Scott Polar Research Institute Museum & Archives, University of Cambridge
Scott Polar Research Institute Lensfield Road Cambridge CB2 1ER Cambridgeshire England
The Scott Polar Research Institute
Collection details
Archives, Coins and Medals, Costume and Textiles, Film and Media, Land Transport, Maritime, Natural Sciences, Personalities, Photography, Science and Technology, Social History
Open
The Museum is open to the public 11:00am-1:00pm and 2:00-4:00pm Tuesday to Friday and 12:00-4:00pm on Saturday (with the exception of some public and university holidays, and occasional other days, e.g. over Christmas).
The museum welcomes school and other groups of all ages - please book in advance. Please note that the museum is small and we therefore ask that you do not bring groups of over 24.
Closed
The Museum is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Admission charges
Admission free
Description
The Institute was established in 1920 as the national memorial to Captain Robert Falcon Scott and his companions who died on their return journey from the South Pole in 1912. Located in a Grade 2 listed building dating from 1934, the Institute developed as a centre for polar explorers to share information, leading to the deposit of the core collections. The museum still welcomes the donation of polar artifacts and archives. As well as the permanent exhibits, the Museum regularly arranges special exhibitions and shows of modern polar art. A great range of polar-related material, including books, toys and posters, is available from the Museum Shop and may also be ordered online. The Institute has an active Friends organisation and welcomes volunteers.
Collections description
The Museum holds an unrivalled collection of artifacts, paintings, drawings, photographs (including cinematographic film, lantern slides, and Daguerreotypes), and other material relating to polar exploration, history and science.
The museum displays feature items from Scott's last expedition, including farewell letters to friends and family, diaries, the sleeping bag of Captain Oates, and the black flag left by Amundsen. The museum also houses displays on Arctic and Antarctic expeditions, scientific instruments and equipment from the 'heroic age' of exploration, the sledges and skis used by Scott, Shackleton and other explorers, geological specimens, modern exploration equipment and clothing, polar artworks and an example of an Emperor penguin.
Items not on display may be viewed by prior arrangement.
Key artists and exhibits
Captain Robert Falcon Scott
;
Captain Lawrence Oates
;
Roald Amundsen
;
Sir Ernest Shackleton
;
British Graham Land Expedition
;
Northwest Passage
;
Sir John Franklin
;
Sledges and skis
;
Modern exploration equipment and clothing
;
Emperor penguin
;
Arctic
;
Antarctic
;
North Pole
;
South Pole
;
Inuit
;
Scrimshaw
General Information
Pre-booking service for groups
Information point provided
Collections
Object identification and/or written enquiry service
Object study facilities available (enquire in advance)
Public access available to collections information
Disability Access
Induction loops in exhibition spaces
Induction loops in lecture theatres
Large print information and/or interpretation
Wheelchair access to all public areas
Children and Families
Events and resources for children and families
General Education
Academic publications and resources available
Adult lectures and courses held
Education facilities available
Member of staff available with responsibility for education
Teaching/resources available for HE/FE students
Schools Education
Primary school education service available
Secondary school education service available
Facilities
Library
Mail order service available
Object study facilities available (enquire in advance)
Research facilities for academics
Shop
