Explore the ‘uncomfortable’ side of the Ashmolean Museum on a guided tour.

This tour of the Ashmolean museum highlights the contentious histories inherent in museum spaces, bringing forward discussions about colonial origins, object transferal networks, and requests for repatriation. Led by a current researcher, you will learn about the unique history of the museum and its collections, while critically engaging with its displays.

Delving into the intricate layers of history behind the Ashmolean exhibits, your guide will provide insight into the imperial connections that led to the development of the first public museum in England, while discussing the inherent difficulties of representation within museum spaces.

Through the questioning of labels, displays, and exhibits, this tour asks: What is the purpose of a museum?

All our tours are led by university researchers who have completed our official Uncomfortable Oxford training programme. Our certified guides combine expert knowledge and performance, ensuring each tour is a fun and educational experience.

Tour is recommended for children aged 12 years and older.

1. Greek and Roman Sculpture Gallery
2. Gallery 2 (Ashmolean Story Gallery)
3. Gallery 5 (Textiles)
4. Casts Gallery
5. Gallery 19 (Ancient Middle East – The Sarikhani Gallery)
6. Life and Death in Ancient Egypt Gallery

This tour was developed in collaboration with the Ashmolean Museum and its curators.

We believe in promoting equality and ensuring that all our services are fair and sensitive to the needs of all participants. Our guides undertake rigorous accessibility training and are ready to adapt content and itineraries as needed to accommodate participants of all abilities.

• The museum is wheelchair accessible.
• Working service animals are welcome in the museum.
• Caregivers and accessibility aids may attend tours for free, with no need to register.
• The total distance walked is less than one mile, but please feel free to step away to sit down if needed.
• Toilets are available inside the museum.
• Please inform your guide if any visual or hearing accommodations are needed and they will keep this in mind throughout the tour.

Read our full accessibility policy.

Tour tickets may be cancelled up to 24 hours before the start time of the tour.

Private bookings may be cancelled or rescheduled up to three days before the scheduled start time of the tour.