Whether you’re just visiting, or Cambridge is your home, this delightful county town of Cambridgeshire has some wonderful sights to enjoy. There’s something for everyone and pretty much all tastes are catered for in one way or another. Lovers of art are certainly in for a treat as there are a host of independent galleries and exhibitions displaying pieces from both local and international artists. Classic masters, impressionists, paintings, sculptures and pottery, Cambridge has them all and more. Here are 6 galleries you really need to visit.
Byard Art
One of Cambridge’s premier galleries that houses work by more than 200 artists. It was first established in 1993, but in Nottingham rather than Cambridge. Located opposite King’s College Chapel, exhibits are laid out over two floors and include sculpture, photography, ceramics, jewellery, original prints, and contemporary paintings.
Fitzwilliam Museum
A striking building located in the heart of Cambridge that’s home to more than half a million incredible pieces of art. It was founded in 1816 when the 7th Viscount Fitzwilliam of Merrion bequeathed his collection of art, music and books to the University of Cambridge. He also funded the building of the museum with a donation of £100,000. The museum has some of the finest collection of paintings, drawings and prints including works by Rubens, Constable, Monet, Picasso, and Breughel. Admission is free.
Kettle’s Yard
This is the University of Cambridge’s modern and contemporary art gallery in Kettle’s Yard House. As well as painting’s by Alfred Wallis, David Jones, Joan Miro, Christopher Wood, Ben and Winifred Nicholson, Kettle’s Yard also includes sculptures, furniture, glass, ceramics and natural objects. It has recently undergone two years of development and reopened in February 2018.
New Hall Art Collection
This is a permanent collection of contemporary art by female artists. There are more than 350 artworks which makes it one of the largest and most significant collections of art by women in Europe.
Cambridge Contemporary Art
Located just a short distance from King’s College, this gallery opened in 1990. Since it first opened its doors it has gained a worthy reputation for showing high quality work and innovative exhibitions. Works are by both local, national and international artists. You can experience the best in ceramics, glass, paintings, prints, sculpture and wood pieces.
Ruskin Gallery
This gallery is actually surrounded by artists’ studios and is located on the Anglia Ruskin University campus. It’s open to the general public and admission is free. Its claim to fame is the world’s first Panasonic 103” 3D Full HD Plasma screen and state-of-the-art Bose audio system. Thanks to this digital technology visitors can experience both traditional hanging and digital viewing.
A good base from which to visit any or all of these galleries would be one of the many luxury apartments, penthouses, and houses available from Signet Apartments. They make a great place to stay whether you’re visiting for just a few days or plan to stay in Cambridge long term.
