Language School Visits to The Polar Museum

Exploration into science: Discover the story of planet Earth's coldest, driest, windiest, highest and deadliest places …

The Scott Polar Research Institute holds a unique collection of journals, paintings, photographs, clothing equipment, maps and other materials illustrating polar exploration, history and science. Come and find out how past discoveries in the Arctic and Antarctic help today's scientists to investigate our changing environment.

Opening times: The Polar Museum is open from Tuesday–Saturday: 10:00–16:00. Please check the website as these times alter on Bank Holiday weekends.

Booking information: To check availability and make a booking, please use the online booking form.

The Polar Museum is one of the smaller museums in Cambridge, therefore booking is essential. All bookings must be made at least one week in advance. The museum reserves the right to turn away groups that have not booked. On arrival, please can group leaders identify themselves to the museum reception desk. During the busy summer season from 1 June to 30 September, we ask you to limit your booking requests to a maximum of four sessions only. Please note that a booking form will need to be filled in for every date requested.

Maximum group size: Due to the size of the museum, groups are limited to a maximum of 20 people. To help you enjoy your visit, we only allow one group in the museum at a time.

Resources available: Please see the learning resources page on our website.

Admission charge: Admission is free but donations are always welcomed.

Specific guidelines for visit: Please be aware that the museum will be open to members of the general public. All groups need to be accompanied by a responsible adult. The responsible adult will ensure that the group act in an appropriate manner in the museum so as not to disturb other visitors. We ask that all students are given some orientation and a task by group leaders before they enter the museum. We ask all visitors not to eat, drink or use flash photography in the museum.

Facilities: Language schools usually spend about 30-60 minutes in the museum. There is a small gift shop. To give you some idea of what we sell please check our online store. We do not have a café or facilities for groups to eat lunches. Please be aware that we only have one public toilet.

Access information: We have wheelchair accessibility, an audio-guide (£3.50 each) and large print information available. Please ask at the museum reception desk for assistance.