The Polar Museum — Attraction in Cambridge

This is a very pleasing and interesting museum situated in the heart of Cambridge. The museum details information about the Polar Regions both Arctic and Antarctic, the people that live there and their cultures, Polar Exploration and the animals and their habitats in a very informative and fascinating way. As you walk into the museum you can read some interesting facts about the Origins of the Arctic and Antarctica how they formed and their geographical features and also in the entrance way you can see some spectacular ceiling maps of Artic and Antarctic regions and these maps are excellently displayed. The museum houses some wonderful Inuit art figures and there are other interesting items to see such as the clothing the Sami (a tribe of the Inuit people) wear, Inuit hunting equipment, Clothing Polar Explorers and the items such as Compasses and Cameras, the Food the Polar Explorers used and Stuffed Emperor Penguins all of which are brilliantly laid out and displayed. There is information about Polar Exploration from the start centuries ago through to the Modern day detailing how they did it and their struggles and the information is very intriguing and informative giving you an idea of the heroic efforts made by the Explorers to make the necessary discoveries they needed and wanted to achieve. There is a very fascinating display about Arctic Cultures and the religions as well more informative and interesting information about their way of life how they hunt and lived etc giving a interesting and great insight into how they live and survive in one of the harshest environments on Earth. There is a small and thought provoking exhibition about climate change in the Polar Regions and how they are affected by Climate Change and the effects of Climate Change from Polar Regions in other areas of the world highlighting the need of why we need to act fast in the fight against Climate Change in the present and future. Visitors can get access to an audio guide giving you a little more information about the exhibitions for a small fee, which is reasonable considering the museum is free entry. There is a small gift shop with a range of great souvenirs at reasonable prices. Overall this is a fabulous and wonderful museum that charters a very beautiful area of the planet and is also very educational for adults and children alike and empowers us to act on the Climate crisis. Definitely well worth a visit whilst...

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...

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...