Kettle's Yard House & Gallery, Cambridge

Kettle's Yard House & Gallery, Cambridge (must see)

When local art collector James Ede knocked together three workmen's cottages in the 1950s he created one of the most perfect spaces for art in the UK, and possibly the world. His Cambridge home, now a museum/art gallery is his personal collection of stunningly simple but beautiful pieces, carefully curated to produce an experience of art that is rare anywhere but unique certainly in this part of the world.

The gallery was expanded in 1970, with architect Leslie Martin adding a modernist extension behind the cottages. More recently, in 2015, the house and gallery temporarily closed while a major building project to create a four-floor education wing, improved exhibition galleries, a new entrance area and a café was carried out. A series of gentle additions by Jamie Fobert Architects offers greatly improved support services for visitors, including a new courtyard and welcome area and a new shop. The interior of the house has been left untouched. Both the house and gallery reopened in February 2018.

The gallery hosts permanent and visiting exhibitions on modern art, and is seen as the city’s most significant modern art gallery. It houses works by Henry Moore, Christopher Wood and Joan Miro, amongst many others. Admission to permanent exhibitions is free, although there may be a charge for special events at the gallery. Like many buildings of historical or artistic interest in the city, Kettle’s Yard is managed by the University of Cambridge.

Why You Should Visit:
To enjoy some amazing art exhibits/installations not usually seen outside major galleries, as well as many hidden gems throughout.
This is really something quite different to try in Cambridge and once there, you can stay as long as you want (volunteer guides are eager to help).

Tip:
Try to be there when the House first opens, so you get the chance to be one of the first to drift through the rooms, thus enjoying the space with fewer people around.
You can photograph in the house but have to check-in all bags. Tickets are free, but best pre-booked online because it can get busy.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Cambridge. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Kettle's Yard House & Gallery on Map

Sight Name: Kettle's Yard House & Gallery
Sight Location: Cambridge, England (See walking tours in Cambridge)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery

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