Past…

The Museum of Oxford opened in 1975 and immediately intrigued locals and visitors to the city with the story of Oxford and how it has developed. Bringing together a diverse collection, everything from Roman pottery to marmalade jars, the Museum of Oxford wove the story of the city from the prehistoric to the modern day.

In 2011 the Museum of Oxford turned off the lights and embarked on a new project which brought together the Museum’s collection and the heritage of Oxford’s Town Hall. The Museum of Oxford’s Explore Oxford galleries opened in June 2012. They still tell the story of Oxford and its people but in a different way…

…Present…

Explore Oxford presents the city’s past and present in two very different spaces. Exploring the past, visitors can have a look around a Victorian Office and see how the city has developed over the past 3000 years.

Continuing into the second space, visitors can take a virtual high-speed bike ride around the city. You can look and read about a variety of different characters from Oxford’s past and how industry, entertainment, work and invention have shaped the city we see today.

There is even more to the  Museum of Oxford than Explore Oxford though. With a host of changing exhibitions in our Gallery, a variety of events ranging from live music to comedy in The Old Museum, family activities and fun throughout the year and an accessible and extensive community programme. There are also lots of ways to get involved with the Museum of Oxford through volunteering.

…Future

With the support of the Museum’s volunteers and local people, the Museum of Oxford is looking to expand its current permanent gallery offer to be able to tell even more stories about Oxford and show the vast range of objects which tell its history.

The Museum of Oxford team are working hard to raise funds, increase awareness of the Museum and to find enthusiastic people who can support in any way they can.

Keep checking back with us for information on how the Museum of Oxford is progressing with its plans to expand.

The Museum of Oxford has received support and funding by Heritage Lottery Fund, WREN, Oxford City Council and Arts Council England

Opening hours:

Monday to Saturday 10am - 5pm

Admission FREE