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Museum Details
Pitt Rivers Museum
Image
Pitt Rivers Museum
South Parks Road
Oxford
OX1 3PP
Oxfordshire
England
Collection details
Agriculture
Archaeology
Costume and Textiles
Music
Photography
Religion
Toys and Hobbies
Weapons and War
World Cultures
Facilities
Shop: yes
Guided tours: yes
Baby changing facilities: yes
Library: yes
Study area: yes
Wheelchair access: yes
Visual disability facilities: yes
Hearing disability facilities: yes
Induction loop available in museum shop.
Please pre-book disabled parking spaces.
Contact details
General information (Tel)
:
01865 270927
General information (Fax)
:
01865 270943
general enquiries
:
prm@prm.ox.ac.uk
Website
:
www.prm.ox.ac.uk
Open
Temporarily closed from 7th July 2008 until Spring 2009.
Admission charges
Admission Free
Description
The Pitt Rivers Museum is the University of Oxford's museum of anthropology and world archaeology. Founded in 1884 following a gift to the University from General Pitt Rivers it retains its unique period atmosphere with dense displays of artefacts, many in the original wooden display cabinets. As a result, it has often been described as a 'Museum of Museums'.
The new extension to provide better provisions for the public, students and staff is now complete. The upper gallery remains closed for research and re-display work to be carried out. The public displays will close from 7th July 2008 until Spring 2009 for further building works.
Collections description
The museum is a resource of international importance for the study of human cultures and their history. Its collections span all parts of the world from prehistory to the present day and celebrate the range of human creativity and technological ingenuity. The collections are arranged typologically to show how, at different times and in different parts of the world, people solved a wide range of everyday problems.
Key artists and exhibits
The museum's displays contain an almost overwhelming variety of material from masks to magic, mummies to musical instruments. Highlights include a 40ft Totem pole, a witch in a bottle and a temporary exhibition of photographs taken in Iraq, by the renound traveller Wilfred Thesiger.
Articles
Oxford's Pitt Rivers Museum To Close For Major Redevelopment
MGM 2008 - A Top Ten Of Museums At Night Events This Weekend
Nominations Open For Guardian Family Friendly Museums Award
Pitt Rivers Museum Wins MGM 2007 Commendation Scheme
Eggciting Things To Do In Museums And Galleries Over Easter
MGM 2006 - UK Museums Open Their Doors For Night Of The Museums
MGM 2006 - Banging The Drum For The Thames Valley
Trails
Exploring Anglo Sikh Heritage In The South East
Anglo Sikh Heritage In The South East
Hidden Treasure Trail For Oxford
General Information
Brochure or leaflet available with directions to museum
Pre-booking service for groups
Information point provided
Guided tours
Collections
Specialist publications on collections available
Object identification and/or written enquiry service
Object study facilities available (enquire in advance)
Public access available to collections information
Disability Access
Audio guides specifically for blind and partially sighted people
Events/teaching/resources for people with disabilities
General audio-guide available
Induction loops in lecture theatres
Large print information and/or interpretation
Parking for disabled available
Toilets for disabled
Touch exhibits and/or handling sessions
Wheelchair access to all public areas
Wheelchairs available for loan
Children and Families
Baby changing facilities
Events and resources for children and families
General Education
Academic publications and resources available
Education facilities available
General audio-guide available
Member of staff available with responsibility for education
Teaching/resources available for HE/FE students
Schools Education
Direct teaching services for schools
Primary school education service available
Printed/audio-visual information available for schools
Secondary school education service available
Facilities
Facilities for private functions and events
General audio-guide available
Library
Mail order service available
Meeting room available
Object study facilities available (enquire in advance)
Research facilities for academics
Shop
Study facilities
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Information published here was believed to be correct at the time it was prepared. Welsh language pages developed with CYMAL: Museums Archives and Libraries Wales, funded by the Welsh Assembly Government.