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Cambridge Museum of Technology

Museum | Cambridge | England | United Kingdom

The Cambridge Museum of Technology is a significant industrial museum in Cambridge dedicated to the history of the city and its industrial development. It is located in a historic Victorian pumping station, originally built in 1894 and operational until 1968. This building now houses a variety of exhibitions illustrating Cambridge's industrial past.

A central piece of the museum's collection is the two operational steam engines by Hathorn Davey, originally used to pump sewage to the nearby treatment plant. These machines are an impressive example of 19th-century engineering and are regularly demonstrated in action.

In addition to the historical machines, the museum also features exhibitions on the forgotten industries of Cambridge, including the Pye Company and the Cambridge Scientific Instrument Company. These exhibitions highlight the region's innovation and entrepreneurial spirit in the 20th century.

The museum places a strong emphasis on interactive and family-friendly displays. There are audiovisual presentations, hands-on exhibits, and activities for children that promote an entertaining understanding of industrial history.

For visitors interested in Cambridge's industrial past, the museum offers a comprehensive and fascinating insight into the city's development and technologies.

Contact details

Web

Phone

Address
Entrance on Riverside. The Old Pumping Station, Cheddars Ln
CB5 8LD Cambridge

Map view

Opening hours

Sunday10:30 - 16:00
Monday--
Tuesday--
Wednesday--
Thursday--
Friday10:30 - 16:00
Saturday10:30 - 16:00

Reviews

275 Reviews

Mike Kerfoot
28.01.2025

This small museum features fascinating exhibits, such as the two Hathorn and Davey steam engines and a display on the history of the PYE company. Some areas could use some attention, but it doesn't take away from the overall experience.
John Jolliffe
08.01.2025

A delightful spot to delve into the worlds of science and engineering.
Ashish Mehar
20.05.2024

It's like a story, starting with the cleaning of the Cam River.
Zs K (Gibmiss)
28.03.2017

The Museum of Technology is a fantastic place for children, offering plenty to learn. I highly recommend this museum!
Simply Walk
08.10.2024

A fantastic place to visit. Look for the large chimney as a landmark.
Geoff Floyd
24.10.2021

It's fascinating to explore the history of technology in Cambridge.
Davide Di Stefano
10.09.2024

A charming small museum.
Mahamadi Kientega
30.08.2024

Inspiring.
Mei (Sam Horman)
18.08.2024

An excellent museum, especially for locals looking to learn about their history. They offer fun and informative tours, talks, and activities for children, along with a nice cafe and friendly staff. Highly recommended.
Wei Chin
11.08.2024

The pizza is consistently great.
Sol Lala
29.07.2024

The museum is open only on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. I visited after a stop at Tesco, just a 5-minute walk away. While only the cafe was open, it offered a lovely view of the river and was quite popular. It seems to also open on weekends, making it a convenient stop for passersby or locals.
Mark
09.07.2024

I love this place.
Lene Hansen
02.07.2024

I love this place. A wonderfully laid-back spot to unwind along the Cam.
Timothy Haire
31.05.2024

Enjoyed a fantastic pint at the engineer's house, operated by Calverley's brewery. Their pizza is also top-notch!
Matt Quemby
27.05.2024

A very interesting museum showcasing the history and development of the site as Cambridge has expanded. There's also a fantastic coffee shop, Kerb Kollective, on-site for refreshments.
Muhammad Ramzan Malik
18.05.2024

Quite historic. Most museums in Cambridge are free, but this one requires a ticket for entry.
Simon Penn
26.03.2024

Loved it - a hidden gem in Cambridge.
Aname Surname
07.03.2024

What a place! The steam-powered pumps are a joy to see in pristine condition. I discovered this gem by following the scent of fresh coffee from the coffee shop in the ticket office. The old Cambs Pye radio exhibition on the plateau behind the pump house was a pleasant surprise. A great way to spend a few hours, with plenty of kid-friendly activities.
James OBrien
04.03.2024

A very interesting place - definitely worth a visit.

 

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