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Museum looks to the future

Released on 8 Nov 2005

Oxford City Council's Executive Board has agreed that The Museum of Oxford should remain open.

It is also hoped that it can be found a new and more accessible home as part of the Town Hall renovations.

The museum, which is in its 30th year, is the only museum in Oxford to tell the story of Oxford's people.

Councillor Mary Clarkson, Executive Member for Culture, says: "There are over 1000 years of Oxford's history in the Museum and we want it to continue be a respected learning service for schools, families, foreign students and tourists.

"It is a valued resource for the local community and an essential starting point for any visitor to the City."

The Executive Board have recommended that the Museum put in place a three year plan to increase income and reduce costs which will demonstrate a continuous reduction in cost while the Town Hall renovations are developed and tested.

Councillor Clarkson, adds: "The Museum will also develop longer term plans to look at new locations which are more accessible. It will also seek to develop partnerships with other organisations in Oxford.

"There is a predicted growth of educational visits and total visitor numbers in this financial year and we hope that that will continue."

The museum first opened its doors in 1975 and is dedicated to the history of the City and University.

The Museum offers artefacts that were excavated in the City and the City's outstanding collections of documents, plate and arms from Medieval, Early Modern and Civil war times.

There is the University history, 19th and 20th-century photographs, trade, industry and technology collections and period interiors from various parts of the City.

The Museum of Oxford is located in the Town Hall, St Aldates, on the corner of Blue Boar Street.

It is open Tuesday - Friday 10am - 4.30pm, Saturday 10 - 5pm and Sunday 12pm - 4pm.

For more details call the Museum on 01865 252761, email museum@oxford.gov.uk or visit www.oxford.gov.uk/museum.

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