Explore humanity's stories through our on-site exhibitions, displays, events and more.
Looking to explore the museum from your sofa? We are committed to expanding our offering beyond the museum's walls, so keep an eye out for digital resources, virtual exhibitions and more within these pages, or follow us on social media for much more!
Exhibitions
Beneath Our Feet: Archaeology of the Cambridge Region
Li Ka Shing Gallery
21 June 2023 - 14 April 2024
New archaeological discoveries are made every year. They are not always made by archaeologists, nor in the places you might expect. From people’s back gardens to scientific laboratories, the past is everywhere.
We welcome you to explore the archaeology of the Cambridge region in our new exhibition.
Temporary displays
Contemporary Gweagal spears by Rod Mason
Maudslay Gallery
In dialogue with the new display of Kamay spears now open at the Chau Chak Wing Museum in Sydney, a new display is now open at MAA of three contemporary spears, made by Senior Elder of the Gweagla Clan, Dharawal Nation, Rod Mason.
Permanent displays
Pacific Currents: New Displays from Oceania in the World Anthropology Gallery
Pacific Currents showcases MAA’s exceptional and wide-ranging Oceanic collections, which originate from throughout the Pacific and date from the late 18th century to the present day.
Events and workshops
FRIENDS EVENT: Von Hügel Lecture 2023: Torres Strait collections and “the things we like best to know” (5PM, 11 October 2023)
At Emmanuel College
Notice board made from a piece of European board with remains of white paint and lettering in black pencil or crayon, Mer, Torres Strait, Australia. 19th Century. MAA Z 9982.
This year, we are delighted to welcome Dr Leah Lui-Chivizhe, Senior Lecturer at the University of Technology, Sydney, to deliver the annual Von Hügel lecture.
This event is only available to members of the Friends of the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. To find out more and become a member of the Friends click on the link below.
LECTURE: Revolutions and uprisings across the Caribbean (1PM, 12 October 2023)
At the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
We are delighted to welcome Dr Carol Brown-Leonardi of the Open University to speak about slave rebellions across the Caribbean, which saw enslaved people determinedly battle for their freedom.
LECTURE: Strong female figures across the islands (1PM, 26 October 2023)
At the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
We are delighted to welcome Dr Carol Brown-Leonardi of the Open University to speak about two prominent females in the Caribbean history: Sarah Curry also known as Nanny of the Maroons, and Catherine Flon who are national heroines of their countries.
FRIENDS EVENT: 'Beneath our Feet: Archaeology of the Cambridge Region' (5:30PM, 14 November 2023)
At Emmanuel College
Spiral bracelet with moulded animal head ornament, Snailwell, Cambridgeshire. Late Iron Age/Early Roman. MAA 1953.25.
An in person talk at Emmanuel College on the latest MAA exhibition by its curator Dr Jody Joy, then a drinks reception and chance to see the exhibition at the MAA.
This event is only available to members of the Friends of the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. To find out more and become a member of the Friends click on the link below.
FRIENDS EVENT: The Last Mughal Emperor’s Snakes and Ladders Board (2PM, 28 November 2023)
At the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
Snakes and Ladders game board made of wood inlaid with mother of pearl, South Asia. 19th Century. MAA 1951.995.
An early nineteenth-century game board, probably the best known artefact from South Asia at MAA, has been published and exhibited widely in Cambridge and internationally for decades. But its provenance and back story has never been told. Recent research has brought to light fragments of a story of poetry, faith, empires, colonialism, rebellion, revenge, plunder and exile. This talk by Dr Mark Elliott will bring you around the object to discuss the detective work, guess-work and extrapolation that goes in to tracing the biography of artefacts in the Museum collections. The talk will be followed by refreshments.
This event is only available to members of the Friends of the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. To find out more and become a member of the Friends click on the link below.
Kiribati Dancers Krista Dixon and Chloe Karea at the opening for the exhibition Pacific Currents. 5 July 2018. Photography by Josh Murfitt.
