Museum of Natural History homepage

Interior shot of court of iron architecture and glass roof, hosing glass showcases and dinosaur skeletons

WELCOME TO OXFORD UNIVERSITY MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

The Museum is now open again and we look forward to seeing you.
Book free tickets and plan your visit on the 'Visit us' page.

Oxford University Museum of Natural History holds an internationally-significant collection of natural history specimens and archives in a stunning example of neo-Gothic architecture. It is home to a lively programme of research, teaching and events focused on the sciences of the natural environment.

Museum staff with children looking at specimens on a table in the Museum

Find out more and apply

Natural Science and Heritage Scheme

Are you a young person looking to get involved with museum events? In August, we will launch the Natural Science and Heritage scheme, a 4-week paid opportunity for Year 12 and 13 students from Oxfordshire state schools.

A glowing particle sphere etched in glass against a dark background

Angela Palmer – '2020: The Sphere that Changed the World'

Special exhibition: 18 May – 17 September 2021

Powerful and beautiful artwork created as the coronavirus pandemic began to grip the world. Angela Palmer's two ethereal sculptures are three-dimensional ‘drawings’ of the virus that causes COVID-19, etched into illuminated sheets of glass.

Please note the installation will be closed 4–5.30pm on Friday 18 June.

Read the Diary

Swifts Diary

The colony of swifts that nests in the Museum tower has been the subject of a research study since May 1948. Follow the Swifts Diary to find out how they are faring this year.

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Shout Out for Women in Science

2018 was the 100th anniversary of the Representation of the People Act, which enabled all men and some women over the age of 30 to vote for the first time. To mark this success in women’s rights, Museum staff members have chosen and written about a number of notable women that they find inspiring and have shaped science throughout history. Read the profiles of some of the most extraordinary female scientists, written by our Exhibitions Officers.

Image showing an insect from the OUMNH collection being placed in a collections case

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Support our fundraising campaign

Find out more about why we are fundraising to protect and share our British Insect collection of 1 million+ specimens as part of the HOPE for the Future project, and how you can help. Our unique British Insect Collection includes butterflies, beetles, bees, flies, fleas and more! This page tells you more about our fundraising goals of conservation, public engagement, and the restoration of the Museum's Westwood Room.

Read the blog

Crunchy on the Outside

Crunchy on the outside: a blog for young entomologists from the Oxford University Museum of Natural History. Our team will be sharing news about insects and the natural world, people who work with insects and help to protect them, the work behind the scenes at the Museum, and new things for you to make and do.

Collections highlights

Discover some of the most important specimens and displays in the Museum, chosen by our collections managers.

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Collections Online

Search half a million records from the Museum’s specimen, object and archive collections.

Watch video podcasts

Temple of Science

A new series celebrating the Museum's unique fusion of architecture, science and art.

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Museum stories

Delve into stories from the past seven years of the Museum's activities on our More than a Dodo blog, with new articles added regularly.

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Learning Zone

Our Learning Zone provides interactive games and tests based around the core national curriculum. Perfect for primary schools.

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First Animals

The online version of our most recent First Animals exhibtion which tells the story of how animal life first evolved in the oceans over half a billion years ago. Please note that the gallery exhibition is now closed.

Past exhibitions

Microsites for our previous temporary exhibitions, featuring videos and interactives on subjects including the brain, bacteria, and genetics and migration.