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Modern Art Oxford

30 Pembroke Street, Oxford, OX1 1BP, GB

Rating: 4.3 ★ (565 ratings)

Details

Modern Art Oxford is a leading contemporary art gallery in the United Kingdom, renowned for its ambitious and dynamic programming. Housed within a beautifully repurposed 1892 brewery building in the vibrant heart of Oxford city centre, the gallery offers a distinctive cultural experience. It stands out for its constantly evolving programme of temporary exhibitions, fostering an atmosphere that embraces diversity and internationalism, and encourages deep public engagement with modern visual culture.

Visitors can explore a rotating selection of modern and contemporary art from around the globe, with past exhibitions having showcased influential artists such as Yoko Ono, Marina Abramović, and Tracey Emin. The Ground Floor gallery typically offers free entry, and the venue provides a dedicated Studio for creative activities, alongside an artist-designed Café. Additionally, the gallery hosts various live events, curator-led tours, and educational workshops, often including free activity packs for families.

This innovative gallery is ideal for those with an interest in contemporary visual culture, seeking creative inspiration, or simply a moment of thoughtful reflection. It appeals to both local residents and tourists, working well for individual visits, family outings, and anyone keen to explore world-leading modern art in an accessible setting. With its commitment to a changing programme and community engagement, Modern Art Oxford consistently offers fresh perspectives and compelling experiences.

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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

Jen Wu
20 Jun 2026
5.0 ★
Was here to see exhibitions from Olivia Plender and Kira Freije. Both were perfectly arranged with the most suitable space and experience. Would love to revisit for more in the future!
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.
kate charles
20 Feb 2026
2.0 ★
Over the last decade, MAO exhibits are more fasionable and reactive rather than seminal and world-leading. It no longer feels like a transcendent, transportative haven in the heart of the city but rather more like another outlet for current consumable trends. I miss what the old MAO used to achieve.It felt more profound and precious. Also, why doesn't it have a little library where you can borrow expensive arts books, and even a little area with sofas to browse and perhaps an art book club!!
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.
Lucar
19 Nov 2025
1.0 ★
Not sure why I would donate for 1 free art piece. All the writing says donate to keep exhibitions free but all galleries are paid entry minus the lobby I posted a pic of.
Joanna x
20 Aug 2023
5.0 ★
Love this gallery! I came to this gallery almost two weeks ago (08/08/23) 📸🖼️🖌️ to look at the latest exhibition and the creative space/mini sensory room in the creative space! It looks amazing and the current exhibition looks awesome aswell, I always try and come to the gallery whenever I'm in Oxford as I do love my art 🖌️ and seeing that exhibition made me very happy boundary encounters it is really good!! 🫶🏻

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