Try something different this Museums and Galleries Month

Experience more than 500 million years of Earth history at the Sedgwick Museum and discover astronomical models and early pocket calculators at the Whipple Museum of the History of Science.

Take a look at a 14 metre high totem pole from North-West Canada at the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology and browse Kettle's Yard's inspirational collection of 20th century art.

On top of the permanent displays in the museums a programme of events is going on throughout the month and admission is free, making it easier for everyone to be inspired, entertained, informed and above all surprised:

• Museum of Classical Archaeology

The ‘Casting Light' exhibition, which runs from 3 May-1 June, will display the work of three contemporary UK artists against the already impressive collection of Greek and Roman casts at the museum.

The exhibition will include a selection of classically inspired sculptures by Scottish sculptor Alexander Stoddart, a collection of oil and watercolour paintings by artist Paul Janssens and works of art by Ceramicist Ray Auker.

Paul Janssens will be running a creative workshop for children on Saturday 19 May, using a variety of materials including pen, charcoal and torn paper to make collages inspired by the cast gallery.

Alexander Stoddart will also be explaining the influence of Classical mythology merged with Celtic and British tradition on his work when he talks on the subject of ‘Classical Encounters with the Rustic and the Far-flung' on Saturday 5 May at 11.15am.

The gallery is open from 10-5 every weekday, and 10-1 on Saturdays. For more information about the exhibition, call the Faculty of Classics on 01223 335153.

• Scott Polar Research Institute

On Saturday 19 May there will be Arctic Family Fun Day, which will include a museum trail, regular readings of Inuit folk tales and arctic-themed craft activities such as ‘make your own polar bear.'

The museum is usually open from Tuesday to Saturday 2.30pm - 4pm but on the Fun Day will remain open from 10am-4pm.

• The Fitzwilliam Museum

The Fitzwilliam is running a series of special activities, with particular emphasis on the Welcome Weekend from 4-7 May, when tours, workshops, talks and music in the galleries will be on offer.

During the weekend there will be a chance to ‘meet the antiquities' by taking a close-up look at some favourite objects from the Egyptian, Greek and Roman collections, as well as a prize competition to identify and write a museum label for a 'mystery object' and the chance to get creative with authentic Chinese inks and scrolls.

'A few of our favourite things' will revealed through short talks in front of paintings and objects in the galleries chosen by museum staff and special guests.

Visitors will also be able to add captions to a humorous exhibition of English and French satirical prints from the 18th and 19th century.

There will be plenty going on during the rest of May with gallery talks, promenade concerts, workshops, and performances of Bull's Eye - a play about the life of Theseus, the boy born to be king of ancient Greece - by award-winning 'Indefinite Articles'.

More information about the the Fitzwilliam and other University museums, click on the link above right.