1. HomepageHomepage
  2. Europe
  3. United Kingdom
  4. England
  5. Cambridge
  6. Current: The Polar Museum
  Manage this page
4.42 ratings
  Save museum

The Polar Museum and its collection

The Polar Museum
Source

The Scott Polar Research Institute was founded by Frank Debenham in 1920 as a tribute to Robert Falcon Scott and his companions, who tragically lost their lives on their return journey from the South Pole in 1912. This historical context adds a layer of significance to the institute and its work, which may be of interest to tourists.

The Polar Museum and Staff at SPRI

The Scott Polar Research Institute is home to the Polar Museum and the headquarters of the Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research. The institute employs a staff of 60 people, including academics, librarians, and assistants. This makes it a hub of knowledge and research, which tourists can explore through the museum's exhibits.

Collections at The Polar Museum

The Polar Museum, housed within the Scott Polar Research Institute, displays a wide range of artifacts, artistic objects, documents, and photographs. These items are part of the extensive collections of the SPRI and include material related to the history and science of polar exploration, as well as Arctic arts and cultures. This provides a rich and diverse experience for tourists.

Permanent Exhibits at The Polar Museum

Among the permanent exhibits at the Polar Museum, "The heroic age of Antarctic exploration" is a notable highlight. This exhibit includes the last letters of Robert Scott, documents from the Imperial Transantarctic Expedition led by Ernest Shackleton, and contemporary research of the polar regions. This exhibit offers tourists a unique insight into the history of Antarctic exploration.

Read more…

DEScott Polar Research Institute
ESInstituto Scott de Investigación Polar
FRScott Polar Research Institute

Science & Technology Science & Technology Specialized & Alternative Specialized & Alternative Archaeology Photography Person & Artist

#2 Free museums in Cambridge #3 Science & Technology in Cambridge #1 Archaeology museums in Cambridge #2 Person & artist museums in Cambridge #90 Free museums in England #123 Science & Technology in England #72 Archaeology museums in England #95 Person & artist museums in England #19 Photography museums in England #124 Free museums in United Kingdom #140 Science & Technology in United Kingdom #94 Archaeology museums in United Kingdom #115 Person & artist museums in United Kingdom #23 Photography museums in United Kingdom #80 Photography museums in Europe

#2 Free museums in Cambridge #3 Science & Technology in Cambridge #1 Archaeology museums in Cambridge #2 Person & artist museums in Cambridge #90 Free museums in England #123 Science & Technology in England #72 Archaeology museums in England #95 Person & artist museums in England #19 Photography museums in England #124 Free museums in United Kingdom #140 Science & Technology in United Kingdom #94 Archaeology museums in United Kingdom #115 Person & artist museums in United Kingdom #23 Photography museums in United Kingdom #80 Photography museums in Europe

More…

The Polar Museum
Lensfield Road
Scott Polar Research Institute
CB2 1ER Cambridge

Images of The Polar Museum

Visitor information The Polar Museum

Opening hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday
10:00 – 16:00
Wednesday
10:00 – 16:00
Thursday
10:00 – 16:00
Friday
10:00 – 16:00
Saturday
10:00 – 16:00
Sunday Closed
More opening hours

Admission

0+Free
More ticket prices

Facilities

Wheelchair accessible
Museum shop

Location & Map

Lensfield Road, Cambridge

Discover all museums in Cambridge

Exhibitions

No exhibitions in The Polar Museum have been found.

The Polar Museum Reviews

The Polar Museum has 2 ratings.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    The Polar Museum in Cambridge, England, offers an informative journey through polar exploration history. Visitors appreciate the well-curated exhibits that showcase artifacts from various Arctic and Antarctic expeditions. The museum's strength lies in its detailed displays of equipment, clothing, and personal items used by explorers, providing insight into the challenges of polar travel. Many reviewers highlight the engaging narratives about famous expeditions, including those led by Scott and Shackleton. The museum's compact size is seen as both a positive (easy to navigate) and a negative (limited space for exhibits). Some visitors note that certain areas could benefit from updated presentation techniques. The museum's connection to the Scott Polar Research Institute adds credibility to its exhibits. While not overly flashy, the museum is generally regarded as educational and worthwhile, especially for those interested in polar history and exploration.

    Read more…

  • P
    Pauline • 18 Jun 2025

    My husband and I visited the Scott Polar with a friend and her three small children. It is a fascinating collection anyway, but the young female member of staff who introduced the children to the narwhal horn/tooth did a wonderful job of capturing both their attention and imagination and made this a really memorable outing.

    Visited on 17 Jun 2025

  • Aggregated rating

    This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.

Write a review

Your review helps other people learn about great and less great museums. If you've visited The Polar Museum, you can write your review below! Please pay attention to our content guidelines before you post your review.

Nearby and in or around Cambridge

Discover museums near The Polar Museum in or around Cambridge.

Discover all museums in Cambridge