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Museums in Oxford

Oxford Museums

Oxford museums offer a wide range of cultural experiences for tourists, all the museums in Oxford have a unique perspective that can be explored and appreciated. Discover a new angle with every Museum in Oxford distinguished from one another. You can explore the treasures and stories from the past at Ashmolean Museum to see the unique pottery and pre-Raphaelite masterpieces from the Ming dynasty. Visit the Museum of History of Science to learn about the history of Penicillin, go to the Pitt Rivers to pick up a tribal tattoo kit or an apron worn by a Siberian shaman, and so on.

You may also visit the Story Museum, dedicated to the kids, and Modern Art Oxford, which features the work of some of the world's most renowned artists. The museums, libraries, and collections at Oxford University are renowned both domestically and overseas. They are beautiful destinations and an excellent resource of historical facts for the University as well as the public.
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Which are the best museums in Oxford?

1. Ashmolean MuseumThe first museum of Oxford Museums in Britain, the Ashmolean, was established in 1683. Presented to the University by Elias Ashmole as a "museum of wonders" in the 17th century, it was opened for the general public in 1683. It is one of the world's best art and archaeology museums in Oxford. From ancient Egyptian mummies to modern works of art, its diverse collections convey experiences worldwide. Historians are amazed by fascinating artifacts such as King Alfred's jewelry and a tiny camel meant to ward off evil that are considered extensive. 

Location:
Beaumont Street, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 2PH
Timing: Opens Everyday from 10am–5pm.
Entry fee: Entry is free.

2. Modern art Oxford: 
Modern Art Oxford is a premier gallery and one of the leading Museums in Oxford devoted to contemporary art and culture in the United Kingdom. The programmes organized in this museum provide a platform for people of various backgrounds to engage in thought-provoking conversations and contribute their own original works. It is a multi-purpose venue in the heart of Oxford that features exhibition halls, a café serving locally sourced seasonal food, a shop selling one-of-a-kind gifts, handmade jewelry by local artists, cards, and more. It also has a creative space where people of all ages can try new techniques, learn new skills, and have fun. This Museums Oxford also hosts exhibitions, events, and activities on the ground floor.

Location:
30 Pembroke Street, Oxford, OX1 1BP, UK
Timing:  
Tuesday to Saturday from 10 A.M to 5 P.M
and from 12 P.M to 5 P.M on Sunday
Entry Fee: Concessionary tickets cost £7.50 for adults and children under 12 are eligible for a free ticket.

3.  Museum of History of Science
Located in the oldest building on the list of museums in Oxford, the Museum of History of Science is a home to an exceptional collection of early scientific instruments. The museum has the world's most extraordinary collection of astrolabes, microscopes and sundials, with items that belonged to famous people like Elizabeth I, Cardinal Wolsey, and Nostradamus. The museum has collections like those chronicling the development of antibiotics and the Marconi archive along with the blackboard and early photographs of Albert Einstein's laboratory are fascinating. The museum places a high priority on facilitating digital access, as evidenced by the fact that its collection database has been accessible online since 1997.

Location:
Broad Street, next to the Sheldonian Theatre.
Timing: Tuesday to Sunday, from 12 to 5 in the evening.
Entry Fee: Entry is free.

4. Oxford University Museum of Natural HistoryThe Museum of Natural History at Oxford University was initially built as the University's center for scientific study; now, the museum's cathedral-like design is just as impressive as its extensive collections. Over seven million historical and modern specimens, including rocks, minerals, fossils, and zoological specimens, are preserved there. In addition, you may see the famed dodo and marvel at a neo-Gothic showpiece decorated with butterflies and beetles in this museum in Oxford, England. This Oxford museum also houses observation hives in the UK, where visitors are allowed to see the bee colony safely through glass walls.

Location: Broad Street, next to the Sheldonian Theatre.
Timing: Tuesday to Sunday, from 12 to 5 in the evening.
Entry Fee: Entry is free.

5. The Story Museum: 
The Story Museum, one of the top Oxford museums with literary links, delves into the origins of everything from hobbits and Egyptians to mad hatters. Begin your journey at the Portal, our information centre for storyworld travellers. Step into an unexplored indoor forest, where each tree holds a hidden secret. Wander between the shelves and find yourself inside a story with the Enchanted Library, learn about the art of comics in the Treasure Chamber, discover picture books, nursery rhymes, and traditional tales in a patchwork country, and feel the delight of narrative and the power of live performance at the Woodshed. Seminars, a humor club, and adult-only evenings featuring fairy tales for mature audiences are the main attractions of this museums oxford.

Location:
42 Pembroke Street, Oxford, OX1 1BP
Entry fee: 
Small worlds - £10
City of stories - £5.50
Story Pass - £40

6. Pitt Rivers Museum
With more than half a million artifacts, the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology is one of the city's must-see Oxford museums. The Pitt Rivers Museum, which is dimly lit and filled to the brim with strange and beautiful exhibits, is reminiscent of a Victorian explorer's dream loot. Japanese masks, Tahitian funeral garb, Inuit parkas, African pottery, Hawaiian feather cloaks, and even a witch caught in a bottle are all stored in the countless drawers and glass display cases.The body art and adornment department is a treasure trove of inspiration. 

Location:
Pitt Rivers Museum, South Parks Rd, Oxford, OX1 3PP
Timing:
Mondays: 12.00 - 17.00
Tuesdays - Sundays (& Bank Holiday Mondays): 10.00 - 17.00
Entry fee: Entry is free

7. Museum of Oxford: 
Museum of Oxford is one of the best museums in Oxford dedicated to the history of Oxford and its people. The goal of the Museum in Oxford is more modest than that of the university-run museums that house priceless antiquities of international value. From Roman pottery to marmalade jars, the Museum of Oxford has an intriguing collection of archaeological and social history artifacts on display. These collections, along with items contributed and loaned to the museum by City of Oxford residents and employees, actually tell the story of Oxford and its people. Events, seminars, exhibitions, workshops, tours, and family activities are also regularly scheduled at the museum. 

Location:
Oxford Town Hall, St Aldate’s, Oxford, OX1 1BX.
Timing: It is open from 10 AM to 5 PM every Monday through Saturday. Sundays are closed. 
Entry fee: Entry is free

8. Weston Library: 
The Weston Library houses the rare books and manuscripts of the Bodleian Libraries. It's a place where people may come to learn, research, and admire art and other exhibits. The library features three reading rooms, several lecture rooms, and other study facilities. It is widely recognized as a hub for academic exchange through digital means and guest lecturers (Center for the Study of the Book).Since it is one of England's three legal deposit libraries, it has a copy of every book in the country since 1662, in addition to many books published before that date. It is the one and only library that showcases the Bodleian's most significant artifacts through thematic exhibitions. 

Location:
Weston Library, Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3BG
Timing: weekdays, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Entry fee: Entry is free

9. Bate Collection of Musical Instruments: 
It has a collection of nearly 2,000 instruments that spans the eras of the Renaissance all the way up to the present day and is housed in the Music Department. It is one of the Oxford Museums that is solely dedicated to music lovers. Many of the musical instruments on display date back to the Middle Ages, but the best part is that they are still in use and can be borrowed by students and scholars today. The museum is home to several precious instruments, including a harpsichord that was supposedly held by Handel and some clever but insane creations, such as a clarinet built out of a plunger. 

Location:
Bate Collection, University of Oxford, St Aldate's, Oxford OX1 1DB
Timing: weekdays between 2 and 5 p.m. and Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. 
Entry fee: Entry is free

10. Oxford Uni Press Museum: 
Oxford Uni Press is one of the underappreciated Oxford museums that has documented the university's role in developing the printing and publishing industries from the 15th century to the present day. The museum features artifacts from OUP's numerous locations in Oxford and elsewhere, as well as printing equipment such as the Fell types from the seventeenth century and a printing machine from the nineteenth century. Access to the most recent OUP online content is also provided, in addition to exhibits of classics like the Oxford University Almanac and Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland.

Location:
The Archive, Oxford University Press, Great Clarendon Street, Oxford, OX2 6DP, United Kingdom
Timing:  
Except for English Bank Holidays, tours are provided Monday through Friday.
After mid-December until the first whole week of January, the museum is closed
Entry fee: Entry is free

Recommended Read: Things To Do In London

Which are the museums in Oxford to visit for free?

The five best museums in Oxford to visit for free are:

1. Pitt Rivers Museum: 
One of Oxford's most visited museums, the Pitt Rivers is renowned for its historical setting and world-class displays of artifacts from civilizations both modern and ancient.
 Located on Parks Road in one of Oxford's largest and most spectacular structures, the museum is stuffed with artifacts from all over the world. There are masks from Mexico and vases from Pakistan, among the many other items on display.

Location:  Pitt Rivers Museum, South Parks Rd, Oxford, OX1 3PP
Timing: 10 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. every day, excluding Monday. 
Entry fee: Entry is free

2. Museum of Natural History: 
The University's scientific collections of geological and zoological specimens are kept in the Museum of Natural History. The Museum building is a Grade 1 listed structure due to its stunning neo-Gothic design.You can accomplish two places at once by visiting this museum and Pitt Rivers, which are located in the same building. The first thing you'll notice when you enter the Museum of Natural History is a massive dinosaur skeleton. If you're interested in other extinct birds, they have the only known tissue remains of a dodo. This free museum in Oxford has a lot of fun things for kids to do and see.

Location: OUMNH, Parks Rd, Oxford OX1 3PW
Timing: Monday – Sunday, 10:00 – 17:00
Entry fee: Entry is free

3. The Ashmolean: 
The Ashmolean Museum is another free attraction not to be missed during your time in Oxford. The museum has been there since 1638 and does a wonderful job of portraying stories from different time periods, including ancient Egypt and Rome. Many displays highlight the experiences and perspectives of women, people of color, and the LGBT+ community. 
From ancient Egyptian mummies to modern works of art, our world-famous collections span nations and eras to tell the story of humankind. 

Location: Beaumont Street, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 2PH
Timing: Opens Everyday from 10am–5pm.
Entry fee: Entry is free.

4. Museum of History of Science: 
This free museum in Oxford is a must-visit for everyone with a passion for science. Even though just one-fifth of the museum's collection is now on exhibit, the Museum of History of Science is home to 20,000 pieces. True fans of science can submit requests to view items of particular interest to them. Discover Islamic instruments from the Middle Ages, the original blackboard used by Albert Einstein, and the earliest cultivation of the antibiotic penicillin, all under one roof. 

Location: Broad Street, next to the Sheldonian Theatre.
Timing: Tuesday to Sunday, from 12 to 5 in the evening.
Entry Fee: Entry is free.

5. Modern Art Oxford: 
The Modern Art Oxford is a world-class contemporary art venue known for its cutting-edge exhibitions and ambitious public programmes. It advocates for the visual arts to make positive social change in all their manifestations. The Museum’s in-person and virtual programming is inspired by our commitment to the importance of a two-way conversation between modern visual art and ideas. Works by contemporary artists from all over the world are on show here. In addition, there's a cafe, a shop, and sometimes even live music.

Location: 30 Pembroke Street, Oxford, OX1 1BP, UK
Timing: Tuesday to Saturday from 10 A.M to 5 P.M and from 12 P.M to 5 P.M on Sunday
Entry Fee: Concessionary tickets cost £7.50 for adults and children under 12 are eligible for a free ticket.

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In London

Which are the best museums in Oxford to go to with Kids?

1. Museum of Natural History: The Oxford University Museum of Natural History is widely regarded as one of the best museums in Oxford for natural history. It is located in a stunning neo-Gothic structure in the same building where the Pitt River Museum is. The museum is sure to be a hit with kids of all ages, thanks to its extensive collection of prehistoric artifacts, including the skeletons of dinosaurs such as Iguanodon and Tyrannosaurus and the fossil of the dodo bird that greets visitors in the main court. It's open and accessible for everyone, and it also features a decent cafe and restrooms.

Location: Broad Street, next to the Sheldonian Theatre
Timing: Tuesday to Sunday, from 12 to 5 in the evening
Entry Fee: Entry is free

2. Pitt Rivers Museum: 
The Pitt Rivers Museum is a beautiful place to go to see some genuinely unusual artifacts that you won't be able to find anywhere else in Oxford. It is an ideal destination for older children. Your history-obsessed children are likely to be wowed by the shrunken heads, interesting masks from all over the world, toys from various countries, and costumes that once belonged to royalty included in this exhibit. However, because the Pitt Rivers Museum follows a more traditional museum style, it is equipped with items and placards to read. Inquisitive kids can have a fantastic experience at this museum.

Location: Pitt Rivers Museum, South Parks Rd, Oxford, OX1 3PP
Timing:
Mondays: 12.00 - 17.00
Tuesdays - Sundays (& Bank Holiday Mondays): 10.00 - 17.00
Entry fee: Entry is free

3. The Story Museum: 
The Story Museum is a place that recognizes the value and significance of reading and storytelling, and it provides a dynamic and engaging environment for children to use their creative faculties and let their imaginations run wild. Ideal for inspiring young explorers, this indoor forest hides mysteries behind every tree. There's a chance to experience the joy of storytelling stories firsthand in the Enchanted Library.  The Film Den is a cozy cinema venue where you can view your favorite stories' great TV and film adaptations. Kids can also experience treasure hunts to have fun.

Location: 42 Pembroke Street, Oxford, OX1 1BP
Entry fee: 
The Galleries: £10
Small Worlds: £5.50
City of Stories: £5.50
Story Pass : £40

4. Museum of History of Science : 
The Museum of the History of Science may seem geared for adults at first glance, with its more traditional museum exhibits and plaques to read, but it's actually a fantastic place to take science-curious kids. The museum has developed various interactive learning aids that guide kids of all ages through the museum by having them follow in the footsteps of their favorite animals or historical figures like Einstein. In addition, events and discussions geared toward children are regularly held, and visitors can even try their hands at using historical, scientific instruments like astrolabes and compasses.

Location: Broad Street, next to the Sheldonian Theatre
Timing: Tuesday to Sunday, from 12 to 5 in the evening
Entry Fee: Entry is free

5. Ashmolean Museum: 
The Ashmolean Museum is a fantastic place for families to visit in Oxford because it is consistently ranked as one of the city's most popular attractions. The museum is also large enough that there is always something new everywhere you turn. There is a dedicated family trail learning resource you can download ahead of time and use to create your personalized tour of the museum. In addition, there are drawing supplies for the children to use so that they may depict what they see, and on the weekends, people can borrow flashlights and magnifying glasses from the center.

Location: Beaumont Street, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 2PH
Timing: Opens Everyday from 10am–5pm.
Entry fee: Entry is free.

Also Checkout: Places To Visit In Oxford

How many museums are there in Oxford?

Oxford is home to seven major museums i.e. Ashmolean Museum, Bate Collection of Musical Instruments, Modern Art Oxford, Museum of the History of Science, Museum of Oxford, Bodleian Library, and Pitt Rivers Museum. Each serves as their independent department of the University. Some excellent galleries and libraries are also on the list with collections of artifacts from the medieval age. The collections' significant highlights include a dinosaur skeleton, fossils of rare species, musical instruments, contemporary art pieces, and magnificent architecture.

Which is the best museum to visit in Oxford?

It is challenging to select the best Museum among such a diverse collection of Oxford Museums; however, the Oxford University Museum may be the best option to visit. In a building that is a spectacular example of neo-Gothic architecture, it houses a collection of natural history specimens and archives that are noteworthy on a global scale. In addition, it is the site of an active programme of research, teaching, and events centered on the natural sciences of the environment. The Museum is open to visitors daily, from 10:00 a.m. until 05:00 p.m., There is no charge for entry.

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What is the best time to visit Oxford?

Oxford has ideal weather for tourists throughout the year since each season has unique activities, sights, and experiences to offer. Tourists flock to Oxford during the warmer months of April to August when the weather is at its best and temperatures average 23 degrees Celsius during the day and a comfortable 12 degrees Celsius at night.

What is special about the Story Museum?

Every year on the first Saturday of July, Oxford The Story Museum hosts Alice's Day to commemorate the first reading of Alice in Wonderland. In addition, the Museum runs outreach programmes in schools in Oxfordshire and beyond, as well as hosting author events, kid-friendly activities, and drop-in activities, all of which contribute to the Museum's goal of providing an engaging experience.

How long should one spend in Modern Art Oxford?

Depending on how long you spend looking at each artwork, you could spend anywhere from thirty minutes to an hour here. There are timed tickets available to control crowd sizes. At the time of booking, you will be given a few different time window options. A visit to the exhibition is valid only for the time period specified on your ticket.

Is Admission to the Ashmolean Museum free?

There is no charge to enter the museum. Although, It is recommended to purchase your free tickets in advance in order to have queue free access.

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