Upcoming Family Events
It’s musical magic
2 – 5 yrs
Whistler heard music as he drew and looked at pictures. We will too! Together with musicians from the Academy of Ancient Music, we will explore what Whistler’s paintings might sound like, and create our own musical artworks for the instrumentalists to play.
05/03/2019
10:00 to 11:30
£4 per child
Plant journeys
2 – 5 yrs
Join us to explore the fascinating journeys made by plants – on their own and with help from humans – and see how they have inspired artworks in our collection. Then create your own mini garden using plants from around the world. This event is a collaboration with Cambridge University Botanic Garden.
13/03/2019
10:00 to 11:30
Free
Plant journeys
2 – 5 yrs
Join us to explore the fascinating journeys made by plants – on their own and with help from humans – and see how they have inspired artworks in our collection. Then create your own mini garden using plants from around the world. This event is a collaboration with Cambridge University Botanic Garden.
13/03/2019
13:00 to 14:30
Free
Self-guided Activities
We have a range of free activities available from the front desks during museum opening times.
Fitz Kits
For families with children aged 5-12
Take an adventure tour around the gallery with one of our Fitz Kit boxes which contain a selection of interactive games and puzzles.
In partnership with Brookes Cambridge
Gallery trails
For families with children aged 5-12
Choose from a selection of gallery trails to travel to amazing lands and far off places.
The trails are available from the front desks during museum opening times and can be downloaded as PDF documents below. Pick one up from the welcome desk, or print out at home.
From One Life to the Next: A trail in the Egyptian Galleries
Join Anubis, the Ancient Egyptian god of mummification and go on a journey to Africa to explore Ancient Egypt and beyond! This trail looks at Ramesses, mummification and the afterlife.
Picture Adventure: A Journey Through the Paintings Galleries
Go on a voyage to discover paintings across history. Explore Renaissance altarpieces, Dutch still lifes and French Impressionist landscapes.
Thereby Hangs a Tale: A Shakespeare Trail
Join Elizabeth Vernon, a tudor countess to explore the wonderful world of William Shakespeare. See armour, miniatures, ancient sculpture and more.
Nursery Rhymes: A Journey through the Pottery Gallery
Enjoy rhymes that families have been sharing for centuries as you follow the trail through a range of fun ceramic objects. Great for under 5s.
Colour
Use this trail to find colour in the Museum. Colour changes the way we think, feel and understand the art we are looking at.
In partnership with Brookes Cambridge
Story Starters
For families with children aged 2-6
Pick up a satchel containing a picture book & related activities to help little ones explore the galleries.
Drawing materials
All ages
Borrow some of our drawing materials to explore the collection through sketching.
Baby Play Mat
0 – 2 yrs
Collect a play mat full of carefully selected resources that connect with themes and objects in the collection.
Ages are a guide only. You are welcome to choose resources to suit your family. Contact us at education@fitzwilliammuseum.cam.ac.uk to talk about what we can offer.
Family Visiting Tips
The Fitzwilliam is a great place to bring children. Entry is always free (including special exhibitions). You will see paintings, sculptures, drawings, photographs and more. Don’t feel like you need to see the entire Museum in one day. It’s a big place and worth many visits.
Before you begin:
- Pick up a map at the entrance desk
- Help us keep the artwork safe by not touching or climbing on objects
- Always walk, don’t run
- Please don’t eat or drink in the galleries.
- Children under 14 must always be accompanied by an adult
- And remember, security guards protect you and the art; please respect their requests
Ideas for your visit:
- Sketch: Using paper and pencils, sketch what you see in the galleries.
- Imagine: As you look at paintings, imagine the sights, sounds, and smells you would experience if you stepped inside. Try striking a pose like the sculptures you see.
- Search for colours, faces, crowns, or animals; choose a culture to explore (ancient Egypt, medieval knights). Not sure where to start? Pick up a trail or Fitz Kit at the information desk and search for objects by theme.
- Play a gallery game. For example, “I spy”, or a memory game together. Look at a work of art for a few minutes. Then, turn around and describe what you saw.
- After Your Visit Discuss together each person’s favourite object or gallery. Create a work of art together when you get home.
- Come back for more!
Eating: A children's menu is available in the café. During weekends and most school holidays the schools lunchroom is available for families to eat packed lunches. Please check at the information desks for availability.
Bags and Pushchairs: There is level access at the Courtyard Entrance for families with pushchairs or those who need disabled access. Buggies are allowed in all galleries, but unfortunately not back-pack style child carriers. Secure facilities for coats and bags are available at museum entrances. Buggies and pushchairs can be left in the school lunchroom during weekends and for most days during school holidays at the owners own risk. Please check at the information desks for availability.
Nursing: Unfortunately we do not have a dedicated space for breastfeeding. Many families prefer the café.
Baby-changing: Located near both entrances on the lower ground floor, including accessible toilets.
