Annie Davis shares…….
There’s plenty of times that I feel rather lucky to work at the Museum of Cambridge. Whether that’s meeting a new volunteer, opening our latest exhibition, chatting to the resident ghosts after a late-night event, or holding a priceless piece of Cambridgeshire’s history in my (gloved) hands – I never fail to feel that my job is a little special.
One of the things that’s so very unique about working at the Museum of Cambridge is the building; a 400-year-old Grade II listed inn (or coaching inn, depending on who you ask!) steeped in history. One of the oldest examples of a timber-framed building of its type that is still open to the public, the White Horse Inn building has survived centuries of Cambridge’s history. As each decade passed, the building was adapted and more rooms, corridors and staircases added; our visitors now, in 2022, bear witness to literal layers of history. I often say to people that our building is just as much of a museum object as the objects on display!
We mustn’t forget, of course, the aforementioned resident ghosts, who create a truly atmospheric feeling to this very special building (through the gentleman ghost living in the bar, whose wife has recently left him, does tend to put a downer on things).
Now, it would be rather selfish of me if I kept all this loveliness to myself, wouldn’t it? So that’s why we’ve recently launched our Venue Hire offer, so that anyone can borrow the Museum and its function room for your next meeting, lesson, workshop or away day.
Imagine your next work event – not at an impersonal hotel off the A14, but right in the heart of Cambridge’s historic city-centre, where roman road meets River Cam. Or perhaps you’re organising some space for your next class or workshop, or trying to find a unique location for a meeting of your book club? There’s nowhere better than the Museum of Cambridge.
Our function room is fully equipped with all the bits you might need to make your event run smoothly: teas, coffee, crockery, wine glasses, platters, tablecloths and all the whiteboard pens you might ever want. We have a wireless projector which is super easy to use, so you can present from anywhere in the room and even directly from your mobile phone.
Not only will your event be at an oh-so-extra-special location, but your fee will also be contributing some much-needed funds to support your local independent museum. We don’t receive any core funding from a local authority or from the University; the only way we’re able to open our doors everyday is through the generosity of our visitors, donors and those that hire our Museum.
So, for your next event, meeting, workshop or lesson – why not consider booking the Museum? The ghosts will be delighted.