Ashmolean Museum Tour - by Uncomfortable Oxford™

4.9 (9 reviews) 1 h 15 min Free cancellation

out of 5

9 reviews

4.9

Ashmolean Museum Tour - by Uncomfortable Oxford™ — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Ashmolean Museum Tour - by Uncomfortable Oxford™, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Explore the ‘uncomfortable’ side of the Ashmolean Museum.

This tour highlights the contentious histories within 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 tour will provide insight into the imperial connections that led to the development of the first public museum in England.

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.

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

Private and Luxury Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Small Group Short term availability Weather Dependent - Low Agent Low Quality Product

At a glance

Duration: 1 h 15 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 12 people
People per booking: 1–12
Guide: English
Operated by: Uncomfortable Oxford

Ages: Youth (8–17 years) · Adults (18–64 years) · Seniors (65–110 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Uncomfortable Oxford™ Trained Guide

Itinerary

Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology

5 min

Take a full guided tour of the Ashmolean Museum with one of our Uncomfortable Oxford™ trained guides. Meet at the Statue Gallery, near the Main Entrance.
Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology

10 min

We begin our tour in the Ashmoelan Story Gallery, discussing the historical origins of the museum and the legacies of early colonial collecting practices.
Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology

15 min

In the Cask Gallery, we raise questions about the focus on Greek and Roman culture, enslavement practices, and esthetics in ancient sculpture.
Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology

15 min

In the Hellenistic World, discuss the ethics of excavations, display, and replicas.
Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology

15 min

Examine and discuss the display on colonialism and repatriation designed by the museum.
Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology

15 min

Finish the tour in the Egyptian Galleries, discussing mummies and human remains as display items.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Meet the guide in the Statue Gallery of theAshmolean Museum, just to your left when you enter. Guide will be wearing a blue vest and carrying a tote bag with the Uncomfortable Oxford Logo.

End point

Meet the guide in the Statue Gallery of theAshmolean Museum, just to your left when you enter. Guide will be wearing a blue vest and carrying a tote bag with the Uncomfortable Oxford Logo.

Using your ticket

Show your electronic booking confirmation to the guide when you arrive.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.