This guide features regular and temporary exhibitions in Cambridge colleges and will be updated as new exhibitions and events are announced.
Find more information on the colleges with libraries that are regularly open to the public: Christ's, Corpus Christi, Magdalene, St John's, and Trinity.
You can also find our more about college libraries and archives that are hosting general events and temporary exhibitions and also exhibitions and events for the Festival of Ideas in October.
https://www.christs.cam.ac.uk/visitors
01223 334905
Opening hours 2022:
By prior appointment only.
Free
Disabled access is limited, especially if you use a wheelchair. However, there is a lift available. If possible, please contact us in advance. We normally offer two exhibitions per year. You can receive our library newsletter by contacting library@christs.cam.ac.uk and asking to be added to our mailing list. The newsletter reports on upcoming exhibitions and other library-sponsored events such as occasional talks.
https://www.joh.cam.ac.uk/exhibitions-outreach
01223 339393
Opening hours 2022-2023:
Monday to Friday: 09:00 - 17:00
Free
Exhibitions from the College’s collections are usually displayed in the Library Exhibition Area, located between the Old Library and the Working Library (on entering the Working Library turn left and walk through the reference section and periodicals area).
http://www.corpus.cam.ac.uk/about-us/parker-library/
01223 338025 or 01223 338000
parker-library@corpus.cam.ac.uk
Opening hours 2022-2023:
£10.00
Group private tours for members of the public may be available in some circumstances: please contact the Library for more information.
https://www.trin.cam.ac.uk/about/visiting/
01223 338488
Opening hours 2022:
Closed to the public at present.
Free
The library is situated on the first floor of an historic building. Regrettably, due to the age of the building, there is no lift access to the library.
http://www.magd.cam.ac.uk/pepys
01223 332 115
Opening hours 2022-2023:
4 October 2022 - 17 December 2022
Monday to Saturday: 14:00-16:00
3 January 2023 - 25 March 2023
Monday to Saturday: 14:00-16:00
Free
Groups of 10 or more should arrange a pre-booked tour of the library, for which there is a charge, using the email address provided. Children under the age of 6 years old are not admitted due to the nature of the library room. The library is situated on the first floor of an historic building. Regrettably, due to the age of the building, there is no lift access to the library. The library also runs guided tours on selected Friday mornings with the Pepys Librarian (booking and payment required).
https://www.magd.cam.ac.uk/old-library/public-engagement
01223 332 115
Opening hours 2022:
Closed to the public at present.
Free
There will be a small exhibition on display for visitors on varying themes throughout the year. Individual/small group visits only. Children under the age of 6 years old are not admitted due to the nature of the library room.
For further details about the exhibitions and events listed above, please use the contact details provided for each college. For more general information about the college libraries in Cambridge, see the Cambridge College Libraries guide.
If you are a Cambridge college library or archive and would like to have your event featured in this guide, please contact Catherine Sutherland, Sonya Adams or Rosie Austin.