Learn about a range of queer stories and those who challenged gender expectations throughout history, from trans lichenologist Elke Mackenzie, to the deep love expressed by some expedition members for their companions, to artistic expressions of gender over long polar winters, to the surprising connection between Hunter & Palmers biscuits and the taboos around discussing homosexuality in the 20th century.
Important Information
What is an orrery? Why is the clock chiming 13? Why would you collect and display a set of plaster horses’ teeth, some green spectacles and several hundred pocket calculators?
Join us for a tour of the Whipple’s collection in 10 objects, featuring spectacular instruments, fascinating scientific stories, and links to some of Cambridge’s most famous names.
Meet at the reception point in the Main Gallery.
Book your free tickets here!
Can you imagine a cleaner, greener future? This June we’re handing over the Museum to artist-activist Jade Pollard-Crowe and some of Cambridge’s brightest early career researchers for an exploration of the natural world, supported by Cambridge Zero.
With hands-on activities in the Learning Gallery and lightning talks in the Upper Gallery, there’s something for everyone. Work together to create a collaborative climate map, get inspired by our collections, and share your ideas for change.
Drop-in, Learning Gallery & Upper Gallery (All ages)
Ice Age Time Machine
Dr David Waterhouse trained as a palaeontologist and for the past 20 years has been involved in studying the animals that lived during that last Ice Age. He's been the curator of the Polar Museum since 2023 and we're thrilled to be welcoming him for a talk on one of his greatest passions.
From David:
Learn about a range of queer stories and those who challenged gender expectations throughout history, from trans lichenologist Elke Mackenzie, to the deep love expressed by some expedition members for their companions, to artistic expressions of gender over long polar winters, to the surprising connection between Hunter & Palmers biscuits and the taboos around discussing homosexuality in the 20th century.
Important Information
Giant deer, fossil fish teeth, the rocks that built Cambridge... just some of the specimens on display that our staff can't wait to discuss with you. Beware, their enthusiasm is infectious!
Ages 12+, drop into our shop to reserve your free place on the tour.
FREE, drop-in.
The Sedgwick Museum is proud to present its new LGBTQ+ tour as part of the University of Cambridge Museums' Bridging Binaries programme.
It is hard to say for certain that a 19th century scientist was queer just from their memoirs. It is difficult to know whether they were in a romantic relationship with the ‘secretary’ they lived with, or were they just that – a secretary? In the same era, were the two women who lived together for thirty years really just ‘close friends’? Looking for queerness in museum collections can be challenging.
The Sedgwick Museum is proud to present its new LGBTQ+ tour as part of the University of Cambridge Museums' Bridging Binaries programme.
It is hard to say for certain that a 19th century scientist was queer just from their memoirs. It is difficult to know whether they were in a romantic relationship with the ‘secretary’ they lived with, or were they just that – a secretary? In the same era, were the two women who lived together for thirty years really just ‘close friends’? Looking for queerness in museum collections can be challenging.
We'll welcome you with a glass of wine and our friendly instructors will offer you expert guidance to build your confidence and artistic skills. Get inspired by the ancient masterpieces in our Cast Gallery and try your hand at drawing, all while you enjoy after-hours access to the Museum. Whether you’re an experienced artist or just looking to have a fun evening with friends, this is the event for you.
All levels of experience are welcome and materials will be provided.
Imagining Coastlines brings together environmental artist Kaitlin Ferguson and Ilan Kelman, Professor of Disasters and Health at UCL, to explore how art and geology can help us imagine and understand future coastal change.
Through a series of walks along East Anglia’s present and predicted future coastlines, Kaitlin and Ilan have investigated long-term environmental processes, local experiences of change, and the futures that coastal communities may face.
Throughout the evening:
