A fantastic place to take the kids. The suits of armour, for horses and their knights, impres- sive staircase and artefacts from around the world really inspire the imagination. It was founded in 1848.
There are 30 galleries on two main levels. The ancient world is a favourite with my kids. See engraved fantastical animals in the Babylonian, Assyrian and Egyptian collections. It has the sarcophagus lid of Ramesses III from the Valley of the Kings.
It is one of the best museums on the country. Richard, VII Viscount Fitzwilliam of Merrion bequeathed the University of Cambridge his works of art and library in 1816 with funds to house them. There are now 20,000 pieces of decorative arts and sculpture from all over the world.
The marble staircase and grand entrance are very impressive. There is a shop, a good cafe and a lift to the different floors. The colour coded activity packs for kids are free from the entrance desks. They have interactive games and puzzles inside. There are also regular family drawing sessions (usually on the first Saturday of the month).
Trumpington St Cambridge CB2 1RB
Tel: 01223 332900 www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk
