The Oxford University Museums have been open since 1683 and are free to the public. This is only possible due to generous funding from the University of Oxford, the Higher Education Funding Council for England, Arts Council England, a variety of Trusts and Foundations, philanthropic support from generous donors and voluntary support from visitors.
Key to our activity is engaging the public and the community, providing access to our varied collections and expertise. In 2012-13 we had:
- 2 million visitors through our doors
- Delivered free school education sessions to 120,000 school students
- Facilitated 6,500 HE student visits
- Engaged 27,000 children and young people and 55,000 adults in on site activities
- Engaged 10,000 children and young people and 8,000 adults in outreach
- Offered 10,000 volunteer hours to 1,200 volunteers
- Provided training to 1,000 teachers.
In our most recent set of exit surveys, out of 2,810 visitors surveyed, 90.5% rated their experience positively.
I always discover something new (today the Alfred Jewel).
I loved all the exhibitions and the presentation was really good. I was really impressed that there was no entry fee!
The guides are excellent and very informative. A credit to the museum.
Beautifully organised, dizzying variety.
Can't wait to come back!
All beautifully displayed and explained. Got my brain working. Thank you.
This is one of the most interesting museums that I have ever seen!
The Oxford University Museums play an important role in supporting the local economy. Together in 2011-12 we generated over £50,000,000 of income for the tourist visitor economy in Oxfordshire.
Oxford ASPIRE contributes directly to the health and sustainability of the cultural sector through a range of knowledge sharing activities. Between November 2012 and March 2013 we hosted 6 knowledge sharing events for cultural sector professionals attended by 129 delegates from 76 different organisations across the UK. You can read an evaluation summary of these events here.
Find out more about what's happening at our museums in our latest reports.
Oxford University Museums are part funded by Arts Council England, and our museums are among thousands of organisations supported by Arts Council's public funding for Arts and Culture in England, which costs each person just 14p per week. This investment helps to build communities, boost tourism, create employment, enhance educational attainment, drive economic growth and support, enable and showcase talent.
Here's a film that gives an idea of the range, quality and impact of this funding.