1 hour
E-voucher
English
Overview
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.
Operated by
Uncomfortable Tours
Ratings & Reviews
Average Rating
4.89
/ 5
9 traveller ratings
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A deeper understanding
AlanJ186361, Dec 2025
As someone who has lived in Oxford and a member of the Ashmolean and visited many times I found the tour give me a deeper understanding of the museum as did the related tour of the National History tour Alan Jenkins
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you so much for your kind comments and for supporting our work, Alan. We are delighted that you enjoyed the tours and were able to connect more deeply with the museums. We hope to see you again in the future on other themed tours.
This was an excellent...
Charlotte_F, Sept 2025
This was an excellent tour. The tour guide had an open and friendly approach and provided interesting and relevant information. We had a stimulating discussion, which was most enjoyable.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you so much! We're so glad the guide connected with you. Join us again soon!
A new and thought-provoking way to visit Oxford's Ashmolean museum.
judyrG7690MQ, Sept 2025
An interesting and engaging tour with an excellent guide who sparked great conversation in our small group. I recommend to anyone who wants to understand more about how and why some of the exhibits made their way to the museum and the dilemmas facing modern curators.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you so much Judy - join us again soon!
Highly recomended!
H2644XPjg, Jan 2025
This is a really informative, and engaging, tour. It provides critical insights into the origins, curation, and mission of the museum. Our guide, Devika, did a great job of encouraging reflection and discussion. I would highly recommend it to all.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thank you for taking the time to write a review; we are delighted that you found the tour and your guide, Devika, enagaging and informative. We hope to see you on another tour in the future.
Itinerary
Ashmolean 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 minutesAshmolean 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 minutesAshmolean 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 minutesAshmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology
In the Hellenistic World, discuss the ethics of excavations, display, and replicas.
15 minutesAshmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology
Examine and discuss the display on colonialism and repatriation designed by the museum.
15 minutesAshmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology
Finish the tour in the Egyptian Galleries, discussing mummies and human remains as display items.
15 minutes
Experience
Inclusions
- Uncomfortable Oxford™ Trained Guide
Additional Information
- 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
Guide Languages
English
Cancellation Policy
A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.