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Offered languages
- English
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.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
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.
Itinerary
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1Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology
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.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology
We begin our tour in the Ashmoelan Story Gallery, discussing the historical origins of the museum and the legacies of early colonial collecting practices.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology
In the Cask Gallery, we raise questions about the focus on Greek and Roman culture, enslavement practices, and esthetics in ancient sculpture.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology
In the Hellenistic World, discuss the ethics of excavations, display, and replicas.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology
Examine and discuss the display on colonialism and repatriation designed by the museum.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology
Finish the tour in the Egyptian Galleries, discussing mummies and human remains as display items.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
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Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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