Venue information

Modern Art Oxford is a contemporary art gallery located in Oxford city centre.

It was established in 1965 and is one of the leading contemporary art spaces in the UK. The gallery is known for its innovative and thought-provoking exhibitions, showcasing the work of emerging and established artists from around the world.

Modern Art Oxford’s programme includes a range of media, including painting, sculpture, photography, film, and performance art. The gallery also offers a range of educational programs, including talks, tours, and workshops, aimed at engaging audiences with contemporary art and fostering creative dialogue.

The programme celebrates the relevance of contemporary visual culture to society today. Our agenda is shaped by a belief in dialogue between contemporary art and ideas, and we seek to create new relationships between artists and audiences at the beginning of the 21st century.

In addition to its exhibition programme, Modern Art Oxford has a permanent collection of over 300 works of contemporary art that includes pieces by artists such as Marina Abramovic, Yoko Ono, and Sol LeWitt.

Modern Art Oxford has played an important role in the development of contemporary art in the UK, and its exhibitions have been instrumental in introducing new artists and movements to audiences both locally and internationally.

The gallery is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in contemporary art, and its exhibitions and events are a highlight of the cultural scene in Oxford.

The gallery is open to all, and all exhibitions and events are free of charge, unless stated. The gallery aims to make contemporary art accessible and engaging to the widest audience through presentation and participation.

Café

Feed your creativity and step inside an immersive artwork to Club Together and share a meal, or a coffee and cake in our new Café designed by Emma Hart. Enjoy an immersive experience with colour, light and shadow alongside delicious food made using local ingredients.

Opening hours

• Closed Monday
• Tuesday 11.00am to 6.00pm
• Wednesday 11.00am to 6.00pm
• Thursday 11.00am to 6.00pm
• Friday 11.00am to 6.00pm
• Saturday 11.00am to 6.00pm
• Sunday 11.00am to 4.00pm

Getting there

By bus:
Oxford town centre is well-served by fast and frequent bus services. The venue is less than 10 minutes’ walk from any bus stop in the town centre. Take a look at the Oxford Bus Company website to plan your journey.

By bike
Oxford has a lot of cyclists. You can plan your cycling route using this interactive map. For general information about cycling in Oxford and the surrounding area, visit the Oxford City Council pages on cycling, or of local cycling advocacy group Cyclox.

By train
Modern Art Oxford is a 15-minute walk (0.6 miles) from Oxford rail station.

By car
Oxford is not a particularly car-friendly city. There are plenty of car parks in Oxford, but the congestion is high and Oxford’s temporary congestion charge for cars is now in effect, we recommend that you use the Park & Ride, or a different method of transport.

For Blue Badge holders, there are a number of Disabled Parking Places on New Inn Hall Street, and the local NCP car park.

The gallery’s main entrance is on Pembroke Street, with level access through the central automatic doors followed by seven steps or a platform lift on the left-hand side. There is also an entrance through the Yard on St Ebbe’s Street with level access up a gradual slope and through automatic doors into the Shop.

Wheelchair access

A wheelchair for visitors with limited mobility can be booked in advance of your visit. Portable folding stools are also available.

Disabled parking

There are three parking spaces for blue badge holders in close proximity to the gallery entrance on St Ebbe’s Street. For more information, visit https://www.oxford.gov.uk/carparks 

Accessible guides

Large print exhibition guides and information for visitors with visual impairments is available from our Shop desk. These guides are also kept in the galleries.

Toilets

An accessible toilet is located in the Basement via the lift. Further toilets can be  accessed down 3 steps adjacent to the Ground Floor Gallery.

Baby changing room

Baby changing facilities are located in the accessible toilet in the Basement.

Guide dogs

Guide dogs, hearing and assistance dogs are welcome.

Lift

The St Ebbe’s Street Entrance is at street level, a platform lift is available at the  Pembroke Street entrance. The passenger lift can access all floors.