Pitt Rivers Museum — Attraction in Oxford

As someone with a degree in Anthropology and a deep appreciation for world cultures, I was genuinely excited to visit the Pitt Rivers Museum. I value open, respectful dialogue and have always seen museums as spaces for thoughtful engagement and learning. Sadly, what should have been an inspiring afternoon with family was completely overshadowed by the deeply inappropriate and unsettling behaviour of a museum staff member.

While exploring the first floor around 2:30 PM, a staff member abruptly interrupted a private conversation we were having, commanding us - without any introduction - to “look at” a Ghanaian economics display. Although we were initially interested and eager to learn, his attitude quickly became uncomfortable. He launched into a monologue about how Ghanaian culture was more advanced than European culture and repeatedly stated that “white people” had destroyed Ghanaian civilisation.

While I believe it’s important to acknowledge and engage with the legacy of colonialism, his constant focus on skin colour - repeatedly referring to "white people" and describing Europeans as “less civilised” - made my family feel incredibly uncomfortable. His tone was confrontational rather than educational, and at times he even laughed at our visible discomfort.

Wanting to engage further with the beautifully diverse array of other cultural world-artifacts in the museum, I asked him if there were any other exhibits on that floor he would recommend. He simply pointed again at the same items and said, “just this,” which felt dismissive and uninterested in actual dialogue.

Trying to refocus the conversation on the culture itself, I asked what script was traditionally used to write the Akan proverbs (as I’m especially interested in languages). He said he didn’t know. After I looked it up and mentioned they used Latin script, he laughed at us and stormed off.

We continued exploring other parts of the floor, but he began circling us, shaking his head, staring, and laughing in a way that felt menacing. He returned again to show an AI search result about oral tradition — which seemed irrelevant - and acted like he had "won" some kind of argument. He then began asking my family personal questions (including, but not limited to, questions about their cultural/ethnic backgrounds). When he asked me what I did for work and I said I didn’t feel comfortable sharing, he mockingly repeated my words back to me, laughed again, and walked off in a smug, condescending way.

At that point, we felt so uncomfortable and harassed that we decided to leave the museum early. As we were exiting the floor, the same staff member stood there staring at us and laughing - adding a final layer of hostility that left us feeling shaken. My family and I felt anxious, embarrassed, and completely disrespected. What should have been a thoughtful and educational experience became one of humiliation and distress.

I attempted to call the museum multiple times afterward to report the incident, but nobody answered.

The museum’s collection is incredible and should be a space for respectful learning and engagement with the world’s diverse cultures. I am sharing this not only to express the upset we experienced, but also in the hope that the museum takes this seriously. No visitor - especially those coming with genuine curiosity and openness - should be subjected to intimidation, racialised generalisations, or mockery by staff. It undermines the museum’s mission and damages public trust in institutions meant to educate and inspire.

Unfortunately, based on how we were treated, I cannot recommend the Pitt...

A Treasure Trove of World Cultures: The Pitt Rivers Museum The Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford is a unique and fascinating place, unlike any other museum you're likely to visit. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect:

Wonderfully Weird and Wide-Ranging Collection:

Prepare to be amazed by an incredible collection of objects from all corners of the world and throughout history. From weaponry and clothing to religious artifacts and everyday tools, there's something for everyone. The museum isn't organized by region or era, but by theme, which can lead to some surprising juxtapositions. Imagine comparing a samurai sword to a ceremonial headdress from the Amazon! This thematic approach can be both thought-provoking and overwhelming. Be prepared for a sensory overload of intriguing artifacts. A Glimpse into the Past:

The museum offers a window into different cultures and ways of life. You'll gain a new appreciation for human ingenuity and diversity. Some exhibits, like the witchcraft collection, delve into fascinating (and sometimes unsettling) aspects of human history. Things to Consider:

The museum is on the smaller side, but there's still a lot to see. Factor in a few hours for your visit, especially if you like to take your time and delve into the details. The signage can be a little lacking at times, so don't hesitate to ask a staff member if you have any questions. Keep in mind that due to recent changes, some sensitive cultural items, like shrunken heads, are no longer on display. Overall:

The Pitt Rivers Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in anthropology, archaeology, or simply the wonders of human culture. It's a treasure trove of curiosities that will spark your imagination and leave you wanting to learn more.

Bonus Tip: The museum is free to enter (donations are appreciated) and has a lovely cafe on-site, perfect for grabbing a bite after your...

I visited this museum for the first time in well over a decade today and was hugely impressed with how they have dealt with the discussions around colonialism and Eurocentrism in their displays.

The museum collection is incredible in itself but by adding the analysis of the language used in the labeling and the way items are displayed they have added so much more to what can otherwise feel like a relic of another time.

I remember visiting the museum well over a decade ago and while I admired the ethnographic approach to the displays that allowed comparisons to be made between cultures, it felt like stepping back into another era. The changes that are being made and the conversations that are being had, both with visitors and the descendants of those who created so many of the objects on display, make it feel like the museum has a relevance and importance that it lacked on my first visit.

I had a very interesting conversation about the work being done with a member of staff and was saddened but not surprised to hear that they had received a lot of criticism and even verbal abuse for these changes, which is why I feel compelled to write this review. Museums are not just about the past, they reflect contemporary issues through their choice of what is and isn't displayed, and how those displays are described. The Pitt Rivers is, imo, leading the way in these incredibly complex and difficult conversations about the role of museums in society and I cannot applaud them...