Patrick Ayre
17.01.2025
A very well presented small museum which will be of interest to any student of in the history of polar exploration. Efforts were made to provide material to engage the younger child but all the information accompanying the cased exhibits was far too dense and detailed for the 8 year old and five year old I took. Many museums now have small large-print eye (and interest) catching panels with key engaging facts. It may be said that this museum does not have young children as a target audience, but we brought the 8 year old because she has been studying the Antarctic as a year three topic.
Andres Moya
15.01.2025
Comodo
Sergi Navarro
26.11.2024
I've been thinking about this review for a while, because I was quite undecided.
I will start by saying that the staff there are friendly and helpful.
About the museum, I must say that I felt disappointed. I expected a museum about the Polar life and Arctic circle. Instead I found a museum that glorifies animal abuse and cruelty.
I feel like there are wonderful topics to discuss about the North Pole like fauna, preservation of environment, geology, history... Instead a big part of it focuses on killing animals for profit, displaying them as trophies and even seems to spin a negative narrative towarda change to protect the endangered species.
While it is part of the country's history, I believe we must learn from it and in this day and age we should be better and learn that animals are living beings and not just pelts and luxury items to be sold. One could argue that lots of people made a living out of it and need it, and it's unfortunately a consequence of our economic system, but we should aim to at least have a more sustainable and moral view towards the planet on this day and age.
The expedition part was interesting although a bit brief and focused only on a few people. I left wanting to know more about older times, way of life in the Arctic circle and perhaps things like beliefs, religion etc.
Please use this as constructive criticism, as I recognise the work done and the history behind it, but we just seem to have a different view of the world.
Gabi Frank
16.11.2024
Had a lovely time speaking to the outreach coordinator today! Fabulous small museum.
Caitlin Harper
29.10.2024
Such an informative museum. I particularly loved the attention to showing native peoples of the Arctic and explanations on how the history we know is one sided. It was very sensitively handled and showed great respect to native knowledge and cultures.
Dermot Stuart
27.10.2024
Superb experience researching family history in the library,with great help,in particular from Nicola (Library) & then an awe inspiring Museum visit reliving the ventures of pioneering adventurers.
James Merrigan
26.10.2024
Absolutely fascinating and very informative
Philip Vince
10.06.2019
The James Caird outside say it all. A must visit place for all fans of Messrs Shackleton and Worsley. Excellent.
M B
12.10.2024
Superb. Easily accessible. It's not a big museum by any stretch, but it is filled with well-compiled exhibits with bits of kit from Scott's fateful Terra Nova expedition, which cost his life and those of his four equally courageous and dogged companions (Wilson, Oates, Bowers and Evans). It also includes (under glass) the original, final letters to their families Scott, Bowers and Wilson wrote while they were essentially waiting to die. Very touching indeed. There are also small sections commemorating other polar explorers, and the polar science they gave their lives for.
Free entry, lovely little gift shop. A true polar gem.
Oggy F
05.10.2024
Brilliant
Azza
28.09.2024
I don't recommend anyone goes to a place with 'gender neutral toilets'. This is such a place. Don't let your children out of your sight.
Yee
30.08.2024
Somehow I had been waiting over 20 years to visit this place. Today I visited. It is lovely. Small and intimate. Well documented history. Great exhibits and displays. Well labelled. Free entry.
Karl Lopez
27.08.2024
The museum focuses on Arctic and Antarctic exploration. It’s part of the Scott Polar Research Institute, named after explorer Captain Scott. Though I haven’t been inside, the museum is known for its unique collection of artifacts, maps, and stories about polar expeditions. Fascinating spot for history lovers.
Paul Hayes
17.08.2024
A fascinating look at the lives of the polar explorers, and also the wilderness they discovered. Definitely more suitable adults and older children as there's a lot to read.
JR Suarez
28.07.2024
Small free museum where you can learn a bit more on the Artic and Antartic, their inhabitants and the expeditions to reach them. I found very interesting the sections on Captain Scott and Terra Nova.
Raymond Valiant
27.07.2024
This is an interesting museum that is part of an excellent centre for polar research at Cambridge University. The museum provides information on various human endeavours to reach and learn about the Arctics and Antarctica. It is also free. Artefacts from the British exploration leaders, like John Ross, William Edward Perry, James Clark Ross, John Franklin, George Strong Nares and Robert Falcon Scott are displayed here, with a well-curated collection of the Inuit people and polar animals. One of the highlights of this museum was the tragedy of the Terra Nova expedition, held by the Royal Geography Society, to reach the South Pole (1910–1913). This ill-fated expedition took the lives of five explorers: Robert Falcon Scott, Edward Aldrian Wilson, Henry Robertson Bowers, Lawrence Edward Titus Oates, and Edgar Evans. On 1 November 1911, Scott set out from Hut Point for the South Pole, a distance of 830 miles (1,342 km). On 17 January 1912, Scott, Bowers, Evans, Oates and Wilson reached the Pole, only to find that another Norwegian explorer, Roald Amundsen and his team, had arrived 35 days before them. Encountering unusually bad weather on the return journey, Scott and his party perished. When the news broke of the fate of the polar explorers, a relief fund was set up to settle the expedition's outstanding debts, publish its 23 volumes of scientific reports and provide pensions for the bereaved families. The balance of the fund was used to found the Scott Polar Research Institute in Cambridge.
Amigo Raaza
24.07.2024
The Polar Museum in Cambridge is an extraordinary destination that offers a captivating glimpse into the world's polar regions. Located within the Scott Polar Research Institute, this museum is a treasure trove of historical artifacts, scientific exhibits, and engaging narratives about the Arctic and Antarctic.
The museum's collection is both vast and diverse, featuring a wide array of items that bring the polar explorations to life. From the early expeditions of iconic figures like Captain Scott and Ernest Shackleton to modern scientific research in these extreme environments, the exhibits are meticulously curated to provide a comprehensive understanding of polar history and science. Visitors can marvel at original expedition gear, photographs, maps, and personal letters that convey the harsh realities and triumphs of polar exploration.
One of the museum's standout features is its interactive and educational displays. These exhibits are designed to engage visitors of all ages, making it an ideal destination for families, students, and anyone with a curiosity about the polar regions. Interactive maps, multimedia presentations, and hands-on activities offer an immersive experience that is both informative and entertaining.
The museum also excels in conveying the scientific significance of the polar regions. Exhibits highlight the critical role these areas play in global climate systems, biodiversity, and environmental research. The museum's commitment to educating the public about the impact of climate change on the polar regions is particularly commendable, making it a timely and relevant visit.
Additionally, the museum's atmosphere is enhanced by its thoughtful layout and welcoming environment. The staff and volunteers are knowledgeable and enthusiastic, always ready to share insights and answer questions. The museum shop offers a range of books, souvenirs, and educational materials, allowing visitors to take a piece of the polar experience home with them.
Hugo Rong
20.07.2024
A great free museum with a great exhibition
Stuart Carruthers
20.07.2024
Really interesting museum about the history of polar exploration.
david
21.06.2024
very laid back but interesting objects and info
Yuval Lev
20.06.2024
Nice little free museum! I like how they focus on both Indigenous Arctic cultures and the European ‘explorers’ and the sensational coverage of them. I thought the ‘Hidden Histories’ additions were thought-provoking and well-intentioned. For example, one asked the question, “What items would you use to portray your culture in a museum?” I think they could be even more clear and central - at times they came off a bit vague to me, but a good starting point to build on for the future for sure! I appreciate the museum being free and realize you have to pay people to staff it, but I do wish it was open later than 4 p.m. Overall I would recommend stopping by if you visit Cambridge!
Caitlin O
12.06.2024
Great little gem of a museum!!
Aurélie Bourg
11.05.2024
Great museum, very instructive and they take care with the material they deal with to make sure they take into account not just the explorers but their impact on Native populations (for the Arctic) and talk about Indigenous people with respect. And shows women important to the scientific work too. The "hidden histories" panels are great but that care shows in all the writing and audio guide too. And thanks to the person at the entrance for a great chat on that topic too!
James Taljaard
11.05.2024
Brief visit as it was 15 minutes before closing. Person was really welcoming. Will return with.more time.
Peter Comrie
29.04.2024
Very interesting, some of these explorers were so driven.
Adrian Briggs
26.04.2024
Very interesting little museum, well worth the visit.
Joycelyn Morley
24.04.2024
Thoroughly enjoyed my visit the lady was brilliant with lots of interesting information
Steve The Techy
19.04.2024
Visited to look at the history of the exploration of Antarctica, especially Scott. The entrance foyer has these magnificent paintings above you as you enter.
HollyC
04.04.2024
really good exhibits that told very interesting stories, lovely layout and beautiful decorated ceilings. Free entry so relies on donations and definitely worth a visit while you’re in Cambridge.
