Introducing The Fitzwilliam Museum…
As the principal museum of the University of Cambridge, the Fitzwilliam Museum’s mission is to contribute to society through the pursuit of education, learning and research at the highest international levels of excellence, by preserving and extending its world‐class collections and buildings by offering public programmes to engage as wide an audience as possible. It houses more than 500,000 objects in almost every medium from antiquities to contemporary art, spanning over 5,000 years of history.
Our Change Creation Plan
As we enter our third century, the Fitzwilliam Museum must forge a new role for itself. Cambridge is changing, from a celebrated university town to being the focus of one of the most dynamic communities in Britain, with all the benefits and challenges that brings. The Museum needs to transform itself to serve this new environment.
The Fitzwilliam Masterplan sets out an ambitious programme of capital works to enable the enhanced presentation of our collections, improved circulation and better facilities which will revitalise the visitor experience. Initially, our proposed project focuses on creating a new inclusive entrance at the heart of the building, improved access and circulation, new gallery spaces, as well as vital conservation and exhibition spaces, and storage. Subsequent development will eventually create more than 50% additional gallery space, new teaching and learning facilities, restoring historic galleries in the Museum, and opening up important spaces for visitors to enjoy.
We know that the Masterplan vision can only become a reality if we understand it as part of wider organisational culture change. We need to engage staff, stakeholders and audiences to embrace change, develop a sense of shared aspirations, and shape a new organisational culture that is outward facing and inclusive.
Miranda Stearn
Miranda leads the Learning Department at the Fitzwilliam Museum, supporting a team delivering a creative, inclusive and impactful learning service and enabling more people to be engaged and excited by the Fitzwilliam and other University of Cambridge Museum collections. She previously worked for Heritage Lottery Fund and London Borough of Richmond Arts Service at Orleans House Gallery.
