The Fitzwilliam Museum is a museum located in Cambridge, England. It was founded in 1816 with the bequest of Richard, Viscount Fitzwilliam of Merrion. The museum houses a diverse collection of art and antiquities from ancient Egypt to the present day. It is one of the largest and most important museums in the United Kingdom and has been visited by millions of people from around the world.
History
The Fitzwilliam Museum was founded in 1816 when Richard, Viscount Fitzwilliam of Merrion, bequeathed his collection of art and antiquities to the University of Cambridge. The museum was initially housed in a building in the centre of Cambridge, but soon outgrew its home. In 1848, the museum moved to its current location, a neoclassical building designed by George Basevi.
The museum has grown over the years, and now includes a vast collection of art and antiquities from all over the world. Its collections span ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, the Islamic world, Asia, and Europe. The museum also holds a significant collection of coins and medals, as well as a library of over 300,000 books and manuscripts.
Collections
The Fitzwilliam Museum’s collections span a wide range of art and antiquities. Its collections of ancient Egyptian art are particularly impressive, including a large selection of mummies, funerary objects, and sculptures. The museum also houses a large collection of Greek and Roman art, including marble statues, vases, and coins. The Islamic collection is also noteworthy, with works from the Ottoman Empire, Mughal India, and other parts of the Islamic world.
The museum also holds a large collection of European paintings and sculptures from the 14th century to the present day. Its collections of prints and drawings are also impressive, including works by Dürer, Rembrandt, and Goya. In addition, the museum has a significant collection of coins and medals, as well as a library of over 300,000 books and manuscripts.
Exhibitions
The Fitzwilliam Museum hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions throughout the year. Recent exhibitions have included The Pre-Raphaelites: Victorian Avant-Garde, Picasso and Paper, and The Language of Nature: Botanical Art from the Fitzwilliam Museum. The museum also holds educational workshops and events, as well as a series of talks and lectures.
Visiting the Museum
The Fitzwilliam Museum is open to the public seven days a week, from 10am to 5pm. Admission is free, although donations are welcome. The museum also offers a range of guided tours and educational activities for visitors of all ages.
Accessibility
The museum is fully accessible for wheelchair users, with lifts to all floors and disabled toilets. The museum also offers an audio guide for visitors with visual impairments, as well as a tactile tour for visitors with hearing impairments.
Getting to the Museum
The Fitzwilliam Museum is located in the city centre of Cambridge, close to the University of Cambridge. It is easily accessible by bus, with bus stops located nearby. The nearest train station is Cambridge Station, which is a 15-minute walk away. The museum also has a car park for visitors arriving by car.
Conclusion
The Fitzwilliam Museum is one of the most important and well-known museums in the United Kingdom. Its diverse collections span ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, the Islamic world, Asia, and Europe. The museum also hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions and educational activities, and is open to the public seven days a week. Whether you’re a student of art history or just looking for a fun day out, the Fitzwilliam Museum is well worth a visit.
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