Go behind the scenes at Cambridge with Open Cambridge 2026

From 11–20 September, Open Cambridge returns with more than 70 free events, offering exclusive access to some of the city's most fascinating buildings, collections and hidden spaces. Whether you're interested in history, science, architecture, art or family activities, there's something for everyone. 

Step inside places rarely open to the public 

This year's programme includes guided tours of some of Cambridge's most iconic landmarks, including the University's Senate House, Cambridge University Library, and the Mullard Radio Astronomy Observatory, where visitors can explore world-famous radio telescopes and learn about ground-breaking discoveries in astronomy.  

Visitors can also discover the hidden world of mathematics with a tour of the Centre for Mathematical Sciences, featuring the Betty and Gordon Moore Library, the Isaac Newton Institute for Mathematical Sciences and an underground fluid dynamics laboratory researching climate change.  

Explore remarkable collections 

Libraries and museums across Cambridge will be opening their doors, giving visitors the chance to see treasures that are rarely on public display. 

Highlights include: 

Family-friendly fun 

Families can enjoy a packed programme of free activities designed to inspire curiosity, creativity and discovery across the city. Younger visitors can step into Cambridge’s past at the Museum of Cambridge Family Day, with hands-on activities and opportunities for families to explore local stories and heritage together. Storytelling sessions will bring history and imagination to life, while interactive performances of The Lorax – Reimagined invite audiences to join a playful exploration of nature, sustainability and the world around us. 

Families can also get creative by designing their own quilt square as part of the Cambridge Festival Community Coding Quilt exhibition, where traditional Japanese stitching techniques meet binary code to create a unique community artwork. The exhibition offers visitors the chance to see the finished quilt and contribute to its ongoing story. The Centre for Computing History will also be will be offering free admission on 12–13 September.

Celebrate Cambridge's communities, stories and shared heritage

Open Cambridge 2026 also shines a spotlight on the people and communities that have shaped the city, with a programme of events celebrating local history, creativity, wellbeing and social impact. 

Enjoy a free Abbey and Chesterton Community Heritage Day at the Cambridge Museum of Technology, discover the inspiring work of the Samaritans' Prison Listener scheme at HMP Littlehey, or go behind the scenes with Cambridge United Women as they prepare for the new season at Grange Road. 

Explore exhibitions including Everyday Histories at the Keate Family Arts Trust and CONNECTIONS, showcasing artwork created by Rowan students alongside historic objects from the Museum of Cambridge and All Saints' Church. History enthusiasts can learn about the working lives of women in East Cambridge, while the Festival Theatre and Cambridge Buddhist Centre Open Day offers theatre tours, meditation, yoga, live activities and refreshments as the venue celebrates its centenary. Visitors can also join a range of welcoming events hosted by the Cambridge Quakers, from a traditional roti-making workshop and a talk on prison reformer Elizabeth Fry to an opportunity to experience Quaker worship.

Discover something unexpected 

Open Cambridge is also a chance to try something completely different. 

Take part in free yoga taster sessions at CAMYOGA's first Open Cambridge open day, explore the hidden creative studios of the Cambridge School of Visual & Performing Arts, join a guided walk around the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, or uncover the stories of American servicemen based in Cambridgeshire during the Second World War at the Cambridge American Cemetery.  

History enthusiasts can also hear about the latest discoveries from excavations at Wandlebury Hillfort, while garden lovers can enjoy tours at Trinity College, Churchill College, Robinson College and Wolfson College.  

Book early