An assortment of objects on a table, including ceramic pots, pine cone and shells.

Museum Collections and Major Trauma Rehabilitation

Explore how museum collections and Occupational Therapy have helped people reconnect with identity and purpose after major trauma. What can a shell, fossil, textile or ceramic object contribute to someone’s recovery following major trauma? Over eight weeks in summer 2026, Cambridge University Hospitals’ Occupational Therapy Department and the University of Cambridge Museums explored this question through an Occupational Therapy apprentice… Read full article

An older person holding a shell in one hand and tracing it in the other.

Museum Collections, Occupational Therapy and Stroke Rehabilitation

At the end of last year, we introduced a new student placement in collaboration with Cambridge University Hospitals, exploring how museum objects and artworks can support therapy for stroke rehabilitation patients. The placement was an exciting step forward in our ongoing collaboration with the Occupational Therapists at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, which has developed over the last three years. In… Read full article

Someone holds open a Museum Walk leaflet in front of a turquoise hawk sculpture.

Celebrating 12 years of Portals to the World

Our programme for people with dementia and their companions celebrates its 12th anniversary in 2024. In this blog we reflect on the programme and ask people what motivates them to take part. Established in 2012, Portals to the World is a partnership initiative delivered by the University of Cambridge Museums with local community organisation, Dementia Compass. We provide two sessions… Read full article