Ever wondered what treasures hide behind the gilded gates of our city’s most impressive buildings? Find out this month when museums, mosques and more open their doors
Locals with an inquisitive streak will get the opportunity to discover hitherto unexplored nooks, crannies and corners of Cambridge this month as part of the annual Open Cambridge event. For one weekend only, the gates and gardens of the University will be thrown open to admit everyone, offering a chance to glimpse behind the scenes at one of the world’s oldest seats of learning. Open Cambridge comprises more than 80 free talks, walks, events and exhibitions covering a range of subjects, encompassing both the University and the city.
The rich history of the city will be brought to life through a series of walks, tours and displays, introducing visitors to some of the people and places that have made Cambridge the powerhouse it is today. Visitors will be able to learn about Cambridge’s contribution to the world of espionage, journey through the city’s religious history, uncover the architectural significance of Cambridge’s buildings and discover intimate aspects of the Bloomsbury Group. You’ll also be able to find out about the role of American servicemen in Cambridge during the Second World War, see inside a Cold War bunker and take a tour of the student theatre, the ADC, home to the famous Footlights.
Mill Road – a thriving, multicultural area of the city – has a fascinating past, which will be explored at an event at Ditchburn Place, a former workhouse and Mill Road’s oldest surviving building. Go back to medieval times with Dr Rosemary Horrox’s talk, A cuckoo in the nest?, discussing the origins of the tensions between town and gown. Rowing is such a huge part of both University and city life in Cambridge, so don’t miss The history of rowing in Cambridge by Chris Dalley.
Cambridge is a city of contrasts; medieval spires intermingle with fresh, new architecture; tradition, legacy and heritage complement the cutting-edge research and technological advances that the city is internationally renowned for. Though synonymous with science and technology, the city also has its fair share of art and a range of arty events will showcase examples of artistic expression in Cambridge.
This year, Wolfson College celebrates its 50th anniversary and launches a world-class exhibition, This is where ideas come from, in celebration. It highlights the artistic process of one of the most important British sculptors of the 21st century, Turner Prize winner Richard Deacon. Stay with the sculpture theme and take a guided tour through Jesus College’s sculpture collection.
Cambridge’s colleges are a constant attraction for visitors, and many are regularly open to the public (for a small fee). However, during Open Cambridge there will be a series of extra special events, opening up normally unseen areas. Highlights include the opening of the famous Great Court and Chapel of Trinity College, which has taught princes, spies, poets and prime ministers since 1546. Sidney Sussex College will also offer a tour of its courts and gardens, including an opportunity to view the fine plaster ceiling in the historic hall and the splendid neo-Baroque chapel where Oliver Cromwell’s head is thought to be buried.
Oliver Cromwell is the star of another event, Warts and all, at Great St Mary’s. This event brings the Lord Protector gloriously and uproariously to life. Visitors will learn more about the revolution that divided the country in the 1640s and Cromwell’s role in one of the most troubled periods of British history.
Coordinator Sue Long says: “For residents and visitors alike, there is a particular magic about Cambridge that is sometimes impossible to describe. The Open Cambridge weekend is a fantastic opportunity for the community and visitors to enjoy this magic; the ancient colleges, the picturesque Backs leading to the tranquillity of the river and the exquisite architecture all combine to create an extraordinary city we are very proud of.
“Alongside the events taking place throughout the city, such as the open day at the Abu Bakr Mosque and a backstage tour of the ADC, there is a range of fantastic events at the various libraries and museums,” she continues. “These include the treasures of the Queens’ College Old Library and St John’s College Library, the remarkable collections at the world-famous Pepys Library and Wren Library, as well as the Cabinet of Curiosities at the Museum of Cambridge. There’s just so much to see and do at this year’s Open Cambridge, people will be spoilt for choice.”
Open Cambridge, 11-13 September
