Oxford University Museum of Natural History — Attraction in Oxford

The Oxford University Museum of Natural History is a must-see attraction for anyone who is interested in the natural world. The museum is located in a beautiful neo-Gothic building that showcases the history and diversity of life on Earth. The museum is open every day from 10:00 to 17:00, except for 24, 25, and 26 December. The admission is free and no booking is required, unless you are a group of more than ten people.

The museum has a vast collection of specimens and archives from various fields of natural history, such as fossils, minerals, birds, and butterflies. You can explore the museum at your own pace, or join one of the guided tours or talks that are offered regularly. The museum also has a range of temporary exhibitions and events that highlight current issues and research related to the natural environment.

Some of the things that we enjoyed the most during our visit were:

The Museum of Climate Hope Trail, a virtual safari that takes you across Oxford's gardens, libraries, and museums to learn how life and earth processes shape each other. The Fair Water? exhibition, which examines the global barriers to water equality and how researchers, communities, and policymakers can work together to shape a fair water future. The Dodo's Christmas Family Trail, a festive trail around the museum that features the dodo and other extinct animals. The Presenting... case, which showcases a different specimen every month. This month, we learned about the many ways of being a limpet, a type of marine snail that has evolved independently over 50 times. The live camera inside the museum tower, which reveals the nesting swifts that return to the UK every spring from Africa.

The museum staff were very friendly and helpful, and the museum also has a cafe and a shop that offer nature-themed food and gifts. We highly recommend this museum to anyone who loves nature and wants to learn more about it. It is a great place to visit for all ages...

So many WOW moments. This is my favourite Natural Museum in the UK so far. Mainly because the exhibits are so accessible for children and adults alike and there is a fabulous range of specimens, artefacts and informative, interactive learning opportunities.

The architecture of the building itself is interesting from the outside, fitting in with the Oxford style, but inside it is simply stunning. The wrought iron roof structure supporting banks of atrium windows for plenty of natural light, the patterned brickwork, smooth and stylish stone staircases and the use of a variety of geological specimens for the pillars around the walkways create an amazing backdrop for the rest of the museum.

My 6 year old was entranced and awed by the stuffed grizzly bear (which he could touch), the dinosaur skeletons towering above him, the flora and fauna from many continents thoughtfully curated, the living insects and arachnids on display, the interactive touchscreens allowing zooming in and out on a range of insects and the stunning collection of rocks, gems and minerals which opened my eyes too.

Its all very accessible for all ages, not too big, beautifully and clearly presented and totally free. Although, I felt very comfortable donating a contribution after enjoying what it had to offer.

My only slight disappointment was the range of eating options from the cafe and the lack of outdoor picnicking space. Great for a coffee, cold sandwich or Vegan soup but not much else.

The shop is low key but full of interesting take aways for a range of budgets. I'm really looking forward to...

The Oxford University Museum of Natural History on Parks Road, Oxford, is a stunning Victorian Gothic-style museum known for its remarkable collection of natural history specimens and its architectural beauty. Established in 1860, the museum is housed in a building that features a dramatic iron-and-glass roof supported by intricate cast-iron columns. This unique design allows natural light to flood the spacious interior, giving visitors a sense of openness while highlighting the exhibits.

Inside, the museum boasts an extensive range of exhibits covering zoology, geology, and paleontology. Among its most famous specimens are the Oxford Dodo—one of the rare remnants of the extinct bird—as well as a fascinating display of dinosaur skeletons, including a Tyrannosaurus rex cast. The museum also houses significant collections of rocks, minerals, and fossils, offering insights into the Earth’s ancient past. One of the highlights is the trilobite fossil display, which attracts geology enthusiasts from around the world.

The museum’s engaging displays and interactive exhibits make it a favorite for visitors of all ages, including families, students, and researchers. Free to enter, it also hosts a variety of educational events, talks, and temporary exhibitions that further explore natural history and science.

Set within the university's historical setting and adjacent to the University of Oxford Botanic Garden, the Oxford University Museum of Natural History is not only a center for learning and discovery but also a cultural and architectural...