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United Kingdom Cambridge Cambridgeshire Museum

Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences

About

The Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, part of the University of Cambridge, is the UK’s oldest geology museum and a gateway to 4.5 billion years of Earth’s history. Opened in 1904 in memory of pioneering geologist Adam Sedgwick, it houses around two million specimens, including rocks, minerals, fossils, and meteorites from across the globe. Highlights range from ichthyosaur skeletons collected by Mary Anning to meteorites and rare minerals, alongside displays tracing the evolution of life and the shaping of our planet. The museum’s historic galleries combine Victorian charm with modern interpretation, offering insight into both the science of geology and the stories of the people who advanced it. Free to enter and located on Downing Street, it serves as a vital resource for research, education, and public engagement, inspiring visitors of all ages to explore the dynamic processes that have shaped Earth’s past and continue to influence its future.

Cambridge United Kingdom
Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences
Location

The Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences is located on Downing Street in Cambridge, CB2 3EQ, positioned on the University of Cambridge’s Downing Site. The museum is surrounded by several key university buildings and cultural sites, including the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology and the University of Cambridge Botanic Garden nearby. It is a short walk from Parker’s Piece park and within easy reach of Cambridge city centre’s shops, restaurants, and main transport links, including the central bus station and train station. The Grand Arcade car park is located directly opposite the museum, providing convenient parking for visitors.

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