Construction in Aluminium

Aluminium might not sound like thrilling gallery fodder, but Construction in Aluminium manages to make a decent case for the material. It's a focused exhibition space in Cambridge that takes a deep dive into how this lightweight metal has shaped modern architecture and design - from aircraft frames to the mundane but essential bits that hold buildings together.

What you're actually looking at are objects, prototypes, and architectural elements made from aluminium, displayed in a way that makes the engineering genuinely interesting. It's the sort of place that appeals to architecture enthusiasts, design students, and anyone who finds themselves asking "but how does that actually work?" when walking past a building site. If you're dragging reluctant teenagers around Cambridge, this isn't a crowd-pleaser - expect to spend forty minutes here maximum, and that's if everyone's engaged.

The advantage of staying at one of the caravan sites within spitting distance - Cherry Hinton or the Camping and Caravanning Club Site are both under 2.5 miles away - is that Cambridge's college architecture and museums are your main draw anyway. This gallery works as a complementary half-hour stop if you're genuinely interested in construction and materials. Otherwise, you're probably better off spending that time punting on the Cam or exploring the Fitzwilliam Museum.

Visit on a weekday morning if you can. It'll be quieter, and you won't feel rushed if you actually want to understand what you're looking at.