Lunar New Year at the Cambridge Museum of Technology | A Celebration in Retrospect

As the old year gives way to the new, we gathered beneath warm lights to welcome the Spring Festival together at the Cambridge Museum of Technology.

In February, Cambridge still carried the chill of winter, yet inside the Museum a quiet sense of renewal was already in the air. For one special day, we brought the spirit of the Lunar New Year into the galleries, creating a meeting point between Chinese tradition and British industrial heritage under one roof.

In the Print Workshop, families experienced traditional British relief printing techniques. Horse motifs and fish patterns — symbols of strength and prosperity — were pressed onto red paper in shimmering gold ink. Between crimson sheets and carved blocks, Chinese New Year imagery found a gentle dialogue with British craft traditions.

Meanwhile, the Pye Gallery was filled with energy and anticipation. Children gathered around the chocolate 3D printer, watching intently as liquid chocolate was gradually layered into shape. Patient and wide-eyed, they followed the process as if witnessing a small act of magic unfold before them.

At the hands-on craft tables, visitors of all ages took part with enthusiasm and creativity. Some practised calligraphy, others mastered the delicate art of paper-cutting, while many explored their own interpretations of festive design. International children eagerly attempted to write the character “福” (good fortune), carefully studying each brushstroke. With the warm guidance of Chinese student volunteers, they completed their own Lunar New Year creations.

Adults joined in with equal dedication. One mother carefully copied the words “I love you” onto a bookmark for her daughter — a quiet gesture of affection expressed through ink and paper. Members of the overseas Chinese community wrote elegant Spring Festival couplets, allowing memories of home to flow gently through their brushwork. A young visitor, dressed in traditional Chinese attire, added another vivid note of cultural expression within the Museum’s historic walls.

Though languages differed, culture brought people closer together. Shared participation dissolved boundaries and fostered connection. Under one roof, diverse faces and voices welcomed the New Year side by side — a living reflection of the spirit that spring belongs to all.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us. This gathering has become a warm footnote to the season’s turning.

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Blog by museum volunteers Lori Zhao and Tracy Chenxi Dong

Work on redevelopment of Engineers House starts on 10 November 2025

Cambridge Museum of Technology is thrilled to announce a major redevelopment of the Engineers House site will start on 10 November 2025 and should be completed in early 2026. During this period there will be some disruption which we hope to minimise.

A temporary toilet block will be sited in the bicycle parking area as the toilet block in the grounds of the Engineers House will not be accessible during this period. There will be no wheelchair access to the Engineer’s House until the redevlopment ends - we are sorry for any inconvenience caused.

Calverleys (bar) and Scotts (pizza) will continue to operate from the inside of the Engineers House until the new development is completed.

KK will continue to operate as normal throughout this period.

Could You Be a Trustee at the Cambridge Museum of Technology?

Cambridge Museum of Technology Invites Residents to Join Its Board of Trustees

The Cambridge Museum of Technology, based at the historic Victorian sewage pumping station on Riverside, is inviting people from Cambridge and the surrounding area to step forward as Trustees and help guide the Museum’s future.

The Museum is a much-loved community resource, hosting family events, school visits, workshops, and steam days alongside its nationally significant collection of working engines and historic machinery. It tells a different side of Cambridge’s story — one rooted in industry, innovation, and the everyday lives of local people.

“We see the Museum not just as a heritage site, but as a vibrant part of the community here in East Cambridge,” said Vincent Mak, Trustee. “We’d love to hear from people who want to get involved in protecting this unique part of our city’s history while helping us develop new ways to welcome and inspire local families, schools, and visitors.”

Trustees play a central role in shaping the Museum’s future, from safeguarding its historic buildings to supporting education and community activities. The Museum is particularly keen to welcome people who live locally (including in CB5) and who can bring a range of experiences and perspectives. Prior experience as a trustee is not required — enthusiasm, ideas, and a commitment to the community are most important.

How to Apply
To find out more, or for an informal chat and a chance to visit the site, please contact vincent.mak@museumoftechnology.com. Applications should include a CV (up to two pages) and a short supporting statement.

The Museum welcomes applications from all backgrounds and is committed to reflecting the diversity of Cambridge.

For more information download the candidate pack here.

New Education Programme

Here at Cambridge Museum of Technology, we have been working hard to expand what we offer to schools and to broaden the age ranges we cater for. We are pleased to launch our new education programme for 2025 with some old favourites, along with some new workshops.

Welcoming all age ranges of children to the museum in 2024/5 was one of our goals and we were delighted to have visits from pre-school age children, primary age children (reception to year 6!) and also those in key stages 3 and 4, through home education groups and visits from language schools.

With a focus on STEM learning, the history of the pumping station and the Pye Group, alongside a more general focus on the local history and geography of Cambridge, we now offer workshops to support learning across the national curriculum.

Our new, full day set of workshops based around rivers will focus on geography, science, ecology and celebrate aspects of our wonderful Pye collection.

Going forward, we hope that 2025/6 will be another busy year for the education team and our dedicated volunteers who are a wonderful asset to our museum and the work we do in education.