Kettle's Yard: a Cambridge home arranged around art
A short walk from Quayside, Kettle's Yard is the University of Cambridge's modern and contemporary art gallery, built around a house that is itself the permanent collection.
Why Kettle's Yard is different
Kettle's Yard combines a historic house displaying a permanent collection with galleries used for changing exhibitions. The house is preserved largely as Jim and Helen Ede arranged it, so the way the art sits among the furniture and everyday objects is part of the experience.
Jim and Helen Ede
Jim and Helen Ede lived at Kettle's Yard from 1957 to 1973. Jim opened the home to University students on weekday afternoons in term, using the domestic setting to encourage direct encounters with art. The house was later given to the University of Cambridge, with Jim remaining as honorary curator.
Four cottages become one home
With the architect Rowland de Winton Aldridge, the Edes joined four dilapidated 19th century cottages into a single house. A later extension and gallery, designed by Sir Leslie Martin and David Owers, expanded the site.
The collection
The collection includes paintings, drawings, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, furniture and natural objects. Artists represented in the museum's interpretation materials include Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore, Alfred Wallis, Christopher Wood and Winifred Nicholson.
House and galleries
The house and the galleries are separate experiences. Entry to the house is by timed ticket, booked in advance or bought on the day if any remain. Exhibitions in the galleries are free. Booking is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome, and an exhibition ticket does not include the house.
What a visit is like
Expect small, intimate rooms and a slower pace than a conventional museum. Visitors are asked not to take bags into the house, and storage is limited, so travel light.
Walking from Quayside
Cross Magdalene Bridge and continue up Castle Street. Castle Mound is a little farther on, so the two combine into a compact outing north of the river.
Accessibility
Around three-quarters of the house cannot be reached by wheelchair because of the historic building, though the ground-floor extension has a ramp. The exhibition galleries are fully accessible. See the gallery's access information for details.
Plan your visit
As of October 2026, Kettle's Yard is open Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 5pm and closed on Mondays, including bank holidays. Last entry to the house is at 4.15pm, and house entry is by timed ticket. Exhibitions are free. Ticket categories and prices can change, so check before you set out.
Information checked October 2026. Confirm opening times and tickets on the official Kettle's Yard visitor page.
Frequently asked
It depends on what you visit and who you are. Temporary exhibitions are currently free, while house entry has paid adult admission with free admission for visitors aged 25 and under and some other groups. This can change, so check current tickets.
No. Visitors are asked not to take bags, including handbags, into the house. Storage is limited.
The exhibition galleries are fully accessible. Around three-quarters of the house is not, although the ground-floor extension has a ramp. Check the gallery's access information before you visit.
Plan the rest of your day
Directions, nearby places and ideas for a few hours by the river.