Family Visiting Tips

The Fitzwilliam is a great place to bring children when the Museum is open. Entry is always free (including special exhibitions). You will see paintings, sculptures, drawings, photographs and more. Don’t feel like you need to see the entire Museum in one day. It’s a big place and worth many visits.

Our regular visitors may notice some differences to what is on offer to families. Currently Fitz Kits, activity boxes, story starters, drawing materials and our baby play mat are not available to borrow. We do have free family trails but we suggest bringing your own paper and pencils if you want to draw in the gallery.

Before you begin:

Bring your own drawing materials (pencils and coloured pencils only)
Pick up a map at the entrance desk
Help us keep the artwork safe by not touching or climbing on objects
Always walk, don’t run
Please don’t eat or drink in the galleries.
Children under 14 must always be accompanied by an adult
And remember, security guards protect you and the art; please respect their requests

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.
Search for colours, faces, crowns, or animals; choose a culture to explore (ancient Egypt, medieval knights). Not sure where to start? Pick up a trail or Fitz Kit at the information desk and search for objects by theme.
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.
Come back for more!

Eating

A children's menu is available in the Café. During weekends and most school holidays the schools' lunchroom is available for all visitors, particularly families, to eat packed lunches and leave buggies. Please check at the information desks for availability.

Bags and Pushchairs

There is level access at the Courtyard Entrance for families with pushchairs or those who need disabled access. Buggies are allowed in all galleries, but unfortunately not back-pack style child carriers. Secure facilities for coats and bags are available at museum entrances. Buggies and pushchairs can be left in the school lunchroom during weekends and for most days during school holidays, at the owner's own risk. Please check at the information desks for availability.