Whipple Museum of the History of Science
Scientific instruments, models and apparatus from the medieval period to today, on Free School Lane.
The Whipple Museum is the University of Cambridge's museum of the history of science. It occupies the former Perse School building on Free School Lane and is run within the History and Philosophy of Science department, which draws on it for teaching and research. It dates from 1944, when its namesake donor handed his scientific instrument collection over to the University. The collection has since been designated as being of national and international importance.
What is on show
Strengths lie in material from the seventeenth to the nineteenth centuries, particularly instruments made by English makers, although the full span runs from medieval times up to the present. Instruments for astronomy, navigation, surveying, drawing and calculation are all well represented, and so are sundials and early electrical equipment. Over the years the museum has also taken in many instruments formerly used in University departments and colleges. Collection highlights include a projecting planetarium and papier-mache plant models.
Practical notes
Opening hours are 13:00 to 17:00 from Monday to Friday and 10:00 to 17:00 on Saturday; the museum is closed on Sundays. The main entrance on Free School Lane involves climbing a flight of stairs. Visitors who need step-free access, and groups of more than ten, use the back entrance reached through the Pembroke Arch. Groups of more than ten must book at least a week ahead. The Sedgwick Museum and the Museum of Zoology are nearby, so the three can be combined in one afternoon.
Nearby
Within a few minutes' walk
