Get out with the family to discover the wonderful world of Cambridge museums after dark. On 18 February, museums and collections across the city are staying open late (4.30-8.30pm) for an evening of nocturnal fun and adventure. 13 venues will be taking part, offering up a fantastic range of inspired events and activities for all ages.
Take a dip into the depths of the ocean at The Polar Museum’s Deep Sea Darkness event; play Guess Who with the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology and find characters from around the world; journey through the glowing glasshouses at the Botanic Garden and bring a spot of technical know-how to the evening with hands-on fun at the Museum of Technology.
Joining the Twilight team for the first time is the University Library, where you’ll be able to get involved with quizzes, torchlit exploring and even bookmaking. Travelling between the museums is all part of the fun – look out for an interactive light display illuminating the magnificent Fitzwilliam Museum and discover the historic streets of Cambridge after dark in a torchlit tour with the Cambridge Guides.
If all that exploring works up an appetite, seek out Steak and Honour – surely Cambridge’s favourite burger van – which will be popping up to keep grumbling tummies at bay alongside Caffe Mobile, serving hot drinks and cakes. More food and drink options will be available with cafés at the Fitzwilliam, Botanic Garden and Farmland Museum, and the Museum of Cambridge is running a special Twilight Tea Room (for workshop participants only).
A copy of the Twilight What’s On programme can be downloaded online, plus your all-important passport. Use it to collect a stamp at every place you visit along the way.
www.cam.ac.uk/museums/twilight
Don’t miss…
Where: Cambridge University Library
When: 4.30-8.30pm
What: A chance to get up close to the library’s exquisite 500-year-old books by torchlight and make your own mini book.
Where: Museum of Classical Archaeology
When: 4.30-8.30pm
What: A night-time exploration of the museum, where statues are rumoured to come alive after dark! Complete the Twilight Trail and don’t forget your torch.
Where: Museum of Cambridge
When: 4.30-6pm or 6.30-8pm
What: A craft workshop for imaginative kids. Come and make masks, wings and scaly tails and turn yourself into a mythical creature of your own invention.
Where: Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
When: 4.30-8.30pm
What: A guessing game in the dark. Use your torch and match the clues to reveal fearsome warriors or mysterious objects.
Where: Botanic Garden When: 4.30-8.30pm
What: A night-time hunt through the magnificent glasshouse to find the giant pollinator pictures. Prizes to be won!
Where: Denny Abbey
When: 4.30-8.30pm What: An outdoors adventure at the farmland museum, with trails by torchlight and ghost stories.
Where: Fitzwilliam Museum
When: 5.30pm, 6.30pm, 7.30pm
What: An ancient folk tale from China, told by the award-winning Indefinite Articles using paper and shadows. Also a chance to see the spectacular light display in the Fitzwilliam’s portico.
