Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences

The Museum was built as a memorial to Adam Sedgwick and opened in 1904. The Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences has its origins in the early 18th century, and includes specimens donated by important figures such as Charles Darwin and Mary Anning.

The entire collection of the Sedgwick Museum is a Designated Collection of national importance.

The entire collection of this museum is a Designated Collection of national importance.

With a collection of more than 1.3 million specimens, this museum has grown from the 1728 bequest of the collection of Dr John Woodward. One of the earliest and most complete geological collections and housed in its original 17th century cabinets, this remains a highlight of the museum. The museum now holds highly significant palaeontological, petrological and mineral material, much of it collected under the aegis of Professor Adam Sedgwick, who was elected Woodwardian Chair of Geology in 1808. His own work, and his close links with major scientists and fossil collectors of his time- including Charles Darwin and Mary Anning contributed enormously to the development of the museum.

Collections comprise more than 1.5 million specimens of fossils, rocks and minerals. Displays in the galleries show fossils from Cambridgeshire, dinosaurs, marine reptiles from the Jurassic, and fossils from millions of years of Earth history. A mineral gallery displays colourful specimens from around the world. Specimens not on display in the gallery (for example, rocks collected by Charles Darwin during the Voyage of the Beagle) are available for viewing - please call to arrange.

Collection details

Natural Sciences

Key artists and exhibits

• fossils, dinosaurs, rocks, minerals, Sedgwick's collections, Darwin Collection, Harker Collection, local geology.
• Designated Collection