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Fitzwilliam Museum
Exploring Cambridge’s Historic Market Square: A Vibrant Heart of the City
Market Square in Cambridge, England, is a historic and dynamic hub that has shaped the city’s identity for centuries. As a place where commerce, culture, and community converge, it offers an authentic experience of Cambridge life—past and present.
A Rich Historical Legacy
Market Square has been a cornerstone of local trade since at least the 10th century. It flourished as a central trading point in the medieval era and was officially recognized as a market site in the 13th century when King Henry III granted Cambridge the right to hold a regular market.
Over the centuries, the square has seen fires, rebuilds, and transformations, including a major reconstruction after a devastating fire in 1849. Despite these changes, it has retained its status as a vital civic and commercial space. The square is surrounded by notable landmarks, including Great St Mary’s Church, the Guildhall, and nearby university colleges, adding to its historic atmosphere.
A Living Market
Today, Market Square is home to a daily outdoor market featuring a wide range of stalls. Vendors sell everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to handmade jewelry, vintage clothing, global cuisine, and eco-friendly goods. The mix of long-standing traders and new entrepreneurs gives the market its distinctive energy.
On weekends, the square becomes especially lively, with additional arts, crafts, and food stalls adding to the vibrant scene. The market is popular among locals and visitors alike, known for promoting sustainability and supporting small, independent businesses.
A Cultural and Social Hub
More than just a shopping destination, Market Square plays an essential role in Cambridge’s public life. It frequently hosts cultural events, live music, seasonal celebrations, and public gatherings. During the holidays, it transforms into a festive space filled with lights, decorations, and community cheer.
Its central position makes it a natural meeting point and a favorite spot for tourists exploring the city’s museums, colleges, and shops. Whether enjoying lunch from a food stall or attending an open-air event, many people find themselves drawn to the square’s atmosphere.
Balancing Heritage and Modern Needs
Efforts continue to ensure Market Square remains both functional and historically respectful. Local authorities have explored plans for updated paving, better seating, and improved amenities, with community input playing a key role in shaping its future. These initiatives aim to enhance the visitor experience while preserving the unique character of the space.
Legacy and Living Spirit
Market Square stands as a living symbol of Cambridge—deeply rooted in history, yet always evolving. Its enduring role as a place of commerce, connection, and celebration reflects the essence of the city itself. Whether you’re picking up local produce, enjoying street performances, or simply passing through, the Market Square offers a true taste of Cambridge life, where centuries of tradition continue to thrive in a modern, multicultural setting.
More attractions
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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Cambridge University Botanic Garden
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Parker's Piece