The Fitzwilliam Museum is home to one of the world’s most remarkable university art collections. We care for works of art and material culture primarily from Europe, North Africa and Asia that connect people across cultures and time. Since 1816 we’ve been a place for learning and discovery. Today, we use art, objects, spaces and experiences to inspire curiosity, reflection and creativity—opening up the past to transform our futures working with art, objects, spaces, and experiences to inspire reflection, connection, and creativity.
As an internationally recognised centre for research and conservation, we work with partners across the world to explore how collections can be better understood, cared for and shared.
We are committed to fostering meaningful connections between people and culture. In a region shaped by social and economic contrasts, we create programmes and spaces that encourage reflection, imagination, and shared discovery. Through our work, we seek to broaden perspectives, challenge assumptions, and make room for multiple voices and histories.
Our approach is grounded in the belief that visual culture shapes how we see the world and ourselves. Through exhibitions, learning, and creative engagement, we explore how artistic expression can question norms, reframe narratives, and reveal hidden histories. We aim to be a place where young people find inspiration, and where artists, researchers, and communities come together to exchange ideas and drive change.
We bring this mission to life through dynamic programming, research, conservation, community collaboration, and digital innovation. Our educational work supports learners of all ages, while our digital platforms extend participation beyond the Museum’s walls. Situated within the University of Cambridge, our projects often involve co-creation with communities, contributing to a shared sense of belonging and discovery.
Together, these efforts ensure the Fitzwilliam Museum remains a vibrant cultural resource—locally rooted, globally connected, and dedicated to enriching lives through art and ideas.