So, it seems, we do love art after dark. But not before, and only rarely. Hundreds of students attended the late opening of the Fitzwilliam Museum, compared to the minority who visit it at any other time.

The free glass of wine helps, but apparently most of us are looking for an excuse to visit the collection of Cambridge’s largest and oldest art museum. Because that was mainly what was on show. Wandering around the maze of permanent galleries could fill the two hours in itself.

Short, and sometimes barely audible, talks helped to fill you in on particular artists, rooms or trends – but really, the works speak for themselves. And lots of them are definitely worth seeing: Millais, Titian and many lesser known artists are all on show, all day every day.

Getting the chance to see a private view of the current exhibition of work by Dutch artists was also a highlight. Having to book timeslots made sure the works weren’t impossible to see if you were less than six foot. It also meant that people planned to attend it, and then did, who might not have otherwise. Most people have heard of Vermeer, but what about Pieter de Hooch or Gerard ter Borch?

Not that I didn’t enjoy the workshop for making cards. Sticking sequins, fabric and bits of photocopied portraits from the museum onto each other was a highlight – really. No-one would leave after its official end, and we were forced out. The three bands which played were also very good, and many of the diverse spaces of the Fitzwilliam Museum are conducive to standing, drinking and talking.

But really, these things were only there to make sure everyone was having fun. And they were. Essentially, museums still exist because people enjoy looking at art, even if those people seem to normally be tourists in Cambridge. It only takes the excuse of an empty Wednesday evening and something free to make anyone go.