Trip Planner:   Europe  /  UK  /  England  /  Oxfordshire  /  Oxford  /  Oxford University Museum of Natural History

Oxford University Museum of Natural History, Oxford

4.8
#3 of 12 in Museums in Oxford
Natural History Museum · Hidden Gem · Museum
Create an itinerary including Oxford University Museum of Natural History
Those who know it best call Oxford University Museum of Natural History the world’s “Cathedral to Science.” From the most complete remains of the extinct dodo to exacting replicas of early humans, the museum works to share the best examples of geology, mineralogy, zoology, and entomology—or rocks, minerals, animals, and bugs to the thousands, especially children, who visit. The building itself is a fine example of neo-Gothic architecture and is the site of the famous first demonstration of the wireless telegraph in 1894. Have a natural object you can’t quite identify? Bring it along and ask one of the many on-hand curators to help solve the mystery. Make Oxford University Museum of Natural History a part of your Oxford vacation plans using our Oxford online journey maker.
Create a full itinerary - for free!

Oxford University Museum of Natural History reviews

Rate this attraction
TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
2,470 reviews
Google
4.8
TripAdvisor
  • Came due to it being a rain day didn't know what to expect been to the London and Edinburgh one and this place didn't dissapoint has a great time so many things to look at definitely come again when.....  more
    Came due to it being a rain day didn't know what to expect been to the London and Edinburgh one and this place didn't dissapoint has a great time so many things to look at definitely come again when.....  more »
  • Had a great time at the Oxford Natural History Museum. Love all the taxidermy and had a nice brownie at the horse box cafe afterwards. My favourite specimen was the otter. 
    Had a great time at the Oxford Natural History Museum. Love all the taxidermy and had a nice brownie at the horse box cafe afterwards. My favourite specimen was the otter.  more »
Google
  • Being a museum worker myself I do enjoy visiting other museums. This one is particularly stunning with its high, green house style ceiling in the main hall. You could spend hours in just this room alone. There is a lovely cafe that overlooks the main hall from up high, a great location for a cafe. You can see a lot more detail in the ceiling from there so don't miss that opportunity to take some snaps. They have some truly stunning items in this museum, one of my fave places is a very small darkened room where they show off some gem stones under a black light. Their T-Rex takes pride of place in the main hall and does not disappoint. I think my favourite area though was the Pitt Rivers Museum, which is inside the museum of natural history. In there you will find some of the most interesting, weird, wacky and fascinating items. Do not miss that area! I would point out that due to building works we ended up walking around for some time, looking for the entrance which for some reason is not signed posted anywhere. If you go onto their website and look at a map they have provided, (my visit was planned by a friend who knew the area so I hadn't thought to go and look myself) you will find it much easier to get to the entrance.
  • Brilliant! Don't miss out! The museum has a really wide range of exhibits. It's great if you have a dinosaur lover with you. We did and she had a fantastic time. The museum is a great day out and well worth your time!

Plan your trip to Oxford

  • Get a personalized trip
    A full day by day itinerary based on your preferences
  • Customize it
    Refine your trip. We'll find the
    best routes and schedules
  • Book it
    Choose from the best hotels and activities. Up to 50% off
  • Manage it
    Everything in one place. Everyone on the same page.