Local Guides World
Top Museums in Oxford, United Kingdom
Top Rated Museums in Oxford
Top Reviewed Museums in Oxford
Oxford University Museum of Natural History
Museum of Oxford
The Story Museum
Ashmolean Museum
Oxford University Museum of Natural History
Ashmolean Museum
Pitt Rivers Museum
Oscar Nemon Studio Museum and Archive
Reviews
Top notch medium sized museum with an impressive collection of antiquities, and eastern and European art. It’s housed in two connected buildings, the historical one and a new modern extension. Don’t miss this museum most famous holding, the “Arundel Marbles”. Also, do check Turner’s famous depiction of Oxford’s “View of the High Street” and the Map of Oxfordshire of the renowned Sheldon Tapestries series.
Such an amazing collection there. Beautifuly laid out. exhibits well documented and explained . And AMAZED its free. However, donations are optional to help keep this wonderful museum going . So don't be stingy if you go .ITS SO WORTH IT 👍
Amazing museum, well laid out with wonderful rooms full of art.
There was a lady today showing off different coins from across history. It was wonderful to be able to hold coins dating back to antiquity and discuss them.
Lifts available for those who can't manage stairs.
Lockers are also available for a small fee.
Would recommend.
There was a lady today showing off different coins from across history. It was wonderful to be able to hold coins dating back to antiquity and discuss them.
Lifts available for those who can't manage stairs.
Lockers are also available for a small fee.
Would recommend.
Fascinating place. Lots of history & artefacts as you'd expect! Cafe has a nice selection of cakes, sandwiches & drinks reasonably priced too. Although a free museum a small donation is definitely to be considered!
A great visit if you’re in Oxford. It is free of charge to enter as well! They have spacious lockers, clean toilets, and a shop as well. Museum consists of multiple levels and mainly focuses on the history of the civilization. They have artifacts from around the world. Give yourself at least a couple of hours to visit this place. If you’re very keen, there’s enough things to spend your whole day in it!
Free to enter. It’s kinda half museum and half art gallery. Lots to see across 5 floors and a cafe and gift shop too. Some interesting local finds as well as the usual Egyptian, Ancient Greek and Roman swag. Good way to spend an hour with the kids. You have to carry rucksacks in your hand, not on your back, presumably so you don’t swing round and knock over the priceless ming vase!
Nice small gallery with human evolution there are exhibits form various cultures and countries and happy it had srilankan exhibits too . Egypt , japaneese and Polynesian exhibits are the most attractive things there had a nice time with the family
Amazing experience. So much to see you could use up a whole day in there. A donation is recommended just because of how much there is to see for free
The Ashmolean Museum is an incredible collection of artefacts from all around the world and different periods of history, as well as featuring some world-class art.
It really cannot be overstated, how comprehensive the collection is. It is like a combination of the British Museum, Victoria and Albert Museums in Oxford.
And apart from the rotating exhibitions it is free to entry. We only spent an hour in the museum, but you could easily spend an entire day and then come back and see some more.
There is also a roof terrace with bar and cafe that is lovely in the summer.
A real gem and worth a visit if you are in Oxford.
It really cannot be overstated, how comprehensive the collection is. It is like a combination of the British Museum, Victoria and Albert Museums in Oxford.
And apart from the rotating exhibitions it is free to entry. We only spent an hour in the museum, but you could easily spend an entire day and then come back and see some more.
There is also a roof terrace with bar and cafe that is lovely in the summer.
A real gem and worth a visit if you are in Oxford.
It was a nice place to visit, you will need at least 3 hrs to explore there. Its free entry and if you are a naturalist, this place is definitely for you. We enjoyed our visit and we admired the natural preserves there
WoW! What an incredible venue to take a class of children. The staff were exceptional and tailored everything to our needs, going above and beyond with prompt communication and ease of access to alternative provisions should we have required it. The museum was clean, facilities like toilets and lunch area were immaculate too. Belongings were secured to enable children to walk around freely without having to carry coats and lunches. The gentleman conducting the Rocks Session was simply incredible - so engaging and knowledgeable, my class had a blast! I could not fault this experience today! We really appreciate your support and service provided. I can't wait to take my own little family to experience this.
Utterly amazed by the presentation and vast number of specimens out for the public to see. You can wander between huge, bulky skeletons of wilderbeast and rhinos and then look up at the dinosaur skeletons and down at Pliosaurs. They also have rocks and crystals to show and touch. Wonderful insect and arachnid displays upstairs which take you through the different orders. You can stop to have a cup of tea and a snack while gazing at the bird specimens in a large case. There is also a fun gift shop full of unique natural history inspired gifts.
Fascinating for human history lovers and includes an especially rich collection of weaponry from katanas, guns, knives and swords. A lot on ancient boats, instruments, clothing and toys that you could spend hours in there on one part of the museum.
Amazing place! The kids enjoyed it, we spent 4 hours learning from every display, and wasn't enough to see everything. The collection is rich and well-maintained. Everything has its tag explaining what is it and what place it came from.
The Natural History Museum in Oxford is a captivating destination that takes visitors on a mesmerizing journey through the wonders of the natural world. With its stunning architecture, extensive collection of specimens, and educational exhibits, it is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts, families, and anyone curious about the history of life on Earth. Also the entry is free!
There are a few museums in which the building itself is another piece of art, and this is one of them. A huge hallowed hall surrounded by statues of the titans of scientific history.
On my first trip around the museum, I only took in the architecture and the statues, before moving to the exhibits and truly impressive fossils reconstructed into their former animal forms.
On my first trip around the museum, I only took in the architecture and the statues, before moving to the exhibits and truly impressive fossils reconstructed into their former animal forms.
A museum co-occupying the same building as the Natural History Museum, both are completely free with only a suggested donation.
This one is far more densely packed with historical artifacts across cultures and historical periods. They won’t have a single bow and arrow, they’ll have a dozen from different peoples’ in a single cabinet. Really a rich museum
This one is far more densely packed with historical artifacts across cultures and historical periods. They won’t have a single bow and arrow, they’ll have a dozen from different peoples’ in a single cabinet. Really a rich museum
Natural history museum
I haven't been here in decades. Although it has recently undergone a huge refurbishment it does seem smaller than I remember.
It's nice to see they've incorporated a cafe upstairs, it is so needed and would have been fantastic on school trips 😀
Exhibits are still quite interesting although I was quite disappointed to see the names of a lot of African regions and villages are spelt incorrectly.
Friends visiting Oxford absolutely loved the experience and look forward to coming back in the summer ☀️
I haven't been here in decades. Although it has recently undergone a huge refurbishment it does seem smaller than I remember.
It's nice to see they've incorporated a cafe upstairs, it is so needed and would have been fantastic on school trips 😀
Exhibits are still quite interesting although I was quite disappointed to see the names of a lot of African regions and villages are spelt incorrectly.
Friends visiting Oxford absolutely loved the experience and look forward to coming back in the summer ☀️
Generally a nice place to have a wonder for a few hours, taking in some art and history and doing some sketching. Like most places of this ilk it closes too early and you have to pay £1 for the lockers, which you can get a token for from the shop. The Flemish section is my favourite as there are some hidden gems in there.
Many items all crammed into one lovely tall building with multiple floors. Descriptions on some items are lacking and the museums attempts to justify some items being removed is rather limp. The Japanese Noh masks are beautiful and the interaction of opening the draws is fun and engaging, take a free still and do some sketching.
Pitt rivers is located at the back of the natural history museum.
Pitt rivers is located at the back of the natural history museum.
The Pitt Rivers Museum is only accessible through the Natural History Museum. The exhibits are exhaustive and cover all the world and most of human history. Everything is tightly packed, in contrast to the Ashmolean and other museums in Oxford. It has a presence similar to that of a Victorian anthropologists back room, with the treasures of his many adventures. A maximalist’s dream museum.
Some of the new plaques displaying the modern academic anti-western guilt and self flagellation are a little tiresome and detract from the overall feel of it, but the collection itself is still fantastic, and a reason to come back time and time again.
I absolutely recommend coming. There is a cabinet for everyone.
Some of the new plaques displaying the modern academic anti-western guilt and self flagellation are a little tiresome and detract from the overall feel of it, but the collection itself is still fantastic, and a reason to come back time and time again.
I absolutely recommend coming. There is a cabinet for everyone.
Perfect place to spend a couple of hours, well laid out exhibitions and if you're short on time you can follow their "Top 10 exhibits in an hour".
Whilst walking around Oxford yesterday I came across the ashmolean gallery/museum! I then visited the museum to see the art as I was aware that there was some art exhibited!! 🎨
I loved what I saw, I will definitely be returning the next time im in Oxford now I know where it is!! The exhibitions were absolutely fantastic and some were to my taste so I knew what was what 🎨
The staff were really helpful and very friendly when visiting and when I had questions to ask they were very detailed in what to expect! So I received a great service there, and the gift shop sold lots of nice things too I actually did buy a couple of things and the staff in the gift shop were also lovely and welcoming 🎨
This won't be the last time I come here, it was worth the time and worth my visit in Oxford 🎨
My favourite was of course the modern art and the abstract art that's on currently 🎨
I'll return again 🤍🖤
I loved what I saw, I will definitely be returning the next time im in Oxford now I know where it is!! The exhibitions were absolutely fantastic and some were to my taste so I knew what was what 🎨
The staff were really helpful and very friendly when visiting and when I had questions to ask they were very detailed in what to expect! So I received a great service there, and the gift shop sold lots of nice things too I actually did buy a couple of things and the staff in the gift shop were also lovely and welcoming 🎨
This won't be the last time I come here, it was worth the time and worth my visit in Oxford 🎨
My favourite was of course the modern art and the abstract art that's on currently 🎨
I'll return again 🤍🖤
Huge collection of artefacts including some paintings although the only paintings I spotted of note were a couple of Canaletto's.
Entry is free, the gift shop is large and as with all museums expensive.
Very worth a visit and extremely interesting.
Entry is free, the gift shop is large and as with all museums expensive.
Very worth a visit and extremely interesting.
Fascinating, quirky little museum, nestling with the Oxford Town Hall, and full of amazing insights into the history of the city.
A simply brilliant museum with an abundant collection tracing the history of Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
Don't hesitate, it's superb and modern. Mind you, the hours fly by like minutes there!
Don't hesitate, it's superb and modern. Mind you, the hours fly by like minutes there!
Great way to spend an afternoon at the museum. Also a really cool cafe on the rooftop with a modest selection of food and drink, including a really decent afternoon tea with a vegan option! I'm impressed.
What a fantastic day out! So many museums and galleries, these days, have veered towards children that they seem to have lost their focus. The Ashmolean caters for kids, and it was great to see parties of children being taken around. But it also caters for adults. We were going to take the phone-based audio guide but got a real human instead, and he was great. Patrick took us around to show us eight specific items and explain their context and meaning. We could ask questions and understand what we were seeing and that provided a really good context for subsequent browsing. We spent the rest of the day on the top two floors, knowing we can come back again soon to explore the rest of the museum. It is not only the first free public museum in the UK, but also the most interesting and diverse that we have seen. We'll be back soon!
Sehr schönes Museum. Der Eintritt ist kostenfrei, es wird um eine freiwillige Spende gebeten. Rucksäcke müssen vorne oder in der Hand getragen werden, es gibt die Möglichkeit für 1 Pfund den Rucksack in der unteren Etage weg zu schließen. Das Museum ist sehr groß daher sollte man genug Zeit mitbringen.
Its free
I’ve been there three times, it’s nice.
I’ve been there three times, it’s nice.
Amazing museum, so well thought out and super child friendly. I love the whispering woods - it feels like you've entered a different world, and all the ways to explore the stories are very engaging.
We took our toddler through the main exhibits rather than the toddler room because we didn't want to wait for the timed entry, and he wasn't quite old enough to enjoy all the details of each room, but he had enough fun wandering around, exploring things, playing with things, and interacting with the really friendly staff.
For some reason, he really loved the witch and the wardrobe room in the last exhibit - we probably could have spent just half an hour in there as he ran up and down that hill. The insect room was also really engaging (he tried to make a butterfly and had fun pulling stuff out of the "dung" bags).
Next time, we'll time our arrival better so it'll line up with an entry time to the toddler room - that looked really fun as well and I'm sure could entertain him for an afternoon.
We took our toddler through the main exhibits rather than the toddler room because we didn't want to wait for the timed entry, and he wasn't quite old enough to enjoy all the details of each room, but he had enough fun wandering around, exploring things, playing with things, and interacting with the really friendly staff.
For some reason, he really loved the witch and the wardrobe room in the last exhibit - we probably could have spent just half an hour in there as he ran up and down that hill. The insect room was also really engaging (he tried to make a butterfly and had fun pulling stuff out of the "dung" bags).
Next time, we'll time our arrival better so it'll line up with an entry time to the toddler room - that looked really fun as well and I'm sure could entertain him for an afternoon.
Fabulous museum - so much to see, fascinating fire lighting, curvy spoons and ingenious indigenous arctic clothing, and primal hunting weaponry, looking forward to another explore of other areas at Pitt Rivers (and yes enjoyed the natural history museum too - interesting for all ages)
The Pitt Rivers Museum is accessible through the Natural History Museum, it holds the archeological and anthropology collections of the University.
It is not like other Museums that I’ve visited, instead of being spacious places, the Pitt Rivers Museum has the display cabinets are tightly packed together and the objects within them, very closely packed.
The variety of exhibits is dizzying in their variety.
A very important change has happened with this museum, there is a recognition that it had been established and presented in a very western centric fashion and that road roughshod over the originating cultures. Additionally the skeletons that had been on display have been removed and in some cases, returned to their originating countries.
We spent a couple of hours in the museum and only really skimmed the surface. We’ll have to go back.
This place is highly recommended.
Make a point of making a donation.
It is not like other Museums that I’ve visited, instead of being spacious places, the Pitt Rivers Museum has the display cabinets are tightly packed together and the objects within them, very closely packed.
The variety of exhibits is dizzying in their variety.
A very important change has happened with this museum, there is a recognition that it had been established and presented in a very western centric fashion and that road roughshod over the originating cultures. Additionally the skeletons that had been on display have been removed and in some cases, returned to their originating countries.
We spent a couple of hours in the museum and only really skimmed the surface. We’ll have to go back.
This place is highly recommended.
Make a point of making a donation.
I was so lucky to be able to photograph Sam and Ben's wedding at the Ashmolean in Oxford. The setting it absolute stunning with the wedding taking place in amongst the beautiful art work. The staff were absolutely amazing and were always on hand to help when needed. What a fantastic and quirky venue to get married at. I highly recommend it.
Wonderful museum in a lovely location, nice exhibits about oxfords history without being cluttered, thing to keep little ones occupied
Very nice place. You can see beautiful exhibitions in this museum. You can touch on a lot of things. There is also back part museum and you can see masks, ships and another things at this place.
The place was full of great history of nature and wildlife, from butterflies to different species of bears to even every period of the dinosaurs. There’s also a shop which had a lot of great gifts and souvenirs at standard prices, not too expensive I even bought myself some things. *Also the museum is completely FREE to enter* and it’s up to you if you want to donate a few pounds for charity and the museum. Would HIGHLY recommend while you’re in Oxford. 10/10
Fun for All Ages 🤩
This playful and colorful museum brings out your inner child with interactive exhibits that let you step into famous stories. Brought back great memories reading childhood faves like Alice in Wonderland. A delightful way to spend an afternoon! 👍
This playful and colorful museum brings out your inner child with interactive exhibits that let you step into famous stories. Brought back great memories reading childhood faves like Alice in Wonderland. A delightful way to spend an afternoon! 👍
Absolutely spectacular. We went as two adults and I can promise you, this isn't just a place for children.
The enchanted library especially was magical.
The enchanted library especially was magical.
Very interesting place, fantastic experience
This museum in Oxford provides an inside look to the natural history ranging from the dinosaurs up to our animal kingdom, insects and minerals. The mesmerising perspective offered will definitely provide you with an experience you will not forget. Many displays are available providing you with information needed. Staff here are friendly, there's no admission fee. But it's highly recommended to donate to the museum in order to maintain the exhibits. There are only 2 floors, the upper floor being the mineral exhibits.
Very sweet way to spend a morning, both our 2 year old and our 6 month old loved the experience and we couldn’t fault the staff at all! So engaged and helpful. Recommend booking in advance and arriving early enough to store buggy etc.
Excellent trip for kids. The staff are very helpful they helped us take the pushchair up with the platform lift. Very busy full of people and lots to see best of all it's all free. There is a prayer room next to the museum very convenient for us to pray and be relaxed to have a great time. I enjoyed it 👍👍 it's a really good.
Lovely visit last photo the lovely Colin Dexter.
It's a great place for people of all ages. It will ignite your imagination whether you are creative or not. It's not 'entertainment' it's engagement,which is often sadly lacking today. It has something for every age from 4-14 and beyond!
Also join their mailing list as they do a lot of things.
Cafe on the ground floor is wheelchair accessible and serves decent cake. Also gluten free.
Also join their mailing list as they do a lot of things.
Cafe on the ground floor is wheelchair accessible and serves decent cake. Also gluten free.
The Story Museum was a lovely way to spend a morning in Oxford. My two little ones, aged 5 and 2, had a fantastic time exploring Whispering Woods and the enchanted library. In fact, I enjoyed rediscovering the many stories I had grown up with as a child. The museum offers many interactive activities and hidden secrets to keep everyone entertained. I would highly recommend a visit if you love reading and enjoy the art of storytelling.
This place was absolutely amazing if I'm honest. It's free to enter unless you're in a large tour group. It's a great place to take the kids both young & older. There's some activity sheets you can pick up and you do whilst walking around. There's lots to see here from dinosaurs to an actual roman burial complete with a real skeleton. If you're looking for a a day out, definitely think of this place. Once you're done, you have Oxford to explore & that itself offers so much to see & do.
Small museum in the centre of Oxford. Free to visit. Mainly about history of Oxford. Probably 1 hour at most to go round.
Amazing place that you could spend days looking around. Not particularly aimed at kids, which suited us fine, but just worth bearing in mind if you do have young children. ( I appreciate that some might love it but I think they would be in a minority ). We spent about 4 hours and definitely didn’t see everything. If Natural history interests you then it’s well worth a visit.
Amazing. Literally I can spend days in this place and just get a small perspective of all the knowledge that it holds. The way the exposition is set up, how wonderful the building is by itself, the heterogeneity of scopes that the collection holds. Don't miss the back area of the museum. And be sure to check the columns on the second floor. Every single detail is inspiring. And it is free, which is mind blowing. One of the best museums I have ever visited.
A fantastic little hen for children if all ages. We took our 2 year old Grandaughter and she loved it. There is so many interactive activities for children. The staff are really in to the stories of local and national authorsand their knowledge is excellent. They were knowledgeable and really got stuck into their characters. We will be going again.
I recently celebrated my birthday in a rather unconventional way by visiting the Oxford Natural History Museum, and let me tell you, it turned out to be one of the most remarkable and enriching experiences of my life. Despite the skepticism from some friends and family who questioned my choice of a museum as a birthday destination, I followed my passion for history and natural wonders, and I couldn't have made a better decision.
One of the highlights of my visit was the meteorite exhibit. Seeing this extraterrestrial rock up close and learning about its origins left me in awe of the vastness of the universe. The museum did an excellent job of presenting the information in a way that was accessible to visitors of all ages, and the interactive elements made it even more engaging.
What truly made my visit unforgettable was the opportunity to touch and interact with rare minerals and objects. It's not every day that you get to feel the weight of history in your hands. The museum's dedication to allowing visitors to have a hands-on experience with these precious artifacts is commendable.
I wholeheartedly recommend this museum to anyone with an appreciation for natural history. It is a treasure trove of knowledge and a place where unforgettable memories are made.
One of the highlights of my visit was the meteorite exhibit. Seeing this extraterrestrial rock up close and learning about its origins left me in awe of the vastness of the universe. The museum did an excellent job of presenting the information in a way that was accessible to visitors of all ages, and the interactive elements made it even more engaging.
What truly made my visit unforgettable was the opportunity to touch and interact with rare minerals and objects. It's not every day that you get to feel the weight of history in your hands. The museum's dedication to allowing visitors to have a hands-on experience with these precious artifacts is commendable.
I wholeheartedly recommend this museum to anyone with an appreciation for natural history. It is a treasure trove of knowledge and a place where unforgettable memories are made.
Excellent place to visit to know the history of the city of Oxford through centuries. Great exhibits. The successive maps of city expanding and the history of civil war are interesting. Matthew, the guide, is extremely helpful, enthusiastic and enjoys and takes pride in his job. Worth a visit.
Nice little Museum, Did get quite busy at one point, Good place to look around especially on a rainy day.
Not so big museum inside the Oxford Town Hall. Exhibits are really good, well-decorated and well-maintained. Free to view the place. A gift shop is included if you would like to get souvenirs for family or friends.
We had a great time. Something very different from what we usually get up to. My daughter had a lovely time exploring and interacting with all the elements. It was also quite nostalgic for me as an adult 😆. The staff were really warm and friendly. There is also a cafe by the entrance inside. We parked in the westgate shopping centre and walked over in about 5 minutes. Would certainly recommend 👍🏼
Fascinating story of this extraordinary sculptor.
Such a personal and friendly experience. Booking essential. Closed December to March.
Such a personal and friendly experience. Booking essential. Closed December to March.
This donation based museum is an excellent chance to gain a glimpse into Oscar Nemons Boars Hill home and studio. There are so many maquettes of his sculptures along with drawings and molds of the wide range of famous people who sat for him. The reception by his daughter in law who curated the museum is friendly and welcoming, with tea, coffee and cake available in the garden. Some parking is available in the grounds and a short walk from the nearest bus stop. Booking is essential.