The Fitzwilliam Museum and COVID-19

Please note that this news article is over 4 months old. Check with the museum before visiting if this refers to objects on display.

In response to the impact of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and so as to protect the health and wellbeing of our visitors, staff and community, we have made the decision to close the Fitzwilliam Museum and its grounds from today, Tuesday 17 March, until further notice.

While the Museum is closed, our learning and event programmes are cancelled or postponed until the end of April, when we will review the situation. We will however be sharing original stories, activities and films on our social media channels. Please follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. We very much hope our contributions will offer a welcome break from the news, and perhaps even some pleasure and comfort in this very difficult time. And, as ever, we look forward to reading your thoughts and responses.

Our office hours continue as 9am–5pm, Monday – Friday, with staff working remotely to continue our creative planning for the future. If you have bought a ticket to an upcoming event, you will be contacted about a refund.

I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support of our beloved Fitz. We are determined to reopen as soon as we can, safely and responsibly. In the meantime, please look after yourselves and each other. That is what we are all going to try to do. I want to leave you with this painting from our collection - my favourite at the moment - as the first of many beautiful images we will share during our closure.

Luke Syson Director and Marlay Curator

Image: White Cup and Saucer by Fantin-Latour, 1864

A Cambridge University statement said:

In light of the latest Government advice regarding COVID-19, all University of Cambridge museums are closing to the public on 17th March until further notice, to help protect visitors, staff and the wider community.

As the Botanic Garden is open-air, this site remains open to the public for the time being but anyone wishing to visit should first check the website for updates, and continue to follow the Government’s advice.