Oxford's Best 5 Museums

Hi everyone! I hope you’re all having a great Thursday, wherever you are in the world, and whatever you’re doing with your day. If you’ve been keeping up with my latest posts, you’ll know that I’ve been writing an awful lot about Oxford, touching upon everything from its best wining and dining spots to most visited attractions. Until now, however, I haven’t gone into any detail about the many museums that this city has to offer. Today, then, you can consider the wait officially over, as I tell you about five of my favourite such institutions. (All of them, by the way, are free to enter, although donations are strongly encouraged. )

Ashmolean Museum

With its imposing marble columns, and classical style facade, the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology is impossible to miss for anyone walking down Beaumont Street. The first university museum ever created, and home to artefacts dating from the Egyptian era to the modern days. It’s a fantastic place to check out, whether you’re a history buff, or a contemporary art lover.

Pay extra to see the museum’s extraordinary exhibitions (Pompeii exhibition is on right now and I’ve read some rave reviews!), or head along to one of their complimentary ‘After Hours’ events, where – on the last Friday of each month – you’ll be able to visit the place after its regular closing time.

Getting peckish during your visit? Be sure to check out either the museum’s underground café or its rooftop restaurant (Read more about these two dining spots here!).

Modern Art Museum

If, like me, you can’t get enough of contemporary art, there’s no better place for you to check out than Modern Art Oxford. Here, you’ll get to admire their extensive permanent collection, featuring pieces by local and far-flung creators , and you’ll be able to check out some more fantastic temporary exhibitions. Can’t stay away? Be sure to also attend some of the museum’s talks and workshops. Tickets are very reasonably priced!

Natural History Museum

Dear dinosaur fans, you’ll love Oxford’s world-renowned Natural History Museum! Home to all sorts of fascinating specimens – some of which date back to prehistoric times – it’s a place that will enchant children and adults with lots of hands-on activities for the younger visitors to enjoy. It’s not just the collection that’s impressive though, but also the superb architecture of the place. If you’re interested to find out more about the building’s construction, be sure to book yourself onto one of their free guided tours.

History of Science Museum

Whether you’re a budding boffin, or just want to learn more about how the scientific world has developed over the centuries, make sure not to miss the History of Science Museum. Home to countless curious appliances – some of which date all the way back to the Middle Ages, and all of which have very informative labels attached to them – it’s a great place to spend any rainy afternoon (and trust me, there’ll probably be at least one during your trip!). Come back after the closing time at 5pm, and you’ll be able to enjoy everything from theatre performances to comedy nights.

Pitt Rivers Museum

Located just next to the Natural History Museum, and perhaps my favourite of them all, the Pitt Rivers Museum is the kind of place that you’ll want to keep coming back to. I must have visited it at least four times by now, and this place still never fails to surprise me. With everything from swords, to masks, to totem poles, this multi-storey museum – which houses objects from across the world – will have any archaeology or anthropology enthusiast hooked for hours. Be sure, then, to set aside a whole afternoon for your visit!

Get exploring today!

So there we have it: 5 of the best museums that Oxford has to offer! With so many remarkable artefacts spread out all across the city, you definitely won’t run out of things to see while you’re here (Not even in the evenings, after these institutions are officially closed!). Have a wonderful time expanding your mind, and make sure to leave a small donation as you exit, so that future generations can have the same delightful experience as you!

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