Cambridge Museum of Technology moves shop (and don’t miss out on the replicated scent of raw sewage)

The Cambridge Museum of Technology (CMT) has moved its gift shop and ticket office to a new location – in the site’s electric room.

A large interactive model of the pumping station had to be carefully taken apart and reassembled in its new home in the top bay.

Thankfully its reassembly was successful so visitors can still get the multisensory experience – the model has a replicated scent of raw sewage for those brave enough to smell it.

Nick Plaister, a museum trustee, said: “A fantastic effort put in by the volunteers and staff to enable this transformation and in the best tradition of a site that pioneered reuse and recycling in the 19th century all the furnishing used came from the old shop or elsewhere on site.”

The shop’s previous location was considered rather cramped, and the decision was made by the trustees to utilise another area of the museum.

The electric room is where the museum tour begins, and the new space has plenty of natural light and most importantly room to grow.

The museum’s new enterprise manager, Lindsey Bavin, has set her sights expanding the ranges of gift shop items.

She said: “I firmly believe the gift shop is just as much a part of the visitor experience as the displays and exhibitions.

“Over the next few months, we will be introducing new items for sale which celebrate and incorporate the museum’s incredible history. We will also be launching our Christmas shop this winter.”

Hailing from King’s Lynn in Norfolk, Lindsey’s other role is as museum curator at True’s Yard Fisherfolk Museum.

When asked what attracted her to the enterprise manager job, she replied: “It was too good an opportunity to ignore.

“I really love independent museums – they’re the scrappy underdog of the sector but some of the most unique and incredible ideas come from them. I’m delighted to utilise the skills I have gained over my career for Cambridge Museum of Technology.”

Lindsey’s appointment is part of the museum’s Full Steam Ahead Project. The Museum of Technology received a grant of £99,932 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and, made possible by money raised by National Lottery players, this project will allow the museum to increase capacity and reach more audiences.

Two other roles will be created as part of this project: a communities officer will be appointed in August and an education officer is being advertised.

The museum is open to the public every Saturday and Sunday from 10.30am to 4pm, plus additional days during school holidays.

Visit museumoftechnology.com for more.