Museum of Oxford

About the Museum of Oxford

In a city of world-class museums, the Museum of Oxford is the only museum dedicated to telling the story of Oxford and its people.

Museum redevelopment

In 2018, it embarked on a huge transformation project, and the museum was closed for a major refurbishment programme. The Gallery in the Town Hall hosted a Micro-Museum – displaying some of the museum’s best objects alongside a changing community-led exhibition.

The transformation has seen the museum triple in size, and the number of exhibits increased from 286 to around 750.

Alongside the £2.8m capital construction of the new museum and its exhibits, the redevelopment project is also delivering a 3-year programme of exciting activities, including community exhibitions, learning resources for schools, family workshops, and reminiscence projects.

The museum is now open.

The Museum of Oxford tells the often-overlooked story of Oxford, its people, and its communities through exhibits, objects, and oral histories. It aims to be an award-winning museum and events space in the centre of Oxford.

On the ground floor, the museum features two new galleries displaying lots more of Oxford’s collections and state-of-the-art, interactive exhibits.
A new space called Museum Makers encourages school children and communities to handle and create exhibits. It allows for the exploration of self and place, ensuring the museum’s relevance for the future.

The handling and reminiscence collections are on open display for visitors to see and use. A small library within comfortable surroundings allows for research or for families to learn more. Equipment is also available to allow visitors to add their own stories and objects to the collections digitally.

You’ll be able to enjoy all the museum has to offer, exhibitions, events, and collections all in one place, in a dedicated area of Oxford Town Hall. Entry to the Museum is via our new entrance in the foyer of Oxford’s Grade II* Listed Town Hall. This entrance leads into a welcome and retail area where staff and volunteers will greet you.

Updated and refurbished toilets, a new kitchenette, storage spaces, and a new volunteer area will mean that schools, groups, and volunteers using this floor will have the facilities needed to make the Museum of Oxford a user-friendly space.

The Museum of Oxford has received support and funding from the National Heritage Lottery Fund (who kindly contributed £1.9 million towards the project), Oxford City Council, and Arts Council England to help with the redevelopment.

The museum is very grateful to the major donors, trusts and foundations, companies, and individuals who have given significant financial support towards the capital campaign.

Opening hours

The museum is open on Mondays to Saturdays from 10.00am to 5.00pm. It is closed on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

Admission

Admission to the museum is free.

Getting there

The Town Hall is a short walk from Gloucester Green coach station and the Oxford Visitor Information Centre, and 10 minutes’ walk from the train station. Many local buses stop on St Aldate’s. As the Town Hall and Museum are based in the centre of Oxford, there are plenty of bike stands to lock your bike.