Hands-on History!

Hands-on History is back at the Museum of Oxford on Wednesday 28 October, this time focusing on the city's music history collection. It's a drop-in session in Gallery One, so there's no booking needed — you just turn up when you fancy it.

The format is simple: real and replica objects from the collection are laid out, and volunteers are on hand to talk you through them and share the stories they reveal about Oxford's musical past. It's one of the museum's family-friendly gallery activities, and because it's a drop-in, you can stay for ten minutes or an hour, depending on how much you're into it. If you're going with kids, it's a good way to let them get close to the stuff rather than just looking at it from behind glass.

For a bit of context, the Museum of Oxford sits inside Oxford Town Hall and is run by Oxford City Council, which puts £152,000 a year into supporting it. The museum puts the city's people, communities and shared histories at its heart, telling Oxford's story through the voices and experiences of its residents, with storytelling, collaboration and community practice underpinning its exhibitions, oral histories, outreach and public programmes. Councillor Alex Hollingsworth, Oxford City Council's Cabinet member for Planning and Culture, has described it as a place where residents and visitors can understand the city beyond its familiar landmarks.

The session runs from 11am to 3pm, though the museum closes for lunch between 12.30 and 1.30pm. It's included with museum entry, and a small entrance charge applies from 26 January 2026: £4 for adults and £2 for children. Entry is free for those in receipt of benefits, children under five, carers, formal and community volunteers, Oxfordshire schools (gallery visits only) and people attending pre-booked activities, plus there are 12 free open days each year. You'll find the museum inside Oxford Town Hall on St Aldate's, OX1 1BX.