City Guide

Museums, art galleries and exhibitions in Oxford

Looking for museums and art galleries in Oxford?

See why the University of Oxford’s art and archaeology collections are among the most famous in the world at the Ashmolean Museum, and discover Oxfordshire’s modern art galleries and country homes.

Start planning the perfect day in Oxford by finding the right museum for you.

Popular Oxford exhibitions

Visit these exhibitions in Oxford with your National Art Pass

01

This Is What You Get: Stanley...

6 August 2025 - 11 January 2026

Ashmolean Museum

02

Blueprints of Power

14 February - 10 April 2026

Blenheim Palace

03

It's not just black and white:...

21 November 2025 - 16 March 2026

Christ Church Picture Gallery

04

Ashmolean Now: Daphne Wright

13 June 2025 - 8 February 2026

Ashmolean Museum

See all exhibitions

Upcoming events

Make, play and learn at events in Oxford

Fairytales for Grown-Ups: The...

The Crick Crack Club presents Fairytales for Grown-ups: The Mighty Goddess - performance s...

The Story Museum

Suitcase Stories

28 February - 14 March 2026

Get carried away in Emma Boor's luggage of well-loved tales, jam-packed with puppets, musi...

The Story Museum

A Present for Jack

20 - 30 December 2025

A brand-new family musical packed with festive sparkle, magical storytelling, traditional...

The Story Museum

Must-see Oxford museums

Places to visit in Oxford with your National Art Pass

See all museums

Museum of Oxford

Central Southern

Modern Art Oxford

Central Southern

Christ Church Picture Gallery

Central Southern

Oxford University Museum of Na...

Central Southern

Aston Martin Museum

Central Southern

Ashmolean Museum

Central Southern

Abingdon County Hall Museum

Central Southern

Bodleian Library

Central Southern

See all museums

Get inspired

Recommendations for your next day out

See all features

Recommendations

On the hunt for surprising objects in the nation’s museums and galleries

The UK's museums and galleries are home to a host of surprising artefacts. Travel writer Georgina Wilson-Powell explores some of the more unusual...

Recommendations

Find artful gifts for friends and family at these fabulous museum shops

From stocking fillers to handmade Christmas decorations, discover unique gifts at these museum shops and get discounts with an Art Pass.

Recommendations

Explore animals and nature at these museums and galleries

Celebrate Earth Day by exploring animals and nature at these museums, galleries and historic houses across the UK.

Beattie Edmondson at the Ashmo...

Actress and writer Beattie Edmondson takes her sister Freya to the Ashmolean Museum in Oxf...

Ashmolean Museum

Recommendations

Read the room: Five great libraries to explore

From one of the largest libraries in the world to one of the most famous, we highlight five reading rooms that will keep bookworms happy for hours.

Recommendations

An insider's guide to Oxford

Charles MacPherson unlocks an alternative side to Oxford with a Student Art Pass, and finds a city dancing to a different beat.

Recommendations

Explore the most iconic museums the UK has to offer

Whether you love cutting-edge art, classical painting or artefacts from around the world, you’ll be able to see all your favourite things at these...

Recommendations

Our guide to day trips from London

The ultimate guide to cultural day trips from London – all around an hour away by train.

Recommendations

The exhibitions you must see in 2025

Discover some of the biggest exhibitions opening in 2025.

Recommendations

Play more: Family-friendly museums for kids

From enchanted libraries to adorable farm animals, museums have so much to offer for curious young minds.

Discover the museums putting children front and centre

As Young V&A prepares to re-open, David Trigg explores how giving young people agency as co-creators of museum experiences is essential.

Ruth Asawa: A fully engaged creative life

Ruth Asawa folded all experiences – from family to a love of natural forms and a belief in the power of art education – into her unique sculptural...

Recommendations

Teachers: fill your half term with art

Discover fantastic museums and galleries with your Teacher Art Pass over the October half term.

Recommendations

Where to see Barbara Hepworth’s art

Here’s where you can find Barbara Hepworth’s iconic sculptures, prints and more in museums and galleries across the UK.

See all features