A Guide to Cambridge Art Galleries
During your stay at Gonville Hotel, we’re sure you’ll want to explore all that Cambridge has to offer, including its incredible arts scene. If you’re an art enthusiast, the Cambridge art galleries certainly won’t disappoint - the city’s art scene is steeped in history, with some of its galleries tracing their roots back centuries - making this renowned city a true haven for art lovers. In this guide, we’re giving you an overview of the most notable Cambridge art galleries for you to visit, alongside some useful information to help you along your way.
The Fitzwilliam Museum
Nestled in the heart of Cambridge, the Fitzwilliam Museum is one of the iconic Cambridge art galleries that houses an exceptional collection of art and antiquities. From ancient Egyptian artifacts to Renaissance masterpieces, this museum is a true treasure trove for art enthusiasts. The Fitzwilliam Museum has a diverse collection that includes some World-class pieces from the likes of renowned artists like Titian, Rubens, and Monet.
Plan your trip:
Free Admission: Making the art accessible to everyone, including students and tourists.
Opening Times:
Tuesday 10:00 – 17:00
Wednesday 10:00 – 17:00
Thursday 10:00 – 17:00
Friday 10:00 – 17:00
Saturday 10:00 – 17:00
Sunday 12:00 – 17:00
Kettle's Yard
Kettle's Yard is a hidden gem that has an incredible blend of art, architecture, and nature - leaving something for everyone. Set in a unique home-setting, Kettles Yard stands out against most of the usual Cambridge art galleries, since it is the former home of Jim and Helen Ede. It has since been transformed into a fantastical gallery space, showcasing its remarkable collection of modern and contemporary art. Stepping into Kettle's Yard is a place where art and life intertwine, offering a truly thought-provoking experience.
Plan your trip:
Free entry for many of their visitors, including under 25s and Cambridge University students. Or, from as little as £10.50.
Opening Times:
Tuesday - Sunday 12:00 – 16:00
The Cambridge Contemporary Art Gallery
If you're seeking a dose of cutting-edge contemporary art, the Cambridge Contemporary Art Gallery is the place to be. The gallery is nestled between King's College, Gonville and Caius College, Trinity College and St John's College. This Cambridge art gallery celebrates the talents of local and emerging artists, showcasing a diverse range of styles. From provocative installations to captivating paintings, this gallery is a haven for those who appreciate the avant-garde and the unconventional.
Plan your trip:
Opening times:
Monday - Saturday 9:00 - 5.30pm
Sunday and Bank Holidays 11:00 - 5:00pm
The Heong Gallery
Located within the heart of Downing College, the Heong Gallery is another gem in the list of Cambridge art galleries, with plenty of offerings of modern and contemporary art. This intimate space hosts a rotating selection of exhibitions, featuring works by both established and up-and-coming artists. So, whether you're drawn to bold abstracts or thought-provoking pieces, the Heong Gallery is one of the galleries not to be missed. You can keep up to date with their current and upcoming exhibitions on their website.
Plan your trip:
Usually free admission, though double check for the exhibition you’re planning to visit.
Opening times:
Wednesday - Sunday 12:00 - 5:00pm
The New Hall Art Collection
Also known as The Women's Art Collection, The New Hall Art Collection is a true celebration of female artistic talent. In this remarkable gallery, housed throughout the Murray Edwards College, you’ll find them showcased, dotted between the usual college grounds - bringing the art into the everyday for students and visitors. You’ll find a diverse collection of works by women artists from around the world. From powerful feminist statements to delicate explorations of the human condition, this collection offers a fascinating and empowering perspective on art.
Plan your trip:
Free entry
Open daily - 10:00am–6:00pm
The Ruskin Art Gallery
The final stop on our tour of Cambridge art galleries is The Ruskin. Another contemporary gallery that you’ll find situated right in the middle of Cambridge. Something that sets The Ruskin Art Gallery apart from some of the other galleries we’ve mentioned is that, whilst visiting the exhibition, you may come across some new and upcoming creations being worked on during your visit. The gallery is surrounded by rooms where artists work on their masterpieces - giving you a glimpse behind the curtain. Alongside the works in progress, you will see the gallery’s distinctive modern style as they present the cutting-edge pieces.
Plan your trip:
Free admission for everyone to visit.
Opening times:
Monday - Friday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Complete your Visit with a Stay at Gonville Hotel
Whether you’re visiting Cambridge to explore the arts, or, maybe even to invest in a piece for your own collection, we’re sure that with the offerings of Cambridge art galleries, any art enthusiast would be spoilt for choice. So, after your day of drinking in the creative works, give yourself the luxury of staying at The Gonville Hotel.
With our feature rooms, as well as our dog friendly rooms, we have a place for everyone to rest their head. You can see what availability we have for your trip by booking online. So, with our tour of the Cambridge art galleries complete, all that’s left now is to book your trip.