Uncomfortable Ashmolean Museum Tour

Explore the 'uncomfortable' side of the Ashmolean Museum on a guided tour

This tour highlights the contentious histories inherent in museum spaces, bringing forward discussions about colonial origins, object transferal networks, and requests for repatriation. It encourages critical thinking and engagement with the Ashmolean Museum, its collections, and its displays. Delving into the intricate layers of history behind the exhibits, this museum tour will provide insight into the imperial connections that led to the development of the first public museum in England, while discussing the inherent difficulties of representation within museum spaces.

Through the questioning of labels, displays, and exhibits, this tour asks participants: What is the purpose of a museum?

All our tours are led by university researchers who have completed our official Uncomfortable Oxford training programme. Our guides combine expert knowledge and performance, ensuring each tour is a fun and educational experience.

Tour is recommended for children aged 12 years and older.

TOUR ITINERARY:

1. Greek and Roman Sculpture Gallery

2. Gallery 2 (Ashmolean Story Gallery)

3. Gallery 5 (Textiles)

4. Casts Gallery

5. Gallery 19 (Ancient Middle East – The Sarikhani Gallery)

6. Life and Death in Ancient Egypt Gallery

The tour has been developed in collaboration with the Ashmolean Museum staff and curators.

ACCESSIBLITY:

• The museum is wheelch, 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.
• 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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