Oxford University Museum of Natural History
Oxford University Museum of Natural History was established in 1860 to draw together scientific studies from across the University of Oxford. Today, the award-winning museum continues to be a place of scientific research, collecting and fieldwork, and plays host to a programme of events, exhibitions and activities for the public and school students of all ages.
Highlights in the collections include the world’s first scientifically described dinosaur – Megalosaurus bucklandii – and the world-famous Oxford Dodo, the only soft tissue remains of the extinct dodo.
The building itself is as spectacular today as when it opened in 1860. As a striking example of Victorian neo-Gothic architecture, its style was strongly influenced by the ideas of 19th-century art critic John Ruskin.
The museum is part of the University of Oxford’s Gardens, Libraries and Museums. The Pitt Rivers Museum of anthropology and archaeology adjoins the Museum of Natural History building, so both places can be enjoyed in a single trip.
Café
‘Eat the Future’ is a pop-up café run by Vaults and Garden with a focus on sustainable eating. Inspired by their Meat the Future exhibition, the café’s menu focuses on planet-friendly meals. With ecolabels on many of the food and drink items, you can feel empowered to choose an environmentally-friendly meal. There are also plenty of vegetarian and vegan options available, and plant-based milks are provided free of charge. Open 10am – 5pm.
Horsebox Cafe (outside the museum): Enjoy cakes, snacks, hot and cold drinks. Open 8.30am –
Price
Admission is free
Address:
Oxford University Museum of Natural History, Parks Road,Oxford, Oxfordshire OX1 3PW United Kingdom
Events
February 2023
Out of the Deep: Mary Anning Special
Celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science at the Oxford Museum of Natural History. Handle prehistoric specimens that tell the story of Victorian fossil hunter, Mary Anning. Drop-in, no booking required.
Find out more »Ocean World
Dive into the underwater world of animal life and touch some real ocean specimens at the Oxford Museum of Natural History. You'll also get the chance to make your own ocean-themed crafts to take home! Family event, suitable for all ages. Drop-in, no booking needed.
Find out more »Platypus Matters
From platypuses to kangaroos, Australia has some truly astonishing mammals with incredible, unfamiliar features. Discover more at the Oxford University of Natural History's event. Platypuses are unlike any other mammal: they lay eggs, produce milk without nipples, secrete venom without fangs, and can detect electrical signals. Or consider marsupials, such as kangaroos, whose live young climb up into their mothers' pouches after just a few weeks in the womb. How does the world regard these unfamiliar creatures? And what might…
Find out more »Ocean World
Dive into the underwater world of animal life and touch some real ocean specimens at the Oxford Museum of Natural History. You'll also get the chance to make your own ocean-themed crafts to take home! Family event, suitable for all ages. Drop-in, no booking needed.
Find out more »Meet the Researchers
Meet natural history researchers at the Oxford Museum of Natural History and get their help to carry out your own mini investigation. This event is for 10- 14-year-olds, as part of the COTO programme. Booking is essential. To secure your place, please email education@oum.ox.ac.uk
Find out more »March 2023
Autism-Friendly Opening
A relaxed morning opening to explore the Museum collections in a quiet environment for families with members on the autism spectrum. More information, including a visual guide, will be emailed to attendees a week prior to the event to help you to prepare for your visit. Please note that although this is a relaxed opening there may still be noises in the Museum so please bring along ear protectors if required. This is a joint event with the Pitt Rivers…
Find out more »A Little Look at… What Animals Eat
A thirty-minute guided tour around the Museum of Natural History led by a member of staff about what animals eat. Storytelling, specimen handling, and spotting animals on display. Recommended for children aged 2-5. Drop-in, no booking needed.
Find out more »A Little Look at… What Animals Eat
A thirty-minute guided tour around the Museum of Natural History led by a member of staff about what animals eat. Storytelling, specimen handling, and spotting animals on display. Recommended for children aged 2-5. Drop-in, no booking needed.
Find out more »Super Science Saturday: Connected Planet
Meet and chat to scientists and nature experts at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History's family fun bonanza. Featuring over fifteen activity stands and games delivered by researchers from Oxford University, Brookes University, and local organisations. Recommended for ages 8+. Free, drop-in. No booking needed.
Find out more »Asia’s Small Apes: Research and Outreach for Conservation
Dr Susan Cheyne, co-director of the Borneo Nature Foundation, discusses how research is helping the conservation of populations of 20 species of Asia's apes spread across a challenging and varied political and physical geography. In this talk, Dr Susan Cheyne, co-director of the Borneo Nature Foundation, will share a series of case studies about conservation activities resulting from scientific research. She will also discuss the importance of bespoke outreach and education activities that combine science and culture. This event is…
Find out more »April 2023
Eggstraordinary Easter Family Trail
Egg-splore the Museum of Natural History and Pitt Rivers Museum with an egg-citing egg-hunters trail! Find all of the hidden eggs around the Museum to discover fun natural history facts. Suitable for ages 3+. Free, drop-in. No booking required. Available during opening hours (10:00 – 17:00).
Find out more »Fossil Fascination
Love fossils? Join the Oxford University Museum of Natural History for an afternoon packed full of fossil fascination. Touch fossils of creatures from millions of years ago and create some fossil-inspired crafts. Suitable for all ages. Drop-in, no booking needed.
Find out more »Fossil Fascination
Love fossils? Join the Oxford University Museum of Natural History for an afternoon packed full of fossil fascination. Touch fossils of creatures from millions of years ago, and create some fossil-inspired crafts. Suitable for all ages. Drop-in, no booking needed.
Find out more »A Song for the Heart
Lie back and relax as you watch the sun set over our glass roof, learning about birdsongs and the dawn chorus. In 2019, scientists at the University of Surrey studied the "restorative benefits of birdsong"; testing if it really does improve our mood. They discovered that, of all the natural sounds that were investigated, birdsong and bird calls were the most often cited in helping people recover from stress, allowing them to restore a sense of peace and refocus their…
Find out more »
