Cities
United Kingdom Cambridge Cambridgeshire Museum

Museum of Zoology

About

The Museum of Zoology in Cambridge, part of the University’s Department of Zoology, offers a captivating exploration of the animal kingdom, past and present. Housed in the David Attenborough Building, it reopened in 2018 after a major redevelopment that enhanced its galleries and created striking new displays. Visitors are greeted by the dramatic skeleton of a giant fin whale suspended above the entrance, setting the tone for a journey through millions of years of biodiversity. The collection, designated of outstanding historical and international importance, includes specimens from Charles Darwin’s Beagle voyage, rare insects, exotic birds, fossils, and mammals from around the globe. Many items originate from 19th-century expeditions that first documented species in remote regions. Free to enter, the museum combines scientific research with public engagement, offering interactive exhibits, family activities, and insights into conservation. It remains a vibrant space where curiosity meets discovery, celebrating the diversity and complexity of life on Earth.

Cambridge United Kingdom
Museum of Zoology
Location

The Museum of Zoology in Cambridge is located on Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, on the University of Cambridge’s New Museums Site. It is housed in the David Attenborough Building and lies close to other university museums, including the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology and the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences. The museum is within walking distance of the city centre, with local shops, cafes, and the historic Market Square. Nearby transport options include Cambridge railway station about a 20-minute walk away and the main bus station at Drummer Street, just five minutes on foot, while parking is available at the Grand Arcade car park close by.

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