Open Cambridge, a weekend of discovery

Open Cambridge is a weekend of tours, talks and open access in which families, local residents and community groups are encouraged to explore the spectacular architecture, fantastic art collections and beautiful gardens that lie behind University and College walls.

All tours are free and range from taking a scenic stroll through Newnham College gardens, or learning about Jesus College’s sculpture collection, to discovering the history behind one of Cambridge’s most famous landmarks: King’s College Chapel. All of this and much more will be available to see in tours led by people that live and work in the historic buildings.

Also on offer is a series of public talks and debates about the University and town in the past and present. Highlights include demystifying the Cambridge Collegiate system, and exploring how the University and the town existed alongside each other 800 years ago.

A selection of libraries will be open throughout the weekend, showing some exciting collections including medieval manuscripts, early printed books and Winston Churchill’s papers. A community art exhibition will also be taking place at the Cambridge University Press Pitt Building.

For a chance to visit several different Colleges in one day, the Bridge the Gap Charity Walk offers the opportunity to participate in a scenic 4.5 mile route which visits the beautiful grounds of nine Cambridge Colleges and takes people over many of the city’s bridges.

The walk raises money for Arthur Rank Hospice Charity and Press Relief, the News Community Fund. Participants will also have the opportunity to explore the Zoology Museum and speak to the Cambridge Blue and Green Badge Tourist Guides about the history of Cambridge and its Colleges.

Penny Wilson, Head of Community Affairs at the University of Cambridge says: “We are delighted to offer so many tours and talks as part of the 2009 Open Cambridge programme. We want to welcome Cambridge residents to the University and Colleges and in the University’s 800th year, encourage people to share in our local heritage”.

Open Cambridge, which coincides with Heritage Open Days, offers local people the chance to enjoy a unique view of the buildings and grounds of the University and Colleges and an insight into the work that is done there.

The full Open Cambridge 2009 programme will be available from Monday 13th July.

All Open Cambridge tours are free to the public but advance booking is essential. Please note you may only book on to one tour. Booking will open on Monday 13th July at www.cam.ac.uk/opencambridge

For more information please call 01223 766766 or email opencambridge@admin.cam.ac.uk

Priority booking is available for voluntary and community groups. Please telephone to make community group bookings.

The Bridge the Gap Charity walk starts at 9.30 a.m. from Jesus Green, Cambridge. Over 2,000 people will be taking part this year. To make sure you don’t miss out, download an entry from www.bridgethegapwalk.org or call 01223 723115. Tickets are £8 in advance (£14 on the day) and free for children under 16.