The first time I stepped into the central court in Oxford’s Museum of Natural History, I stopped beneath the glass roof and simply stared upwards. Cast-iron columns decorated with botanical designs soar to meet the vaulted glass ceiling, flooding the Victorian Gothic space with natural light.
Two dinosaur skeletons dominate the room. The Oxford Dodo — the only soft tissue remains of the extinct bird — sits in a display case nearby.
The museum opened in 1860, and within a year hosted the famous debate between Bishop Wilberforce and Thomas Huxley over Darwin’s Origin of Species. You can feel that history in the stone columns, each carved from a different British geological specimen.
Quick overview
Oxford University Museum of Natural History admission is free. No advance booking required for individual visitors.
The museum opens Monday-Sunday 10am-5pm, with last admission at 4:45pm. Group bookings (10+ people) must be arranged in advance and cannot visit on Saturdays.
At a glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | Free |
| Opening hours | Mon-Sun 10am-5pm; last admission 4:45pm |
| Address | Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PW |
| Free for | Everyone |
| Last entry | 4:45pm |
How much does the Museum of Natural History cost?
Nothing. Entry is completely free.
The museum welcomes donations to support conservation, research, and educational programmes. As part of Oxford University, public funding and donations sustain its work.
Is the Museum of Natural History free to enter?
Yes, entirely free for everyone. No tickets, no booking, no charges.
Walk in during opening hours and explore at your leisure. The Pitt Rivers Museum adjoins this building — you can visit both in one trip. Together, they’re part of what makes Oxford one of the best universities in the world for visitors.
What time does the Museum of Natural History open?
The Museum of Natural History opens at 10am daily, closing at 5pm. Last admission is 4:45pm.
These hours apply Monday through Sunday year-round. The museum closes December 24, 25, and 26.
These opening hours and entry prices were checked and verified in January 2026.
Do I need to book Museum of Natural History tickets in advance?
No for individual visitors. Simply turn up during opening hours.
Groups of 10 or more must book ahead. Ring 01865 272 950 or email [email protected].
Groups cannot visit on Saturdays.
History
Regius Professor of Medicine Sir Henry Acland initiated construction between 1855 and 1860. The university’s science teaching and specimens were scattered across Oxford colleges.
Acland campaigned for a centralized facility. In 1853, four acres at the south end of University Parks were purchased from Merton College.
Thirty-two architectural designs were submitted in open competition. The neo-Gothic design by Irish architects Deane and Woodward won.
Benjamin Woodward, influenced heavily by art critic John Ruskin, designed the building. Ruskin believed architecture should reflect natural world energies.
Construction used funding from Bible sales. The building opened officially in 1860, though some departments occupied spaces from 1858.
The central court features cast-iron columns supporting the glass roof. Each stone column around the arcades represents a different British geological specimen, selected by John Phillips.
Irish stone carvers O’Shea and Whelan created elaborate Gothic carvings. When funding dried up, they offered to work unpaid but were accused of defacing the building.
Legend claims they carved parrots and owls over the entrance mocking University Convocation members who dismissed them. These unfinished carvings remain visible.
In June 1860, the museum hosted the British Association for the Advancement of Science meeting. The debate between Bishop Samuel Wilberforce and Thomas Huxley over Darwin’s theories became legendary.
Originally ten science departments occupied the building. As departments grew, they relocated to surrounding buildings along South Parks Road.
What to see and do
The central court showcases dinosaur skeletons including Megalosaurus bucklandii — the world’s first scientifically described dinosaur. This predator roamed Oxfordshire 166 million years ago.
The Oxford Dodo is the museum’s most famous specimen. Only the head and foot survive — the only soft tissue remains of this extinct bird anywhere.
Statues of great scientists line the court. Aristotle, Galileo, Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, and Linnaeus stand alongside Dorothy Hodgkin — the first statue added in over 100 years.
The Life, As We Know It exhibition opened in 2022. This major redisplay explores biodiversity, evolution, and conservation challenges.
Collections span geology, mineralogy, zoology, and entomology. Specimens acquired by John Tradescant the Elder, William Burchell, and William Buckland form core holdings.
Free audio guides are available in nine languages. Download via QR codes throughout the museum.
The architecture itself deserves attention. Stone columns feature carved capitals depicting plants brought from Oxford Botanic Garden for stonemasons to work from life.
Cast-iron roof supports incorporate wrought-iron botanical decoration. Pre-Raphaelite artistic vision meets scientific purpose throughout.
The café serves food and drinks. Eating is permitted only in the café area and on the front lawn.
Allow 1-2 hours minimum. Enthusiasts combining visits with adjacent Pitt Rivers Museum need 3-4 hours.
What’s included with your ticket?
- Free access to all permanent galleries and displays
- The world’s first scientifically described dinosaur (Megalosaurus)
- The Oxford Dodo—only soft tissue remains of extinct dodos
- Life, As We Know It biodiversity exhibition
- Victorian neo-Gothic architecture and cast-iron court
- Free multilingual audio guides
- Entry to Pitt Rivers Museum through connecting door
Things to do near the Museum of Natural History
Pitt Rivers Museum (immediate vicinity, 1-minute walk) – Enter through the Museum of Natural History’s rear door. This extraordinary anthropological collection displays 500,000 objects in Victorian cases arranged by type rather than culture. Dimly lit and wonderfully overwhelming. Entry free. Allow 1.5-2 hours.
Ashmolean Museum (800m, 10-minute walk) – Britain’s oldest public museum spans 500,000 years of art and archaeology. Egyptian collections, Renaissance paintings, and the world’s largest Raphael drawings assemblage. Entry free, special exhibitions charge separately. Plan 2-3 hours.
Bodleian Library and Radcliffe Camera (600m, 8-minute walk) – Britain’s second-largest library occupies stunning historic buildings. The circular Radcliffe Camera is Oxford’s most photographed landmark. Guided tours (£9-18) include medieval Duke Humfrey’s library. Book ahead. Allow 1-1.5 hours.
Oxford Botanic Garden (1.2km, 15-minute walk) – Britain’s oldest botanic garden, founded 1621. Over 5,000 plant species across walled gardens and glasshouses. The 1632 Danby Gateway entrance is architectural treasure. Entry around £6.50. Plan 1-1.5 hours.
University Church of St Mary the Virgin (900m, 11-minute walk) – Climb 127 steps up the 13th-century tower for panoramic city views. The vaulted ceiling café serves excellent cakes. Entry £5 for tower access. Church free. Allow 45 minutes-1 hour.
Practical tips
- Entry via the Pitt Rivers requires walking through Natural History Museum first
- No eating or drinking in galleries except bottled water — this protects specimens from pest insects
- Oxford congestion charge (£5) applies to cars entering city — use Park and Ride instead
- Nearest bus stops: Keble Road (routes 500, 14, 14A from station)
- Photography welcome for personal use — no flash, no tripods without permission
- Drawing encouraged — only graphite pencils permitted (other materials pose conservation risks)
- No cloakroom facilities — keep belongings with you
- Wheelchair accessible — use accessible entrance at ///jolly.locked.lived (what3words)
- Children under 11 must be accompanied; ages 11-13 need companion aged 11+
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring my pet?
No. Passenger insects on animals threaten taxidermy specimens. Assistance animals are welcome—they must wear identifying harness or jacket and stay on leads.
Why can’t I eat in the galleries?
Food traces attract insect pests that damage specimens. The museum uses Integrated Pest Management to protect collections. Please use the café area or front lawn.
Is there parking?
No parking at the museum except limited blue-badge spaces (pre-book on 01865 272 950). Use Park and Ride services or pay-and-display on Mansfield Road, Keble Road, or Blackhall Road.
How long should I visit for?
Allow 1-2 hours for Natural History Museum highlights. Budget 3-4 hours if combining with adjacent Pitt Rivers Museum.
