Try a night out with a difference this month as Cambridge University museums’ hugely popular Museums at Night returns, offering a series of exciting after-hours events for adults.
Around the city, once the crowds (and kids) have gone home, Cambridge’s many museums will be keeping their doors open to invite us to explore their awe-inspiring collections after hours. Here’s a preview of what’s coming up…
14 May
POLAR PANEL DISCUSSION
Things get underway on the Thursday at The Polar Museum, with a panel discussion on museums and the environment. The museums of Cambridge hide a history of how we have understood the environment and the problems it now faces. This project has worked with local people to unearth the hidden stories that our museums have to tell. From 6pm to 7.30pm.
15 May
THE IMAGINATION MUSEUM
See artefacts from the hidden nooks of the Fitzwilliam Museum brought to life by three eccentric tour guides. The Imagination Museum has been created in collaboration with writer Anna Selby, with original music by Max Perryment. Admission at 4pm, 5pm, 7pm and 8pm. Go to the museum’s Courtyard Entrance.
NEW RHYTHMS
Explore Kettle’s Yard as the sun sets and enjoy pop-up talks about the collections, plus a tour of the New Rhythms exhibition. Music from the ballet Anka’s Story will be performed by composer Alex Cook in the house. From 5pm to 8pm, the tour begins at 6pm.
ESCAPE THE CRYSTAL ROOM
Do you have an adventurous streak and a logical mind? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be locked in a museum after dark? Adventurers and Crystal Maze fans are invited to enter The Crystal Room at the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences to follow the clues and solve the puzzles as you race against the clock in order to escape. This event follows last year’s success and is £30 per group of 3-8. Book now for a time slot on the hour, every hour between 5pm to 8pm. If you don’t fancy playing, that’s fine: have a drink and wander round the museum at your leisure, which will be open to visitors from 5pm to 8pm.
WHIPPLE DROP-IN
At the Whipple Museum of the History of Science, hear the stories behind the collection’s many fascinating objects over a glass of wine. From 6pm to 8pm.
DRINK AND DRAW
Drop in to the Museum of Classical Archaeology for a glass of wine, then pick up a pencil and sketch among the sculptures with guidance from artist Susie Olczak. No experience necessary, materials will be provided. 6pm to 9pm.
DEDICATED FOLLOWER OF FASHION
Interested in 17th century fashion? Visit the Imagination Museum at the Fitzwilliam (various times) and hear a talk on looking dandy in fashion’s fanciest century at 6.30pm, Gallery 3.
NEW OYSTERS, FRESH OYSTERS!
Hear Caius Consort perform a unique demonstration of 17th and 18th century sung street cries at the Fitzwilliam Museum, 7.30pm, Gallery 3.
Museums at Night, 14-15 May. All events are free unless specified.
