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Modern Art Oxford

30 Pembroke Street, Oxford, OX1 1BP, GB

Rating: 4.4 ★ (524 ratings)

Details

Found at 30 Pembroke Street, Modern Art Oxford has been a cornerstone of the city's cultural life since its founding in 1965, establishing itself as the only public institution in Oxford solely dedicated to contemporary visual arts. It showcases cutting-edge exhibitions of international modern and contemporary visual art, having previously featured works from world-renowned artists like Yoko Ono and Marina Abramović. The gallery is known for its bold and progressive artistic programme that promotes diversity and internationalism. For instance, upcoming in 2025, visitors can anticipate a retrospective of artist-activist Barbara Steveni, followed by "Movements for Staying Alive," a participatory exhibition emphasizing motion and embodiment, and later, a major solo exhibition by Hong Kong and New York-based artist Jes Fan. Entrance to the gallery is free, inviting everyone to explore its dynamic offerings.

More than just a space for viewing art, Modern Art Oxford offers an immersive experience, with a mission to foster dialogue between contemporary art, ideas, and society. The recently redesigned café, a work of art in itself created by British artist Emma Hart, provides a vibrant space to enjoy locally sourced food and Lavazza coffee amidst an installation of brightly painted hands and colourful light play. The gallery actively encourages creative participation through workshops, sensory play, and activities for families, including free activity sheets and sensory backpacks. With a commitment to accessibility, the gallery provides features like relaxed opening hours, large print guides, and wheelchair access to all three floors. A visit also offers the chance to browse the gallery shop for unique gifts, art books, and works by independent artisans.

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Location

Opening Hours

Monday: Closed; Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Friday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Sunday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Contact

+44 1865 722733

Comments

Keith Mathe
9 Mar 2026
5.0 ★
Went for the Belkis Ayón show. By far, my most memorable experience in Oxford. Few things beat seeing great art for free :). The place also has an open studio to sit, sketch or just relax.
Andy Reynolds
24 Feb 2026
5.0 ★
Fresh from its 5 month renovation the gallery was looking fabulous. The exhibition was excellent, the cafe looked really attractive and the staff were really positive and enthusiastic.
Paula Terra-Arte
31 Jan 2026
5.0 ★
One of my favourite places to see contemporary art. The exhibitions are always very well curated and somehow surprising, presenting art that deserves more attention, it is on the way up, is well researched, and is socially engaged. I totally love it to bits ❤️
Arfar Choudhury
23 Jan 2026
5.0 ★
Great display and interactive/creative space. Walk through the museum shop to ground floor exhibit showing works based on a group of muslim mothers and children from Oxford - Back to Oneness. Barbara Steveni exhibit on the 1st floor. Steveni helped set up an artists collective that got artists to go and work within commercial and public organisations.
Free entry.
Not very busy.
Anindya Bhattacharyya
16 Jan 2026
5.0 ★
caught the end of this excellent recent exhibition here, a retrospective of the Cuban artist Belkis Ayón, which was absolutely fascinating and told me about a whole load of stuff I had no idea about previously. it's free, a well designed space, and presents high quality modern art in an accessible and inviting manner.

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