The Museum of Oxford is inviting visitors to explore the city’s rich and often surprising social history this spring, with a lively programme of tours, talks and family-friendly events running throughout February and March 2026.
Located in the heart of the city, the Museum tells the story of Oxford beyond its world-famous university, using powerful objects, personal stories and community voices to chart how the city and its people have evolved over time. Its collections span centuries of everyday life, political change and cultural diversity.
Among the standout objects on display are a rare death mask linked to Oliver Cromwell, the grave slab of Oxford’s patron saint, St Frideswide, and a tin of Frank Cooper’s Oxford marmalade recovered from Captain Scott’s Antarctic expedition. Together, these artefacts offer a vivid connection between local history and global events.
Visitors can also encounter metal spikes from the Cutteslowe Wall, a stark reminder of Oxford’s historic social divisions, alongside objects that celebrate the city’s multicultural heritage, including a model rickshaw linked to Oxford’s Royal Cars taxi firm.
This spring, the Museum brings these stories to life through an engaging events programme. From guided Stories of Oxford tours and behind-the-scenes access to Oxford Town Hall, to creative half-term activities and hands-on object-handling sessions, the programme is designed to appeal to all ages and interests.
Highlights in February and March include:
February
- Art School…in a Trail! (Half Term Activity) – 14–21 February 2026
A creative, family-friendly activity trail encouraging children to explore the Museum through art and imagination, inspired by Oxford’s stories and collections. - Hidden Voices of WW1 – 16 February 2026
A special session highlighting lesser-known First World War stories, including that of Hardit Singh Malik, Britain’s first Indian fighter pilot. - Mindful MOX: Slow Looking Workshop – 17 February 2026
A reflective workshop focused on mindful observation and discussion of museum objects, offering a wellbeing-centred museum experience. - Opera in a Day! (with Oxford Opera) – 18 February 2026
An immersive creative workshop where participants collaborate to stage a condensed version of HMS Pinafore in a single day. - Galloping into the Year of the Horse! Family Art & Celebration Day – 19 February 2026
A lively family event inspired by the Lunar New Year, featuring creative activities and performances. - Hands-on History! (Family Object Handling Sessions) – Various dates in February
Drop-in sessions where families can handle real objects from the Museum’s collection with support from volunteers.
March
- Stories of Oxford Tour: Artisan Oxford – Arts, Crafts and Creations – 10 March 2026
- Lunchtime Talk: Over the Hills to Glory – The Story of the Ascott Martyrs – 11 March 2026 from 1.00pm to 2.00pm
- Inside the Oxford Town Hall – 21 March 2026 from 12.00pm to 1.00pm
- Stories of Oxford Tour: An Oxford Night Out – 21 March 2026
- Stories of Oxford Tour: A History of Oxford in 6 Objects – 26 March 2026
- Hands-on History! – 31 March 2026 from 11.00am to 3.00pm
With a varied programme of talks, themed tours, workshops and family activities, the Museum of Oxford continues to reveal the many communities, voices and experiences that have shaped the city over time.
For full event details, ticket information and booking, visit museumofoxford.org.
