A new exhibition celebrating Oxford’s music history is set to open this weekend at the Museum of Oxford.
The Sounds of the City exhibition and events programme will take visitors on a musical journey of Oxford’s music scene and its enduring impact on both the local and worldwide stages.
The exhibition, which is on display at the Museum of Oxford in the Oxford Town Hall, will open on Saturday 11 July 2026 until 13 March 2027.
About the exhibition
From indie rock to electronic, folk to reggae, and classical to punk, Oxford was home to a vibrant grassroots music scene in the 90s. The spirit of this multi-genre scene has had an enduring impact on both local and worldwide stages.
Sounds of the City is an exhibition of objects, memorabilia, and stories celebrating Oxford’s music scene. The exhibition highlights iconic bands, gigs, grassroots venues, festivals, and record labels that all energetically shaped Oxford’s sound.
Marking 30 years since BBC Radio 1 Sound City Oxford in 1997, the exhibition revisits pivotal moments in the city’s musical journey – from Ride’s breakout as ‘shoegaze’ progenitors, to Supergrass’ seminal album I Should Coco in 1995, and to Radiohead’s epic hometown show in South Park in July 2001.
These foundations have also inspired new talent, with Stornoway, Foals, and Glass Animals emerging from this scene. Well-loved events like Cowley Road Carnival and Reggae Christmas have fuelled vibrancy into the community for over 20 years.
Sounds of the City also tells the stories of local grassroots music venues, and highlights a broader story about Oxford’s multi-genre music scene in the 90s and beyond.
Exhibition events
A programme of events will run alongside the exhibition, with intimate live music performances, lunchtime talks, walking tours, film screenings, and museum lates.
The Sounds of the City project will also engage local young people through a series of creative workshops with Oxford-based artists and music makers.
The exhibition, youth engagement project, and events programme have been funded by Arts Council England.
More information about the events programme will be published on the Museum of Oxford website and social media in the coming weeks.
About the Museum of Oxford
The Museum of Oxford is the only museum all about Oxford and tells the story of Oxford and its people through an exciting range of social history objects alongside interactive displays across two galleries. From football to fairgrounds, marmalade to Morris Motors, patron saints to pubs, barges, bones, and all types of quirky customs.
Inside the Museum’s two galleries, visitors can find collection items, video, audio, and interactive displays, and special exhibitions that uncover what makes Oxford such a special place to live, work and study.
Storytelling, collaboration and community practice underpin its work across exhibitions, learning, outreach and public programmes.
The Museum also hosts a lively programme of regular events, including gallery tours, talks, city walking tours, family activities, late-night openings, and more.
Comment
“Oxford has always had a rich and vibrant soundtrack and is proud to be the home to so many iconic bands throughout history. From Supergrass’s ‘Alright’, to Radiohead’s ‘Karma Police’, through Ride, Foals and the upbeat grooves of Glass Animals, I would be surprised to find someone who didn’t have an Oxford band on their playlist. This exhibition brings all these fantastic sounds together, celebrating how music has shaped our city’s identity and continues to inspire new generations. If you are interested in learning more about the history of Oxford’s music scene, then come along when the exhibition opens this weekend.
“I for one will be reminding myself of the many great local bands that I have seen and noting down bands to check out. Come and see the exhibition – and then go and see a band. It’s so important that we also continue to support live music in the city.”
Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council and and Cabinet Member for Partnership Working, Inclusive Economic Growth and Culture
