Step inside the Fitzwilliam Museum. Marvel at its grandeur. This isn’t just a museum it’s a testament to vision. Richard Fitzwilliam the 7th Viscount Fitzwilliam had a dream. He wanted Cambridge to have a world-class museum. His legacy a stunning collection and £100,000 to build it became the Fitzwilliam Museum.
The Fitzwilliam Museum opened in 1848. It wasn’t always here on Trumpington Street. The collection first resided in the Perse School building. Later it moved to the Old Schools. It wasn’t until the current building was completed that it truly found its home. The building itself is a masterpiece. George Basevi designed it in an elegant neo-classical style. William Grinsell Nicholl created the stunning decorative carvings and those iconic lions that guard the entrance.
The Fitzwilliam Museum’s collection is vast. It holds over half a million objects. From ancient Egyptian antiquities to modern masterpieces it spans centuries and cultures. You can find works by Monet Picasso Rubens and Van Gogh. The Egyptian Galleries are particularly popular. They reopened in 2006 after a major renovation. The renovation uncovered more artifacts. It allowed for a more immersive public display. A winged bas-relief from Nimrud is another treasure you’ll want to see. A colossal caryatid from Eleusis known as Saint Demetra stands among the impressive sculptures.
The Fitzwilliam Museum wasn’t without its challenges. In 2006 a visitor accidentally shattered three massive Qing Dynasty vases. Amazingly museum experts were able to restore them. They are now on display protected by glass. In 2012 a gang stole eighteen pieces of Chinese jade. The burglars were caught but the jade was not recovered. These incidents highlight the fragility of these artifacts. They also showcase the museum’s dedication to preserving its treasures.
The Fitzwilliam Museum is more than a collection. It’s a living institution. It continues to grow. It continues to inspire. It is a place where the past speaks to the present. Explore its halls. Lose yourself in its beauty. The Fitzwilliam Museum will leave a lasting impression. It’s a must-see for any visitor to Cambridge. Remember its story. Remember its significance. Remember the Fitzwilliam Museum.