Explore the ‘uncomfortable’ side of the Ashmolean Museum on a guided tour. This tour highlights the contentious histories inherent in museum spaces, bringing forward discussions about colonial origins, object transferal networks, and requests for repatriation. It encourages critical thinking and engagement with the Ashmolean Museum and its collections. The tour has been developed in collaboration with the Ashmolean Museum staff and curators.

Through the questioning of labels, displays, and exhibits, this tour asks participants: 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 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

Tour is recommended for children aged 12 years and older.

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.

• All tours are wheelchair accessible, but please note some mildly uneven pavement and crowding in the city centre, especially on weekends.
• Service animals are welcome on all tours.
• Caregivers and accessibility aids are welcome to attend tours for free, with no need to register.
• The total distance walked during each tour is less than one mile. Each tour includes moments for sitting/leaning against walls, and toilets are available at certain points along the routes.
• We do not usually use amplifying audio equipment, but can arrange to do this upon request and with advance notice. Please inform your guide if any visual or hearing accommodations are needed and they will keep this in mind throughout the tour.

Please let us know of any accessibility requirements when you book.

Read our full accessibility policy.

This is our cancellation policy.