List of museums in Oxford facts for kids
Welcome to Oxford, a famous city in England known for its amazing university! Oxford is not just about old buildings and smart students; it's also packed with incredible museums and art galleries. These places are perfect for exploring history, science, art, and so much more. Many of these museums are part of the University of Oxford, which means they hold really special collections from centuries of learning and discovery. Get ready to discover some of the coolest spots in Oxford!
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Discovering Oxford's Amazing Museums
Oxford has a fantastic collection of museums, each offering a unique adventure. Whether you love ancient artifacts, musical instruments, or even dinosaurs, there's something here for everyone.
University Museums: A World of Knowledge
The University of Oxford runs many of the city's museums. These places are filled with treasures collected over hundreds of years, helping students and visitors learn about the world.
Ashmolean Museum: Art and Archaeology
The Ashmolean Museum is one of the oldest public museums in the world! It's located on Beaumont Street and is full of art and artifacts from all over the globe and from different times in history. You can see everything from ancient Egyptian mummies to beautiful paintings and sculptures. It's like taking a trip around the world and through time, all in one building.
Bate Collection of Musical Instruments
If you love music, you'll be fascinated by the Bate Collection of Musical Instruments. Found on St Aldate's, this museum has a huge collection of musical instruments from different eras and cultures. You can see old pianos, flutes, and many other instruments, and even hear some of them play! It's a great place to learn how music has changed over time.
Christ Church Picture Gallery
Inside the famous Christ Church college, you'll find the Christ Church Picture Gallery. This gallery is home to a wonderful collection of old master paintings and drawings. It's a chance to see beautiful artworks by famous artists from centuries ago, right in the heart of one of Oxford's most historic colleges.
Museum of the History of Science
The Museum of the History of Science on Broad Street is a super cool place to explore how science has developed. It has amazing old scientific instruments, like early telescopes and microscopes. You can see how people studied the stars, measured time, and made discoveries long before modern technology existed.
Oxford University Museum of Natural History
Get ready to meet dinosaurs and amazing animals at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History! Located on Parks Road, this museum is packed with skeletons, fossils, and taxidermy animals. You can see a huge T-Rex skeleton, learn about evolution, and explore the incredible diversity of life on Earth. It's a must-see for anyone who loves nature and prehistoric creatures.
Oxford University Press Museum
The Oxford University Press Museum on Great Clarendon Street tells the story of one of the world's most famous publishers. You can learn about how books were made in the past, see old printing presses, and discover the history of dictionaries and other important publications. It's a fascinating look into the world of words and printing.
Pitt Rivers Museum
Next to the Natural History Museum, you'll find the Pitt Rivers Museum in the Science Area. This museum is truly unique, filled with objects from cultures all around the world. It has everything from ancient tools and weapons to masks, textiles, and ceremonial items. The way the objects are displayed, packed closely together, makes it feel like a treasure hunt!
Weston Library
The Weston Library on Broad Street is part of the famous Bodleian Library. While it's primarily a research library, it often has public exhibitions showcasing incredible books, manuscripts, and historical documents. It's a chance to see rare items that have shaped history and literature.
Other Fantastic Museums to Explore
Oxford also has other exciting museums that are not part of the university but are just as interesting!
Modern Art Oxford
If you're into contemporary art, Modern Art Oxford on Pembroke Street is the place to go. This gallery features exciting and thought-provoking modern art from artists around the world. It's a great spot to see new ideas and different ways of expressing creativity.
Museum of Oxford
Want to learn about the city of Oxford itself? The Museum of Oxford is located in the Town Hall and tells the story of Oxford's past. You can discover how the city grew, what life was like in different eras, and learn about the people who lived here.
Oxford Castle – Unlocked
Step back in time at Oxford Castle – Unlocked on New Road. This historic site was once a real castle and then a prison. You can explore the old castle mound, climb the Saxon tower, and even go down into the crypt. It's an exciting way to experience medieval history and learn about life in a castle.
Science Oxford
For hands-on fun with science, head to Science Oxford on St Clement's. This center offers interactive exhibits and workshops that make learning about science and technology exciting. It's a great place to experiment and discover how things work in a fun, practical way.
The Story Museum
Love books and stories? The Story Museum on Pembroke Street is dedicated to the magic of storytelling. It brings stories to life through interactive exhibits, performances, and creative activities. You can explore different worlds from your favorite books and discover new tales.
See also
- List of attractions in Oxford
- List of museums in Oxfordshire
- List of museums in Cambridge
- Virtual Library museums pages (VLmp), started at Oxford University
