A Short Guide to Visiting Oxford University Museum of Natural History

The UK, , 73 Comments

Last Updated on the 3rd of December, 2025

Oxford needs no introduction.

The city of spires, students, and sumptuous cathedrals is as inspirational as it is fascinating.

It is best known for having one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, its literary legacy and green spaces.

In more recent years, Oxford has gained fame as a setting for many iconic scenes in the Harry Potter films,  particularly for Hogwarts School.

The historical British city is not short of a museum or two either, and as we arrived on a rainy summer day, and needed to escape the constant pelting, we headed straight to the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

The museum is a truly wonderful place to visit, as here, you can gaze up at towering dinosaur skeletons, see a colony of swifts in a tower and study the preserved model of the extinct dodo.

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One of many impressive displays at the museum.

As we swung open the large wooden doors at the main entrance of the imposing building, we were met with a sight that surprised us.

Right away, I noticed the huge iron pillars and a glass roof allowing light to wash over the spacious square court and sweeping halls. The sides of the museum’s interior were lined with the stone columns of cloistered arcades.

The building is truly impressive, with great architecture, interactive displays and cabinets full of displays.

I loved how there were several exhibits – from the unimaginably ancient rocks to a collection of stuffed animals – available to touch that truly added to the experience, and all this for free entry!

The main hall feels light and airy thanks to the huge windows, and while it isn’t the most filled museum in terms of having specimens and items on display, it’s still worth a visit and your time, especially given it is literally adjacent to Pitt Rivers!

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The museum hosts a classic assortment of zoological specimens.

A Brief History of The Museum

Housed in a glorious neo-Gothic structure from the 1800s, the 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 is a place of scientific research, collecting, and fieldwork, and it hosts a programme of events, exhibitions, and activities for public and school students of all ages.

Its collection has grown over the years, with everything from its Oxfordshire dinosaurs and famous dodo to living and breathing exhibits like the hissing cockroaches and various other natural specimens, making for a great day out.

Oxford is inextricably tied to the famous children’s book Alice in Wonderland, and the Museum of Natural History is no exception.

It is said that Charles Dodgson, who wrote under the pseudonym Lewis Carroll, was a frequent visitor to the museum, and it’s believed that a 1651 painting of a dodo by Jan Savery displayed at the museum inspired the Dodo in Alice in Wonderland. 

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The building is a striking example of Victorian neo-Gothic architecture

Oxford University Museum of Natural History Highlights

The museum’s collection spans over 7 million objects, only a small proportion of which is on display at any one time.

The displays are split into distinct areas – including zoology and mineralogy – but it was the palaeontology collection that first caught our eye.

Fossils and replicas of dinosaurs dominate the museum floor, clustered by the museum’s exhibits.

There’s herpetology, entomology, mammalogy, palaeontology and ichthyology all representing the biodiversity of life.

  • Undoubtedly, the dinosaur exhibits are among the highlights. You can check out the huge footprint in the front lawn to get an idea of the size of some of these creatures and come face to face with a terrifying Tyrannosaurus rex model inside.
  • Another fascinating museum exhibit is an eerie-looking gathering of animal skeletons of everything from a horse and a pig to an African giraffe and elephant.
  • A working beehive where you can press your nose up against the smooth glass that divides you from the bustling, crawling crowd of bees and see these little pollinators in minute detail.
  • You would also love the eagle-eyed view down onto the dinosaurs below from the museum cafe
  • The museum holds the last soft-tissue specimen of the now-extinct Dodo. It’s this exhibit that is thought to have inspired Lewis Carroll to create the character in the book.

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Animal skeletons at the museum

Things To Know Before Visiting the Oxford University Museum of Natural History

The Oxford University Museum of Natural History is located on the university campus, only a 10-minute walk north of the city centre.

We found the directional street signage to locate the museum is not the best, and had to seek a little guidance from passersby – my recommendation is to look out for the King’s Head PH and then walk along Park’s Road.

  • Opening Hours: The museum is open daily from 10 am to 5:50 pm, with last admission at 5:30 pm. The museum has extended opening hours on the last Friday of each month
  • Parking: Parking is not available at the museum, you can walk, use public transport or a Park and Ride. 
  • Museum Cafe: There is also a wonderful cafe which is environmentally friendly, wholesome, and clearly run with great care, offering lots of vegetarian and vegan lunch options, delicious cakes and sandwiches.
  • Address: Oxford University Museum of Natural History & the Pitt Rivers, Parks Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 3PW
  • Entrance Fee: Free to enter

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The wonderful interior of oxford university museum of natural history

The Pitt Rivers Museum

Once you are done exploring the museum, make sure you pop into the Pitts River Museum – a dimly lit anthropological treasure trove of exhibits featuring everything from weaving looms and spears to life-size totem poles.

The Pitts River Museum is housed in the adjacent building to the Museum of Natural History and can be easily accessed directly from the ground floor.

The Pitt Rivers Museum was founded in 1884 by Lt. General Augustus Pitt Rivers, who donated his collection to the University of Oxford with the condition that a permanent lecturer in anthropology must be appointed.

The incredible donation consisted of approximately 22,000 items. By now, the collection has grown to 500,000 items, many of which have been donated by scholars, travellers, and missionaries.

Some of the highlights worth checking out include:

  • Several shrunken heads, also known as tsantas, from South America
  • a 2500-year-old cylindrical glass bead from Cyprus, which features a human face on both sides
  • An ox-scapula shovel found in Avebury, which dates to between 2900 and 2600 BC
The museum has an extraordinary range of various objects

At first glance, the museum might seem a bit overwhelming as there are endless amounts of cabinets filled with all sorts of curiosities spread over three floors.

The objects in the museum are arranged topologically, meaning you get to compare how different cultures come up with different solutions for the same problem.

Sadly for the explorer in me, after 2 and a half hours’ worth of visiting Ericeira and Lilly had reached their limit and it was time to go.

  • Getting there: You can enter the Pitt Rivers Museum through Oxford University’s Museum of Natural History
  • Admission fees: Free entry, suggested donation £5

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Other Things To See In Oxford

While Oxford is best known for its eponymous university, there’s much more to see and do than its colleges.

Some of the best things to do in the city are:

  • See the wonderful Hertford Bridge, often called the Bridge of Sighs, that joins two parts of Hertford College
  • Climb the 99 steps of the Carfax Tower for an incredible view of the Oxford skyline
  • Learn about the lives of the city’s literary giants, such as J.R.R. Tolkien, William Morris and Samuel Johnson
  • Go punting on the Cherwell.

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The Divinity School was used as the Hogwarts Infirmary in the first few Harry Potter movies.
 The oldest surviving purpose-built building for university use – Divinity School, Oxford

Visiting Divinity School

You could also follow in our footsteps and visit one of the most beautiful places in Oxford – the ornately decorated Divinity School, which is a must for any visit to the city. 

The 15th-century Gothic building was built in the perpendicular style, which forms part of the University of Oxford. It occupies the lower storey of Duke Humphrey’s Library and it’s mostly used for lectures, oral exams, and discussions on theology.

Given that the Divinity School was built between 1427 and 1483, it is the oldest purpose-built university building that’s still in use today. 

  • Opening Hours: The Divinity School is open daily
  • Admission: the Divinity school is £2 per person or £5 for a family ticket.
  • Getting there: Bodleian Libraries, Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3BG. 

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The beautiful Divinity School interior

And That’s A Wrap!

I hope you enjoyed reading about the Oxford University Museum of Natural History and the city.

We immensely enjoyed our time in Oxford and visiting many of its incredible attractions.

Oxford has some of the oldest Gothic architecture, hence its label as the city of the dreaming spires. Many of these spires are made up of the university’s buildings. This makes the city a charming mixture of old and modern buildings. 

Regardless of why or how you know about Oxford, I can assure you that there is more than you realise about this Oxfordshire town.

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Now, over to you!

Have you been to the Oxford University Museum of Natural History? Let us know in the comments!

Let us know if you are planning to visit Oxford and have travel-related questions!

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73 thoughts on “A Short Guide to Visiting Oxford University Museum of Natural History”

    1. Thank you kindly, Francisco. History can be found in every corner, especially in Oxford’s famous museums, which hold the most culturally significant parts of the City. We were happy to explore the city for a day and see most of them. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. We only had one day to see Oxford, and as it was raining, we decided to hit the museums. We loved seeing the extensive collection of natural history exhibits at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History. It was so easy to see why this museum has earned its reputation as not just one of the finest museums in England but in the world. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  3. A wonderful write-up, Aiva!

    I would love to wander around the exhibits for hours. I visited Oxford a very long time ago, but sadly, never this museum. I did go to the Natural History Museum in London last year and spent most of the day there, but still didn’t see everything! I’m one of those people who reads almost everything. Thanks for sharing and have a great day! Nilla 🙂

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    1. You would love this place!

      I know that museums sometimes can seem dull and stodgy, as unopinionated as their endless rows of artifacts. But that’s never true. They’re never neutral. They’re never dispassionate observers. Creating a museum is hard! Someone had to care a great deal, enough to figure out funding, amass a collection, etc. Figuring out why they cared enough for all this effort can tell you a great deal. They had something to say about what’s important and what’s worth paying attention to. That’s why I always take my time going through a museum, carefully reading each sign, spending an appropriate few seconds in front of each object, too.

      Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Thank you kindly 🙂 There’s nothing better than spending an afternoon in one of Oxford’s many museums. You don’t have to be a history devotee to appreciate the endless array of exciting items on display at a local museum, and the reverent, inviting surroundings help to ensure that your experience is nothing short of magical. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Thank you kindly 🙂 I was enchanted by the city’s blend of ancient and modern buildings, numerous green spaces, and picturesque waterways, which all contributed to its charm. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  6. We have never been to Oxford Aiva, but I would visit these museums just to stare at the beautiful architectural details. That is a striking building both inside and out. I love how they have set up the displays to be both eye catching and informative. Have a wonderful Monday. Allan

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    1. A day trip to Oxford wouldn’t be complete without an educational visit to the museum. Owing to its historical significance and ties to the world-famous university, Oxford is home to a diverse range of museums that explore a variety of subjects, periods, and cultures. We only had a chance to see a handful of them, but I was very impressed, especially by the buildings themselves. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Thank you kindly. Oxford museums offer a unique opportunity to learn about history, art, science, and culture in an engaging way. We enjoyed them at a slow pace and loved being transported to a different world. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Thank you kindly, dear Luisa. From aerial photography to one of the largest collections of British insects to be found anywhere, there is much to discover at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History. Some special exhibits are only open on select days of the week or for special hours, so if there is an exhibit that you are excited to see, verify the hours of operation with museum staff prior to arriving. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  9. We love these two museums too. Every time we are in Oxford, we visit them. There is so much to see that we always find something we haven’t seen before.
    Thanks and cheers
    The Fab Four of Cley
    🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

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    1. I am glad to hear that you enjoy visiting museums, too. Even if you can’t travel to specific locations, museums can bring those places and their history to you. I, for one, see them as a great source of inspiration that can spark curiosity and even foster family bonding. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  10. I have been to Oxford many years ago, but didn’t visit any of the museums. I’d really like to go back, both the museums featured here look exactly as museums should! I do agree though, the collection of skeletons has a slightly eerie air.

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    1. I was very much impressed by the world-class museums and attractions in and around Oxford and how there was so much more to see beyond the iconic colleges. Unfortunately, we only had one day in the city and had to leave some of the attractions for the next time. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  11. I’ve only visited Oxford briefly while visiting the UK years ago: it was already dark when I arrived, and so I couldn’t see much while in town. The Natural History Museum looks really neat, however, and the architecture is stunning! I’ll need to return to Oxford with more time to enjoy it more. Thanks for sharing, Aiva!

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    1. Our visit to Oxford was a fairly brief one, too, Rebecca, plus it was raining for the most part, so we had to alter our travel plans and itinerary for the day. As museums offer a great escape from rainy weather, we were more than happy to visit a good few of them. It is one of the cities I would like to return to one day, as we missed out on the Bodleian Library and the Radcliffe Camera.  Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. There are so many amazing museums worth visiting in Oxford, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Our girls loved every one of them, especially the Oxford University Museum of Natural History. The architecture and atmosphere alone are worth a visit. The layout is perfect, with just the right amount of exhibits and collections on display to keep you engaged without feeling overwhelmed.   Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. I am glad you enjoyed it. The museum is home to famous artefacts such as the world’s first scientifically described dinosaur, Megalosaurus bucklandii, and the world-famous Oxford Dodo, the only soft tissue remains of the extinct species. The museum also holds many free events for the public, from lectures and workshops to family-friendly events and celebrations. And you can even get married here, how cool is that! Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Having a cup of tea at the museum cafe and looking down at the incredible artefacts on display was a sight I will truly never get over, and one I will miss greatly. There are so many museums, art galleries and historic houses to visit in Oxford that you may need a few weeks. We only had a day in the city and had to leave many attractions for the next time. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. If you enjoy visiting museums, then Oxford is the perfect destination. Here, you will find some of the best in the world, including the Ashmolean (Britain’s first public museum and a mecca for art and archaeology lovers), the Natural History Museum, and the History of Science Museum– all of which offer memorable experiences for people of all ages. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  16. What a wonderful guide! You really captured the museum’s unique charm and how it ties into Oxford’s literary history. I especially liked your tip about using Park’s Road and the King’s Head PH to find the museum – super helpful. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Thank you kindly 🙂 Oxford is a wonderful place to visit. It is home to magnificent architecture and history, famous literary figures and unique traditions. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  17. Both museums look and sound interesting–definitely something I would not want to miss if I visit Oxford one day. The Divinity School does remind me of some of Harry Potter movies! It’s really neat that you got to see it in person.

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    1. I loved all the museums, especially the Pitt Rivers Museum. It was an incredible experience to see its extraordinary collection of anthropological and archaeological artefacts from around the world. The museum’s unique layout, with its dense displays and cabinets filled with objects, offers an immersive experience that feels like stepping into a different world. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. As it was raining, we did exactly that – we spent hours taking everything in. This Gothic Revival building is not only architecturally stunning but also home to a fascinating collection of natural history specimens. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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        1. Yes, the Natural History Museum in Dublin is also a nice place to visit, as the building itself is beautiful and is filled with displays of skeletons and taxidermy. Given that very little has changed in the years since it opened, it is often described as a “museum of a museum.”

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    1. The Oxford University Museum of Natural History displays many of the University of Oxford’s natural history specimens, and we loved seeing them all.  Its architecture, particularly the glass roof and ornate details, is especially stunning, and the museum’s exhibits, including dinosaur skeletons and diverse collections, are fun and educational. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. I can understand that, Hannah, because our hometowns often hold strong emotional significance, with feelings of belonging, familiarity, and nostalgia influencing perceptions and behaviours. Cambridge and Oxford have been in a centuries-long competition as England’s top two universities, and I’ve always felt that, if possible, you need to see both, although I find that  Oxford can keep you busy sightseeing for a longer time and has plenty of good hotels, so it’s worth a longer stay.  I think it would be a good idea for those who are planning to travel outside of London to pay a visit to both the world-famous university cities in one trip. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. I was delighted to find out that Oxford showcased a variety of architectural styles from medieval to neoclassical, as well as many incredible museums and galleries. The city’s atmosphere, particularly with its student population and scholarly heritage, contributes to its unique appeal.  Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. We were excited to see the display of crustaceans too, as I find them to be beautiful, especially when considering their diverse forms, vibrant colours, and unique adaptations. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. I am glad you enjoyed the museum; there are so many interesting things to see and do. Oxford is a fantastic destination for Harry Potter fans. Many scenes from the Harry Potter movies were filmed there, and the city’s historic architecture and colleges served as inspiration for Hogwarts. Visitors can explore locations like the Bodleian Library, New College, and Christ Church College, which feature prominently in the films. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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  24. I enjoy visiting museums and is always happy to be introduced to new museums. Thank you for showing me what the Oxford University Museum looks like. I love that they have a working beehive – it’s something we also saw in East London’s Museum here in South Africa. And how beautiful is that Gothic inspired Divinity School – wow!

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    1. I am glad to hear that you love visiting museums, too, Corna. Seeing a working beehive was a highlight of our visit to the museum. Not only because Valters’ dad was a beekeeper, but also because it provides a unique opportunity for visitors to observe the fascinating world of honeybees and learn about their social structure, behaviour, and importance to the ecosystem. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. It would be amazing to sit in on a class at either institution because one of the best parts of the Oxford or Cambridge experience is the close interaction you get to have with some of the most prominent and respected scholars of our time. And not to mention the fact that both cities offer an engrossing and stimulating environment, which would undoubtedly enchant many of the students. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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        1. Here’s what I managed to find after my little web research: to attend an Oxford University lecture as a non-student, you’ll generally need to contact the lecturer or the department hosting the lecture and request permission to attend as a visitor or to audit the course. 

          While lectures are primarily for enrolled students, some exceptions are made for visitors, prospective students, or those with a genuine academic interest in the subject. 

          So, all you have to do is find the lecture you’re interested in, noting the department and the lecturer, and then check the Oxford University website or department websites for timetables and event listings. 

          Then you just have to do the following:

          • Email the lecturer or the department administrator to explain your interest in attending the lecture. 
          • Mention your background and why you’d like to attend. 
          • Be prepared to explain that you understand lectures are primarily for enrolled students and that you’re seeking special permission. 

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          1. Thank you so much for the helpful information. I wonder if I could see these lectures online as well to save the expense of a UK trip?

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    1. Thank you kindly, dear Rebecca. We had a wonderful time visiting the Oxford University Museum of Natural History and exploring Oxford city. The museum is an incredible place because around every corner, there is something fascinating to see. It is definitely a museum worth visiting. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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        1. We must have missed it, but I know that he is presenting a new immersive experience, “Our Story With David Attenborough,” at the Natural History Museum in London, which opened on June 19. That would be one amazing story of people and planet that anyone could immerse themselves in.

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    1. Thank you kindly, Jo. The Oxford University Museum is housed in a stunning Gothic building and features amazing dinosaur skeletons, minerals and other exhibits. It is a really great museum, fantastic for both adults and children. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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    1. Thank you kindly 🙂

      I love beautiful architecture, too, and once I saw how incredibly stunning the Oxford University Museum of Natural History is, I had to see it in person.

      I loved how the museum reflects the ideas of John Ruskin, who believed that architecture should be inspired by nature, and it can be seen in carvings and decorations, including leaves, branches, and animals, reflecting the Pre-Raphaelite movement’s emphasis on naturalism.

      Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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