The Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford, England is a museum of anthropology and archaeology renowned for its collections of artifacts, displays, and exhibitions. Founded in 1884 by Augustus Pitt Rivers, the museum is located on the University of Oxford’s Parks Road campus and is home to over 500,000 objects from all around the world. The museum is renowned for its ethnographic and archaeological collections and is one of the most important anthropology and archaeology museums in the world.
History
Pitt Rivers Museum was founded in 1884 by Lieutenant-General Augustus Pitt Rivers, an influential figure in the development of anthropology and archaeology. Pitt Rivers donated his collection of archaeological and ethnographic artifacts to the University of Oxford, with the aim of creating a museum that would be open to the public and would be used for teaching and research. The museum opened in 1886 and has been open to the public ever since.
Collections and Exhibitions
The museum’s collections are vast and varied, and include artifacts from all over the world. The museum houses over 500,000 objects, including archaeological and ethnographic artifacts, photographs, and documents. The collections span a wide range of cultures and time periods, from prehistory to the present day. The museum also holds a large number of objects from the British Isles, including items from the Iron Age, Roman, and Medieval periods.
The museum is renowned for its exhibitions, which are regularly updated and feature a variety of objects from the museum’s collections. The museum also hosts a number of special exhibitions, which are often focused on a particular theme or culture. The museum also hosts a number of events throughout the year, including talks, workshops, and family activities.
Tours and Admission
The museum offers a variety of guided tours, which are available to the public. The tours are led by knowledgeable guides and provide an in-depth look at the museum’s collections and exhibitions. The museum also offers a range of self-guided tours, which are available in a variety of languages. The museum is open to the public and admission is free.
Tips for Tourists
- The museum is located on the University of Oxford’s Parks Road campus, and is easily accessible by bus or car.
- The museum is open to the public and admission is free.
- The museum offers a variety of guided and self-guided tours.
- The museum is home to over 500,000 objects from all around the world.
- The museum regularly hosts a variety of talks, workshops, and family activities.
Practical Information
- Address: Pitt Rivers Museum, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PP, UK
- Opening Times: Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 4.30pm
- Contact Number: +44 (0) 1865 270927
- Website: https://www.prm.ox.ac.uk/
The Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford is an important institution for the study of anthropology and archaeology, and is renowned for its collections of artifacts, displays, and exhibitions. The museum is open to the public and admission is free, and it offers a variety of guided and self-guided tours. The museum is home to over 500,000 objects from all around the world, and regularly hosts a variety of talks, workshops, and family activities. Visitors to the museum can expect to learn about the history and culture of different cultures from around the world, and to gain a greater understanding of anthropology and archaeology.
