Ashmolean Museum Tour - by Uncomfortable Oxford™

4.9 (9 reviews) Oxford, England
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Duration1h 15m
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 12 travelers

Overview

Explore the ‘uncomfortable’ side of the Ashmolean Museum.

This tour highlights the contentious histories within 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, its collections, and its displays. Delving into the intricate layers of history behind the exhibits, this tour will provide insight into the imperial connections that led to the development of the first public museum in England.

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.

The tour has been developed in collaboration with the Ashmolean Museum staff and curators.

What's included

  • Uncomfortable Oxford™ Trained Guide

What to expect

  1. Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology
    5m
    Take a full guided tour of the Ashmolean Museum with one of our Uncomfortable Oxford™ trained guides. Meet at the Statue Gallery, near the Main Entrance.
  2. Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology
    10m
    We begin our tour in the Ashmoelan Story Gallery, discussing the historical origins of the museum and the legacies of early colonial collecting practices.
  3. Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology
    15m
    In the Cask Gallery, we raise questions about the focus on Greek and Roman culture, enslavement practices, and esthetics in ancient sculpture.
  4. Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology
    15m
    In the Hellenistic World, discuss the ethics of excavations, display, and replicas.
  5. Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology
    15m
    Examine and discuss the display on colonialism and repatriation designed by the museum.
  6. Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology
    15m
    Finish the tour in the Egyptian Galleries, discussing mummies and human remains as display items.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Meet the guide in the Statue Gallery of theAshmolean Museum, just to your left when you enter. Guide will be wearing a blue vest and carrying a tote bag with the Uncomfortable Oxford Logo.

End point

Meet the guide in the Statue Gallery of theAshmolean Museum, just to your left when you enter. Guide will be wearing a blue vest and carrying a tote bag with the Uncomfortable Oxford Logo.

Additional information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.9 (9)
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£70.00 per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
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