Pitt Rivers Museum
A treasure trove of ethnographic and archaeological wonders, packed with artifacts from around the globe in a unique display style.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Pitt Rivers Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A treasure trove of ethnographic and archaeological wonders, packed with artifacts from around the globe in a unique display style.
"One of the best museums I have ever been to, with so much to see and learn."
🎯 Free Entry, Donate Generously
Entry is free, but a recommended donation of £5 (or more!) supports this incredible museum.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing, so comfortable footwear is a must!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Shrunken Heads
Ethnographic Collection
A famously macabre and fascinating display of tsantsas, the shrunken heads of the Jivaro people.
Weaponry Collection
Ethnographic Collection
An extensive and impressive array of ethnographic weaponry from around the globe.
Hawaiian Cloak
Ethnographic Collection
A stunning example of traditional Hawaiian craftsmanship, showcasing intricate featherwork.
Giant Anteater
Natural History Museum (connected)
A colossal taxidermied giant anteater, a popular and striking exhibit for all ages.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing the Pitt Rivers
Navigating the Collections
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Entry, Donate Generously
Entry is free, but a recommended donation of £5 (or more!) supports this incredible museum.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing, so comfortable footwear is a must!
📸 Photography Allowed (Check Rules)
Capture the wonders, but be mindful of any specific restrictions on flash or tripods.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Don't rush! You could spend hours here. Consider focusing on specific sections.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Entry, Donate Generously
Entry is free, but a recommended donation of £5 (or more!) supports this incredible museum.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing, so comfortable footwear is a must!
📸 Photography Allowed (Check Rules)
Capture the wonders, but be mindful of any specific restrictions on flash or tripods.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Don't rush! You could spend hours here. Consider focusing on specific sections.
☕ Cafe Break Recommended
Exhibit fatigue is real! Take a break in the cafe to recharge and reflect.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Pitt Rivers Museum for its immense and fascinating collections, offering an unparalleled ethnographic and archaeological experience. While some find the dense displays overwhelming, most appreciate the unique 'type collection' layout and the sheer volume of artifacts. The free entry and the connection to the impressive Natural History Museum are significant draws, making it a highly recommended, albeit sometimes intense, visit.
"Genuinely one of the best museums I have ever been to. The collection is really packed, there is so much to see. Unlike many museums who tend to have a smaller selection but more information, this one really has so much to see.
Its natural history section is spacious and ideal for children and families, contained on one floor. The ethnographic section is contained within multiple levels.
As an avid arms and armour history buff, this is one of the most underrated museums. I don't hear many in the community talk about it, but this place has easily the best collection of ethnographic weaponry I have ever seen.
The best part is it's free. Its really worth the 5 pound recommended donation and more."
Rev Spring
"This is a great place. The combination of natural history museum and the Pitt Rivers is good because the natural history stuff is way more interesting because of the way it is presented. The Pitt Rivers collection is rather cramped and vastly overcrowded with bits and pieces from everywhere. Too much there to process in one visit, so target some aspect and do it in detail. Come back another time for another aspect. It was very busy on a Tuesday during school holidays. But a brilliant day out, all the same."
Will Hughes
"A truly enthralling immersiive visitor experience in this one of a kind treasure trove. The Pitt Rivers and the joined at the hip Natural History Museum in Oxford are a wonder for the architecture and interior design alone, let alone for the literally hundreds and thousands of exhibits. Im sure one could spend a lifetime visiting and still not see everything. Better to have an hour or so and a light lunch in the first floor cafe to reflect, otherwise 'exhibit fatigue' could set in. For those visiting with mobility issues you can check the website and phone the museum ahead and book the disabled parking bay right next to the rear entrance. Lifts to all floors so everything is accessible. A cabinet of delights awaits you. You will not be disappointed. Free entry but you'll want to spend money in the museums shops and cafe or donate to keep this wonderful place of learning and fun alive."
Paul Unwin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Pitt Rivers Museum is located within the Oxford University Museum of Natural History. You can reach it by walking from Oxford city center (about 15-20 minutes) or by taking a local bus.
On-street parking in Oxford can be challenging and expensive. Park and Ride services are a good option, or consider public transport.
Yes, it's a popular day trip! Trains from London Paddington to Oxford take about an hour. +1
Oxford is very walkable. Many attractions, including the Pitt Rivers, are within easy walking distance of each other. +1
Yes, the museum is accessible with lifts to all floors. It's recommended to check their website or call ahead for specific arrangements.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Pitt Rivers Museum is free. However, they do suggest a donation to help with their collections and operations.
Opening hours can vary, especially on weekends and holidays. It's best to check the official Pitt Rivers Museum website for the most up-to-date information.
While there aren't always formal guided tours of the Pitt Rivers itself, Oxford often offers walking tours that may include information about the museum and its context.
While entry is free, a donation is highly encouraged. Many visitors find the experience well worth more than the suggested £5.
No, access to the Pitt Rivers Museum is exclusively through the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
It's renowned for its vast and eclectic collection of archaeological and anthropological artifacts, including shrunken heads and an extensive weaponry display.
Yes, the connected Natural History Museum section is particularly engaging for children with its spacious layout and exhibits like the giant anteater. The Pitt Rivers itself can be overwhelming but fascinating.
To truly appreciate the collections, plan for at least 2-3 hours. Many visitors suggest breaking it up into multiple visits due to the sheer volume of items.
Photography is generally permitted, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific signage regarding flash or tripods.
The Pitt Rivers focuses on archaeology and anthropology with a unique, densely packed display style, while the Ashmolean is Oxford's main art and archaeology museum with more traditional gallery layouts.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe located on the first floor of the connected Natural History Museum, offering a place to rest and refuel.
Oxford has a wide range of dining options, from casual cafes in the Covered Market to restaurants around the city center.
Generally, eating and drinking are not permitted within the exhibition galleries to protect the artifacts. The cafe is the designated area.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is usually allowed for personal use. However, always look for signs indicating any restrictions, especially regarding flash photography.
The shrunken heads, the intricate Hawaiian cloak, and the vast displays of weaponry are often highlighted as particularly striking subjects.
While dedicated photography tours might be rare, the museum's unique layout and diverse exhibits offer endless opportunities for amateur photographers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the Pitt Rivers itself can be overwhelming due to its dense displays, focusing on specific, visually striking exhibits like the shrunken heads or the weaponry can keep younger visitors engaged. Consider making it a shorter visit or focusing on one section to avoid 'exhibit fatigue'.
🤓 History & Anthropology Buffs
Pay attention to the unique 'type collection' display method, which offers a different perspective on artifact comparison. The ongoing work on provenance and repatriation also adds a contemporary and critical dimension to the visitor experience.
🚶 Day-Trippers from London
Given the limited time on a day trip, it's advisable to prioritize your visit. You might want to focus on the most iconic exhibits or combine it with a quick walk around the city center.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Display Style
This approach, pioneered by General Pitt Rivers himself, was intended to show the evolution of human technology and design across different cultures. It means you'll see a global array of similar objects side-by-side, offering a unique comparative perspective. It's a cabinet of curiosities on a grand scale, packed floor-to-ceiling with treasures.
Visitors often describe it as both 'cramped' and 'overcrowded' but also 'thrilling' and 'a treasure trove'. The sheer density of objects means you can easily spend hours just examining one cabinet.
Ethical Considerations and Repatriation
Recent initiatives highlight the museum's commitment to working with descendant communities. For example, the museum is reaching out to Naga communities to discuss the care and potential return of Naga remains. This reflects a broader shift in museums globally towards more collaborative and respectful engagement with the cultures represented in their collections.
This evolving approach adds another layer of significance to a visit, prompting reflection on the history of collecting and the ongoing dialogue between museums and the communities whose heritage they hold.
A Tale of Two Museums: Pitt Rivers & Natural History
While the Natural History Museum is more spacious and often considered more child-friendly with its clear displays, the Pitt Rivers offers a more dense and arguably more 'curious' experience. The contrast between the two is striking: one is a grand hall of scientific discovery, the other a labyrinth of human creativity and history.
Many visitors appreciate this combination, allowing for a diverse day of exploration. You can start with the awe-inspiring skeletons and specimens of the Natural History Museum, then dive into the ethnographic and archaeological wonders of the Pitt Rivers.
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