IF Oxford: (Un)Natural History Museum Tour

Join us in questioning what is 'natural' on a unique tour of the Oxford University Museum of Natural History

Join us for a unique tour of the Natural History Museum in Oxford. The term 'Natural History' might lead us to believe that the collections and research at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History are scientifically objective and culturally removed. This museum tour will challenge your understanding of science and scientific knowledge as we walk you through the main exhibits on a unique guided tour. The museum hosts a number of natural specimens gathered from a variety of contexts and preserved with a specific purpose.

On this tour, your guide will question the way we understand nature, highlighting unseen biases and the influence of human perspectives on collecting practice and display. By flipping the lens from a 'natural' approach to an 'unnatural' construction, we explore the historical and ideological underpinnings of natural history museums, revealing a narrative shaped by human influence, social norms, and selective choice.

Meet your guide outside the main entrance to the museum.

Please note that the tour length sometimes runs over depending on group engagement. This tour was developed in collaboration with curators and staff at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

This tour is offered as part of IF Oxford Festival of Science and Ideas 2025, an independent UK charity (Charity number 1151361) that works with hundreds of organisations and groups to capture interest in ‘science and ideas’ topics through educational projects and its quality annual Festival in October.

IF Oxford uses Pay What You Decide (PWYD) ticketing, which means you can choose to pay whatever you want — or can afford. You can make your donation during booking, at the event, or afterwards.A suggested contribution per person, per event will help secure the future of the Festival and support its continued success:

• Community donation – £5
• Standard donation – £10
• Supporter donation – £20
• Generous supporter donation – £30

All ticket options offer the same access. Please choose the amount that feels right for you.

Please Note: This ticket is considered a donation in support of the Festival and is therefore non-refundable. 

IF Oxford is run by The Oxfordshire Science Festival (charity #1151361), and your donation may be eligible for Gift Aid, allowing the charity to claim an extra 25% of your donation at no extra cost to you. Gift Aid forms can be downloaded from www.if-oxford.com/donate.The Festival reserves the right to modify event formats and manage audience attendance in line with our Attendance Policy.

Age Restrictions: Attendees under 18 years of age must be accompanyed by an Adult.

ACCESSIBLITY:

• The museum is wheelchair accessible, but please note some crowding when busy.
• Working service animals are welcome inside the museum.
• Caregivers and accessibility aids are welcome to attend tours for free, with no need to register. We ask that they let us know in advance.
• Toilets are available at the museum, as well as storage lockers.

We cannot use amplifying audio equipment inside the museum, but please inform your guide if any visual or hearing accommodations are required and they will keep this in mind throughout the tour. All our guides receive accessibility training and are prepared to make accommodations as needed.

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