Families

The Fitzwilliam is a great place to bring children of all ages. You will see paintings, sculptures, drawings, historical objects and more. Don’t feel like you need to see the entire Museum in one day, it’s a big place! Come along and see what catches your imagination.

Things to do

Staff are available to welcome you at both entrances. We have drawing materials, picture books and sensory resources for babies that you can borrow and use in our galleries.

Ideas for your visit:

• Sketch: Using paper and pencils, sketch what you see in the galleries.
• Imagine: As you look at paintings, imagine the sights, sounds, and smells you would experience if you stepped inside.
• Try striking a pose like the sculptures you see.
• Play a gallery game: for example, ‘I spy', or a memory game together. Look at a work of art for a few minutes. Then, turn around and describe what you saw.
• After your visit, discuss together each person’s favourite object or gallery. Create a work of art together when you get home.
• Enjoy the building – make the most of our large gallery spaces, spectacular staircases and cosy nooks to explore together.

Eating

Our ground-floor Courtyard Kitchen café has a range of meals and snacks for children, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. High chairs are available and there is space for buggies alongside larger tables.

Alternatively, you are welcome to bring your own food to eat in the Schools Lunchroom on the lower ground floor. This room is available during weekends and school holidays, and you can park your buggy in here too.

Please don’t eat or drink in the galleries.

Baby feeding

You are welcome to bottle or breastfeed your baby anywhere in the Museum. Quieter spaces with seating include Gallery 28 on the ground floor & Gallery 7 on the first floor. Breast and bottle feeding is also welcome in the Courtyard Kitchen café where staff will happily provide free tap water.

Baby-changing

Located near both entrances in gender-neutral, accessible toilets. Free sanitary products are also available in the toilets.

Bags and pushchairs

There is level access at the Courtyard. Buggies and slings are allowed in all galleries, but not back-pack style child carriers or large bags. Secure facilities for coats and bags are available at museum entrances.