About
Discover the rich and fascinating history of Oxford from prehistoric times to the present day. From Saxon treasures and medieval finds to the story of the car industry at Cowley, the Museum of Oxford brings to life the city's 1,500-year story beyond the university. Explore how ordinary people lived, worked, and shaped this extraordinary city through engaging displays and hands-on exhibits.
Categories:
Annual Visitors (2024)
45,000
Plan Your Visit
⏱️ Recommended Visit Duration
📅 Best Times to Visit
Quietest: Tuesday, Wednesday
Busiest: Saturday, School holidays
💡 Weekday mornings
💡 Visitor Tips
- Located inside Oxford Town Hall - look for signs
- Free family activity packs available
- Compact museum - allow 60-90 minutes
- Great complement to university museums - this tells the local story
- Check for temporary exhibitions on local themes
Highlights
Saxon Oxford
Archaeological finds from Saxon Oxford including pottery, tools, and the famous St Frideswide's shrine fragments
Alice's Shop Display
Objects and stories from the real Alice who inspired Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland
Morris Motors Collection
The story of Oxford's car industry at Cowley, including vehicles and worker memories
Civil War Oxford
Artifacts and stories from when Oxford was the Royalist capital during the English Civil War
Collections
Over 40,000 objects documenting Oxford's history from prehistoric times to the present. Particular strengths in archaeology, social history, photographs, and the Morris Motors collection. The museum tells the story of the city beyond the university, focusing on local communities and industries.
Oxford Stories
Chronological journey through Oxford's history from Saxon times to today
📍 Main Galleries
People's Oxford
Stories of ordinary Oxford residents and their communities
📍 Community Gallery
Themes
Current Exhibitions
No current exhibitions. Please check the museum website for updates.
Nearby Museums (5 within 6 miles)
University of Oxford - Bate Collection of Musical Instruments
Art & Design
Oxford — ~0 min walk (0.0 mi)
Museum of the History of Science, University of Oxford
Science & Technology
Oxford — ~5 min walk (0.3 mi)