About Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences
Explore an incredible collection of over 1.5 million geological specimens at this fascinating Cambridge museum, where ancient fossils, stunning minerals and rocks tell Earth's amazing story.
What's nearby
- Hilton Cambridge City Centre next door
- Downing Place United Reformed Church next door
- John Lewis & Partners next door
- Grand Arcade next door
- Emmanuel College, University of Cambridge next door
Distances as the crow flies, via Google
Good to know
Parking
- ✓Paid car park
Accessibility
- ✓Accessible entrance
- ✓Accessible toilet
Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs.
Photos
Photos via Google
Opening hours
- Monday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday
- 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sunday
- Closed
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What visitors say
Great little museum with lots of exhibits from 544 million years to 8,000 years ago. There was lots of information about palaeontolgists too. I went with my 13 year old and she really enjoyed it. It wasn't too busy and we were able to move around freely. We went on a Wednesday and during the summer holidays, each Wednesday they have a hands on experience and an scientist/expert that you can speak with. Volcanologist Julian Pahl was there during our visit, but the experience seemed to be aimed at younger children, they all seemed to be enjoying themselves. The staff are very welcoming and helpful. I would recommend a visit. It is free entry.
· via Google
It's free and they don't harass you with donations so do like me and buy something at the store instead, it's one of thouse old school looking museums wich, by the way, i love, it may take you some time if you are really interested in the subject due to the huge amount of specimens and info they have, i was specialy amazed about the Beagle expedition and Burgess Shale sections
· via Google
The Sedgwick Museum is a historic gem, but its charm is inseparable from its limitations. The lighting is indeed often dim, a mix of historic architecture and conservation necessity to protect delicate fossils and minerals. The main gallery, while grand, can feel cramped when more than a few groups are navigating the central dinosaur skeletons and densely packed cases. This isn't a museum designed for crowd flow or Instagram-perfect illumination. It’s a "cabinet of curiosities" frozen in time, prioritizing the preservation and academic study of its world-class collection over modern museology. For a visitor, this means managing expectations: come for the awe of standing beneath an Iguanodon, the glitter of meteorites, and the profound sense of scientific history. Don't come for a sleek, spacious, brightly lit experience. My adjusted advice: Visit on a weekday afternoon for more space. Pair it with the brighter, more contemporary Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology across the street. Appreciate it as a local institution of immense historical value that offers an authentic, if imperfect, window into the past. It’s for the patient and curious, not for those seeking a polished, crowd-friendly spectacle.
· via Google
Free museum recommended if you like fossils. It is pretty big, so be prepared to spend some time there. You can also make a donation or buy something in their gift shops. They also have some activities for kids.
· via Google
Visitors say this museum features an impressive collection of dinosaur skeletons, fossils, rocks, and minerals, including specimens from Charles Darwin's collection. They also highlight the free entry, family-friendly activities, and knowledgeable staff. Others mention the well-organized displays and the quiet, educational atmosphere.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- University Of, Downing Place, Cambridge, CB2 3EQ Get directions
- Category
- Museums & Galleries
- Guest rating
- 4.7 / 5 (1,079 reviews)
- Suitable for
- Ages 0-12
- Setting
- Indoor
- Good for children
- Yes
- Toilets on site
- Yes
- Destination
- Cambridge