Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge
Historical, Museum, Public, Urban
2023/24
The Fitzwilliam Museum is almost as well known as the centuries old city that it sits within. Founded in 1816 and built in several phases from 1837, it houses one of the most revered collections of antiquities and modern art in western Europe. Yet, as with any historic building, there comes a time when it has to move with the times and embrace modern technology to ensure the building can continue to operate effectively and sustainably, and provide suitable spaces for its thousands of visitors and precious items for decades to come.
That time had come for the Fitzwilliam: The Grade I listed building recently underwent a significant restoration project, and a major focus of this endeavour was the museum’s iconic glass dome rooflights, a captivating feature that has graced the Cambridge skyline for over two centuries.
The Vision
The much-admired ceilings of galleries I, II, IV & V are made up of six small glass domes and two large ones, and outside of the artwork they preside over, are much photographed by the thousands of people who visit the most popular free attraction in the east of England. Cantifix were tasked with the supply and installation of the eight glass dome structures, but it was far from a straightforward job.
Preserving the original structure and glass was paramount to the project. Yet the museum also sought to modernise the glazing with technology that would ensure that the priceless artwork below remained protected. This delicate balancing act posed a unique challenge for the glazing team at Cantifix.
The Challenge
One of the primary obstacles was accessibility. The framework of the domes is made up of an intricate bronze and brass lattice, located on the interior and severely limiting access to the exterior. This required careful planning and innovative techniques to ensure the restoration could be completed without compromising the historical integrity of the structure, including the creation of a stainless steel structure to attach to the brass for the 6mm low iron toughened glass to then be bonded to.
The Glass
The glass itself presented another challenge. The six domes consist of 128 double-curved panels, each made up of 96 unique curved shapes. These panels were meticulously handcrafted by experts in Germany, requiring precise measurements and skilled craftsmanship.
To protect the artwork from harmful light rays, a high-performance SunX film was applied to the glass. This film controlled the type and density of light waves entering the galleries, creating an optimal environment for preserving the collection.
The Results
In addition to the glazing and solar control measures, the restoration team modernised the steel frameworks supporting the domes. Powder-coated ‘micro’ steel frameworks were installed, providing enhanced structural support while also maintaining the original aesthetic of the space – of paramount importance as the domes sit in some of the most visited galleries in the entire museum. This was also a consideration for the materials used. All structural silicone and weather sealants used were colour coordinated so as to disappear into the surroundings.
There were considerations for the future of the glass too: to facilitate any maintenance and repairs needed further down the line, removable panels were incorporated into the design. These panels allow for access to the original domes without compromising the overall integrity of the glazing.
The restoration project at the Fitzwilliam Museum is a testament to the successful integration of modern technology into an historic building. By preserving the original structure and glass while incorporating innovative glazing solutions, the museum has ensured the longevity of its iconic domes and the protection of its invaluable collection for generations to come.
We worked on this project with:
Cowper Griffifth Architects
Brown and Ralph Limited
Finiglas
George Sharman Photography
