Why visit the Polar Museum in Cambridge?
The Polar Museum, housed within the Scott Polar Research Institute at the University of Cambridge, is the UK’s only dedicated polar museum and offers an extraordinary collection documenting Arctic and Antarctic exploration. Founded in 1920 as a national memorial to Captain Robert Falcon Scott and his four companions who died returning from the South Pole in 1912, the museum reopened after major renovation in 2010 to widespread acclaim, earning shortlisted status for the Art Fund’s Museum of the Year prize in 2011.
The museum’s strength lies in its unparalleled collection of original artefacts from the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration, including Scott’s last letters — written as he and his team faced death in their tent — and the folding camera he used at the South Pole. You’ll see Captain Lawrence Oates’s reindeer-skin sleeping bag (found by the search party), a sextant used by Captain Frank Worsley during Shackleton’s legendary James Caird boat journey, and an unopened tin of pemmican from Shackleton’s 1907-09 Nimrod expedition. These aren’t replicas — these are the actual objects that travelled to the poles.
Beyond Antarctic history, the museum showcases extensive Inuit art and cultural artefacts including tools, clothing, and kayaks that demonstrate Arctic indigenous craftsmanship and resilience. The collections span 19th-century searches for the Northwest Passage through to contemporary polar research and climate science, creating a comprehensive narrative from exploration to modern environmental challenges.
What to see at the Polar Museum
The permanent exhibition covers polar exploration history, Arctic cultures, and contemporary polar science. Display cases feature equipment, clothing, sledges, navigational instruments, and personal items used by explorers. The “Heroic Age” section includes material from both Scott’s Terra Nova expedition (1910-13) and Shackleton’s Endurance expedition (1914-16).
Arctic cultures receive substantial attention with Inuit sculpture, traditional clothing, hunting equipment, and artworks. The museum holds around 2,500 works of art including watercolours and sketches by Dr Edward Wilson from Scott’s expeditions, oil paintings of explorers including Scott and Shackleton, and modern works inspired by polar regions.
Interactive elements include an adjustable map tracking Antarctic ice changes over time, engaging visitors with climate science. Temporary exhibitions run regularly — check the museum website for current displays.
Audio guides are available at the information desk with separate tours for adults and younger visitors (small charge of £3.50 applies).
Visiting the Polar Museum in Cambridge: practical information
Polar Museum Cambridge opening hours and admission
The Polar Museum in Cambridge is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10.00am to 4.00pm. The museum closes over the Christmas period — the final opening day of 2025 is Saturday 20th December, reopening on Tuesday 6th January 2026. The museum is closed on Sundays, Mondays, and most bank holiday weekends (though it opens on bank holiday Mondays — check ahead).
Admission to the Polar Museum is free, though donations are encouraged to support the museum’s work. Audio guides cost £3.50.
Getting to the Polar Museum Cambridge
The Polar Museum is located at Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1ER, on the ground floor of the Scott Polar Research Institute in south Cambridge.
On foot: The museum is within walking distance of Cambridge city centre (approximately 15 to 20 minutes’ walk from King’s College or Market Square). Follow Lensfield Road south from the centre.
By car: If driving to the Polar Museum, the University recommends using Park and Ride services. On-street parking on Lensfield Road is limited. Blue Badge holders can park immediately outside the museum on Lensfield Road, which is free for Blue Badge holders. Limited on-site parking near the entrance is available for Blue Badge holders by prior arrangement — contact the museum in advance on 01223 336540.
By public transport: Cambridge railway station is approximately 20 minutes’ walk from the Polar Museum. Multiple bus services pass along or near Lensfield Road from the city centre and station.
Polar Museum accessibility and facilities
The Polar Museum is fully accessible by wheelchair. Access is via a ramp at the side entrance to the Research Institute, reached via the car park. Inside the museum, there is plenty of space, smooth floors, and all areas are accessible by wheelchair. A wheelchair is available on loan if needed.
The museum is well-lit with information on exhibits displayed large and clear for visitors with visual impairments. The museum environment is generally quiet and peaceful, though some traffic noise from Lensfield Road occurs during peak times. Assistance dogs are very welcome at the Polar Museum.
The closest Changing Places toilet is located in the Grand Arcade car park. Visitors can locate more Changing Places toilets in Cambridge via online directories.
Buggies are welcome at the Polar Museum but cannot be left unattended. Contact the museum before your visit with any questions about visiting with buggies or specific access requirements.
Facilities at the Polar Museum include a gift shop, toilets, and baby-changing areas.
How long to spend at the Polar Museum
Most visitors spend one to two hours at the Polar Museum. Those with particular interest in polar exploration or who attend talks and engage thoroughly with displays may spend longer — easily a full morning or afternoon.
Events and lectures at the Polar Museum
The Polar Museum runs a regular programme of public lectures from October to December and February to April. Special exhibitions supplement permanent displays throughout the year. Sign up for the museum newsletter via the website to stay updated about Polar Museum events and exhibitions.
Tips for visiting the Polar Museum Cambridge
- Allow at least an hour to properly appreciate the displays — Scott’s last letters particularly deserve time and attention.
- Some visitors report text at the back of display cases can be difficult to read — bring reading glasses if needed.
- The museum is compact but information-rich — don’t rush through.
- Consider combining your Polar Museum visit with other University of Cambridge museums, all within walking distance: Fitzwilliam Museum, Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Museum of Zoology, Whipple Museum of the History of Science, Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, Kettle’s Yard, and University Botanic Garden.
- If visiting with children, ask about the Pack-a-Polar suitcase trail and other family activities.
- Staff are knowledgeable and passionate about polar history — don’t hesitate to ask questions.
- The Polar Museum’s Instagram and social media accounts share fascinating stories from the collections.
- Sculptures are displayed in the Institute grounds — take time to explore outside as well.
- Check the website before visiting to confirm opening times and see current temporary exhibitions.
Nearby attractions to the Polar Museum
The Polar Museum is ideally positioned near Cambridge’s main attractions. The Fitzwilliam Museum (art and antiquities) is a 5-minute walk. Cambridge University Botanic Garden is immediately opposite. The city centre with its famous colleges — King’s College Chapel, Trinity College, St John’s College — is 15 to 20 minutes’ walk. The Backs (gardens along the River Cam) offer pleasant walks, and punting on the River Cam departs from various points. The Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology and Museum of Zoology are nearby. Restaurants, cafés, and pubs throughout Cambridge city centre provide excellent dining options.
