam in 1816, whose family wealth helped fund the museum's creation. Drawing on Dutch-linked fortunes, the Fitzwilliams provided an initial £100,000 to establish and build the museum. It was later strengthened by major philanthropy, including a gift of just under $20,000,000 from an American industrialist.
A portrait of Richard Fitzwilliam hangs in the main entrance hall. In his will, Fitzwilliam stipulated that the painting must never leave the building. Another portrait linked to Fitzwilliam is associated with the phrase “costing an arm and a leg,” as the sitter’s limbs were deliberately hidden behind a gown to reduce the expense of painting the arms.
The building
Museum designs began in 1835, with the original plans drawn up by George Basevi, who died after a fall from scaffolding at Ely Cathedral. His successor in the project also died while in office, delaying progress further. The building was eventually completed by Edward Middleton Barry in 1875.
The Fitzwilliam stands as a Grade I listed building, designed in a grand Baroque style with strong Greco-Roman precedents. Its architecture reflects a significant Italian influence brought back by architects returning from the continent at the time. This can be seen in the front pillars, which deliberately echo the Parthenon in Rome, symbolically linking Cambridge to the classical world.
The Cambridge Night climbers famously used the lions below the pillars as a starting point for the “Lion to Chimney” route. With no college porters on duty, the building was an easy target. Modern security cameras and sensors have since retired the practice.
The Fitzwilliams Role Within The University Today
Beyond protecting Cambridge’s treasures, the museum now plays an active role in strengthening the University’s international relationships through major exhibitions. A notable example was the 2012 exhibition on Han culture, the largest of its kind ever staged outside China. Closer to home, the Fitzwilliam also runs a programme of free public lectures, extending its role as a centre of learning beyond its galleries.
Visiting Information
The Fitzwilliam Museum is a free, must-see stop in central Cambridge, a short walk from King’s Parade and the Mill Pond punting area. Even a brief visit is worthwhile, but allow 1–3 hours to explore properly.
Opening Times:
Monday : Closed
Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Bank holidays: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Tickets:
Free
Address:
Trumpington St, Cambridge CB2 1RB
Contact:
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Fitzwilliam Museum