A Call to Art: William Morris and the Pre-Raphaelites
23 October 2026 – 3 May 2027
Discover the radical vision for the future that lies behind the pioneering decorative designs and romantic storytelling of British designer and activist William Morris and the Pre-Raphaelite artists.
Grappling with many of the issues we still face today, William Morris and his circle – including makers and designers such as Kate Faulkner and his daughter May Morris, and Pre-Raphaelites Edward Burne-Jones, Dante Gabriel Rossetti and Elizabeth Siddal – dared to imagine an alternative, fairer future with art for all.
A Call to Art goes beyond the decorative motifs and medieval love stories, taking us deeper into their collective vision, collaborative action and shared belief in the power of art and beauty to bring about positive social change. Still faced with rampant industrialisation and the ongoing destruction of the natural world, can we too look to the past and reimagine a better future?
Bringing together paintings, drawings, textiles, ceramics and more, including rarely seen examples from our own collection, A Call to Art offers a fresh perspective on one of the world’s most influential thinkers on art, craft and design.
‘A Call to Art’ is generously funded by The Arah Foundation, the Marlay Group, the Albert Dawson Educational Trust, a donation in memory of Arnold Stern, the Tavolozza Foundation, Shawn M Donnelley and Christopher M Kelly, Christian Levett and the FAMM Museum, The Finnis Scott Foundation, the Rothschild Foundation and the Charlotte Bonham-Carter Charitable Trust, alongside our other supporters, including anonymous donors. The accompanying catalogue is supported by Carol Atack and Alex van Someren.
Exhibition Details
23 October 2026 – 3 May 2027
Exhibition entry timeslots are available from 10am – 4pm Tuesday – Saturday and 12– 4pm Sunday. Your chosen entry slot will appear on your e-ticket.
£16 / Free for members
Step-free access is available to all floors. For more information, head to our Visit us page.
Galleries 11, 12 and 13
Join us on the first Sunday of every month and pay what you can for your exhibition tickets. When booking, simply choose an amount you’d like to donate or book for free.
If you’re aged 18–25 or a student of any age, join the Fitz List and enjoy free exhibition tickets and more. Sign up today and use your benefits right away.
Half price tickets are available for National Art Pass (Art Fund) holders.
Free tickets are available for Under 18s, those in receipt of Universal or Pension Credit, Income Support, JSA, ESA or PIP, and the companion of a disabled visitor.
For group bookings of 9 people or more including UK school and university groups, commercial groups or tours, head to the Group Visits section on our Visit Us page for more information.
Printed versions of large print labels are available within the exhibition. You can also access a digital version.
You can access a digital sensory map of the exhibition that details the sensory experiences and environmental conditions in the different gallery spaces
FAQs
A ticket is required to visit our exhibitions.
Although entry to the Museum, our collection and displays remains free, a ticket is required to visit our exhibitions and there is an entry free. Standard adult tickets for ‘A Call to Art' start from £16, concessions are available and members go free. Read more about tickets.
Friends and Marlay Patrons enjoy free unlimited entry to all exhibitions without needing to pre-book. Find out more and join.
Half price tickets are available for National Art Pass (Art Fund) holders. Free tickets are available for Under 18s, those in receipt of Universal or Pension Credit, Income Support, JSA, ESA or PIP, and the companion of a disabled visitor. Read more about tickets.
Free tickets are also available for everyone who is part of Fitz List. Find out more and sign up.
How do I make a group booking?
For groups larger than 9 people, please visit the Group Booking section on our Visit Us page for more information.
How do I book a ticket?
Save time on arrival and pre-book your ticket through our website. Walk-up tickets can be booked at the Museum but are subject to availability.
Will I receive a physical exhibition ticket?
Visitors booking online will receive an e-ticket via email to present on a mobile device or print at home. Visitors booking in person will receive printed tickets.
How far in advance do I need to book tickets?
We recommend booking your tickets in advance online to avoid disappointment. Some exhibition tickets might be available to buy in the Museum on the day of your visit, but we cannot guarantee this.
Can I get tickets on the day?
Walk-up tickets are subject to availability and can be booked at the courtyard entrance (step-free access) or founder’s entrance on arrival. You may need to wait during busy times and book a later time slot.
Are exhibition tickets timed?
Yes – exhibition tickets grant entry within a 30-minute time slot. You will not be able to enter the exhibition before the time on your ticket but are welcome to stay in the exhibition for as long as you like (within Museum hours). We suggest you allow one to two hours to see most exhibitions. Once you leave the exhibition, re-admission is not permitted. Last entry for exhibitions is usually one hour before the Museum closes.
How many tickets can I book at once?
You can book a maximum of 9 tickets in one transaction. For groups larger than 9, please contact our Events team.
Can I change the date of my booked ticket?
If you're no longer able to make the date and time you booked, please contact us by email: tickets@museums.cam.ac.uk
How do I book a school visit?
For school bookings, please contact our learning team: education@fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk
What are the exhibition opening times and when is last admission?
The exhibition is open during normal Museum opening hours. We’re open Tuesday – Saturday, 10am – 5pm. Sundays and Bank Holidays, 12 – 5pm. The last ticketed timeslot is 4pm.
Can I take photographs in the exhibition?
You can take photographs in the exhibition for non-commercial, personal use only. Any artworks or objects which are not permitted to be photographed will be indicated as such by an accompanying notice.
How do I enter the Museum?
You can enter the Museum via the founder’s entrance (step access) or the courtyard entrance (step-free access) where you will be greeted by a member of our welcome team.
Where can I find information about accessibility?
Full details of our accessibility and facilities are provided on the Accessibility section of our Visit Us page. If you have any special access requirements, please contact us directly: enquiries@fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk or 01223 332900
Will you be giving out maps?
General Museum maps are available at both entrances, and a digital Sensory Map of 'A Call to Art' is available on this webpage. The exhibition is located in galleries 11, 12 and 13.
How can I join as a new member?
Visit our Support Us page for details on becoming a member of the Fitzwilliam Museum.
What events are taking place?
We have a range of exhibition-related talks and events taking place at the Museum, you can view our what’s on programme.
I'm a member of the press, where can I find more information about exhibitions?
If you have a media enquiry about exhibitions, or want to request images and footage for use in the press, please contact our press team at press@fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk
I’m a journalist that wants to come and visit the exhibition
If you have a media enquiry about the exhibition, or want to request images and footage for use in the press, please contact our Press team: press@fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk
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