The Museum of Oxford has unveiled its 2026 programme, setting out a year of talks, tours and hands-on events that place local people and shared histories firmly centre stage. The new

programme launches this January and coincides with the introduction of a small entrance charge designed to support the museum’s long-term work.

The year begins with 'Oxford Uncovered’, a packed season of activities that explore the city’s social history through lived experience. From early cinema and night-time culture to family workshops, wellbeing sessions and rare behind-the-scenes access to historic spaces, the programme reflects the Museum’s commitment to telling Oxford’s story through the voices of its communities.

Throughout January and February, visitors can take part in a wide range of events. Highlights include the ‘Stories of Oxford Tour’ on 22 and 31 January, which trace both defining moments and everyday life from medieval times to the present day. 'Movers & Shakers’ on 23 January offers gentle, music-led movement sessions for older people, designed around memory, wellbeing and shared experience.

Families are invited to get involved with 'Hands-on History!' on 24 January, using real and replica objects in the gallery, while the same day also offers *Inside the Oxford Town Hall, an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Grade II listed building that houses the museum.

February’s programme continues the focus on powerful local stories. A lunchtime talk on 11 February explores the life of Charlie Hutchison, a Black British anti-fascist from Oxfordshire, presented by local historian Dan Poole. On 16 February, 'Hidden Voices of WW1’ brings to life the remarkable story of Hardit Singh Malik, Britain’s first Indian fighter pilot and a former Oxford resident, in a family-friendly event led by author Bali Raj. The month concludes with ‘Opera in a Day' on 18 February, when Oxford Opera invites families to recreate Gilbert and Sullivan’s ‘HMS Pinafore’ in a single-day workshop.

Together, these events underline the Museum of Oxford’s role as a place for storytelling, conversation and community connection. Through exhibitions, oral histories, public events and community-led projects, the museum works closely with local groups to reflect the many voices that have shaped the city.

To help sustain this work, the Museum of Oxford will introduce a small entry charge from 26 January 2026: £4 for adults and £2 for children. Many visitors will continue to enjoy free entry, including children under five, carers, people receiving benefits, volunteers, and Oxfordshire schools visiting the galleries. Those attending pre-booked activities will also not be charged. In addition, the museum will host 12 free open days each year to ensure regular opportunities for everyone to visit.

Oxford City Council provides £152,000 per year to support the museum’s operations, with income from entry fees reinvested directly into exhibitions and programmes.

Councillor Alex Hollingsworth, Cabinet member for Planning and Culture said: “The Museum of Oxford is a place where residents and visitors alike can understand the city beyond its familiar landmarks. Its focus on people, place and shared history is essential to Oxford’s cultural life, and this programme reflects the strength of that commitment. This programme shows the breadth of that work, from family learning and community wellbeing to talks, tours and shared memories.” 

Located inside Oxford Town Hall, the Museum of Oxford remains committed to being a welcoming and affordable civic space, open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm. Further details about exhibitions and events are available on the Museum of Oxford website. Photo by Tony Hisgett from Birmingham, UK, Wikimedia commons.