The Fitzwilliam Museum

In 1823, the University acquired a plot of land from Peterhouse (the oldest College in Cambridge) on which to build the Fitzwilliam Museum. In late 1835, a design in the Neoclassical style by George Basevi (1794–1845), a pupil of Sir John Soane, was selected as the winner in a competition to select the architect to design the new building. Although he did not live to see the building completed, it is generally reckoned to be his masterpiece, and perhaps the fullest realisation of Soane’s ideal of the creation of contemporary public architecture inspired by that of ancient Rome. 

The Fitzwilliam Museum is the lead partner of the spectacular collections of the University of Cambridge Museums (UCM) and Botanic Garden. From antiquity to the present day, the Fitzwilliam houses a world-renowned collection of over half a million beautiful works of art, masterpiece paintings and historical artefacts. Experience award-winning exhibitions, events and a changing display of artworks and objects from throughout history to today. From ancient Egyptian artefacts to modern and contemporary art, the eclectic collection has something for everyone.

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