Pitt Rivers Museum
South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PP, GB
Rating: 4.7 ★ (3103 ratings)
Details
Accessed through the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, after passing by dinosaurs, the arched doorway of the Pitt Rivers Museum on South Parks Road leads to an astonishing collection of seven hundred thousand objects, photographs, and manuscripts. Founded in 1884 with General Augustus Pitt Rivers' donation, this free-to-enter museum captivates with its unique typological arrangement: instead of ordering artefacts by geography or date, objects are grouped by use. This means you'll find musical instruments, weaponry, or tools from vastly different societies displayed side-by-side, offering fascinating cross-cultural comparisons of human ingenuity. The dimly lit, historic galleries with their original wooden display cabinets are densely packed, creating an immersive atmosphere often likened to an exotic flea market.
One unmissable highlight is the towering 11.36-metre Haida totem pole from British Columbia. While the famous shrunken heads (tsantsa) are no longer on general display due to ethical considerations, their legacy contributes to the museum's intriguing reputation. The collections are constantly evolving with ongoing research and new acquisitions, ensuring there's always something fresh to discover. A vibrant programme of special exhibitions, such as "Hawai'i: Ma uka to Ma kai" (running until June 2025), talks, and family-friendly events further enriches each visit, making it a continued exploration of human culture. This distinctive approach and the sheer density of items, from everyday tools to objects of ritual significance, solidify its status as a world-leading anthropological museum.
Location
Opening Hours
Monday: 12:00 – 5:00 PM; Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Contact
+44 1865 613000
Comments
While entry is free, a donation (either cash or contactless) is totally justified by the vast amount of items they have for you to see.
There is a gift shop, cafe, toilets and baby changing facilities. Even though the museum is spread over several floors, access for pushchairs and wheelchairs also seemed good as there are lifts throughout the museum.
If you are interested in evolution, animals and the history of human progress this museum is a must!!
Its natural history section is spacious and ideal for children and families, contained on one floor. The ethnographic section is contained within multiple levels.
As an avid arms and armour history buff, this is one of the most underrated museums. I don't hear many in the community talk about it, but this place has easily the best collection of ethnographic weaponry I have ever seen.
The best part is it's free. Its really worth the 5 pound recommended donation and more.
Love the Totem Poles, geological time exhibits and how weapons have evolved.
Of the Ashmoleum and Pitt Rivers, the later is the better.
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