banner
banner
banner
banner
banner
banner
banner
banner
banner
banner

Ashmolean Museum Tour - by Uncomfortable Oxford™ | 1 hour 15 minutes

6 Reviews | Oxford
From $22.39 per person Lowest Price Guarantee
Select Date and Travelers
You can select up to 12 travelers in total.
Senior (65-110) Minimum: 0, Maximum: 12
0
Adult (18-64) Minimum: 1, Maximum: 12
2
Youth (8-17) Minimum: 0, Maximum: 12
0
Free Cancellation For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Private tour - up to 6 people
2 Adults x $166.95
$333.90
Approx Total
$333.90
Private Tour

Inclusions / Exclusions

  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English
  • Uncomfortable Oxford™ Trained Guide

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.

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 minutes

  • Ashmolean 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

  • Ashmolean 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

  • Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology

    In the Hellenistic World, discuss the ethics of excavations, display, and replicas.

    15 minutes

  • Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology

    Examine and discuss the display on colonialism and repatriation designed by the museum.

    15 minutes

  • Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology

    Finish the tour in the Egyptian Galleries, discussing mummies and human remains as display items.

    15 minutes

Sample Menu

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

Free Cancellation

September 10100% refund
September 11No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • 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.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Reviews

4.8

6 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
  • 5 stars
    5
  • 4 stars
    1
  • 3 stars
    0
  • 2 stars
    0
  • 1 star
    0

Reviews by TravelOne travelers

Showing 1-5 of 5 reviews with 5 stars

Highly recomended!

Published on 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.

Highly recomended!

Published on 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.

Knowledgeable, enthusiastic guide makes this a visit not to be missed.

Published on Oct, 2024

I know the Ashmolean well, but the guide Jonathan really made it come to life and taught me many new things about the exhibits, the curation of the museum and its history. He was incredibly knowledgeable, but more than that, his love of the subject really came through. The tour was more like a conversation where all views were accepted and discussed. I recommend this tour very highly for anybody who wants to think about museums and the provenance of objects in a different way.

Knowledgeable, enthusiastic guide makes this a visit not to be missed.

Published on Oct, 2024

I know the Ashmolean well, but the guide Jonathan really made it come to life and taught me many new things about the exhibits, the curation of the museum and its history. He was incredibly knowledgeable, but more than that, his love of the subject really came through. The tour was more like a conversation where all views were accepted and discussed. I recommend this tour very highly for anybody who wants to think about museums and the provenance of objects in a different way.

This tour makes you look critically at how museums display & label items in their collections & how you feel about that

Published on Jan, 2024

This was the third Uncomfortable Oxford tour I did and it certainly lived up to the other 2! I had been finding myself feeling more conflicted about museums but this tour brought up things I had not considered yet. The tours encourage discussion among participants and this really added to the experience as it was fascinating to see how different people responded to the items we looked at. The tour made me see how much labelling is dedicated to the money - the people who paid for various exhibits are often more prominently labelled than what the item is and where it is from! It was especially interesting to be discussing marble sculptures and casts given the conversation around the Parthenon Marbles was in the news that very week. I will definitely be visiting museums with an even more critical eye in the future. Thanks so much to Charlotte and Georgia for being such great tour guides.

Compare Similar Experiences

Current

Ashmolean Museum Tour - by Uncomfortable ...
158482P7
time

1 hour 15 minutes

time Free Cancellation
6
From
$22 /   Person
Oxford: Official CS Lewis and JRR Tolkie ...
107266P6
time

2 hours

time Free Cancellation
39
From
$41 /   Person
Oxford Private Guided Walking Tour
8986P6
time

3 hours

time Non Refundable
7
From
$443 /   Group
Oxford College Gardens Public Walking To ...
New On TravelOne
22362P49
time

2 hours

time Free Cancellation
2
From
$95 /   Person
Oxford: Historic Pubs and Taverns Guided ...
New On TravelOne
73995P183
time

1 hour 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
1
From
$19 /   Person
Oxford Self Guided Walking Tour with Mob ...
New On TravelOne
472599P11
time

1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours

time Free Cancellation
1
From
$7 /   Person
Private Oxford Portraits Photo Tour Phot ...
New On TravelOne
5551894P1
time

1 hour 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
0
From
$152 /   Group
Treasure Hunt Oxford Walk Tour aimed at ...
22362P26
time

1 hour

time Free Cancellation
0
From
$93 /   Person
Private A Discovery Of Witches / All Sou ...
Likely To Sell Out
192133P30
time

4 hours

time Free Cancellation
0
From
$399 /   Person
Oxford Bike and Walking Tour
22673P9
time

3 hours

time Non Refundable
26
From
$62 /   Person
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
1.5-hour Oxford University and Colleges ...
52839P1
time

1 hour 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
1,196
From
$32 /   Person
City Sightseeing Oxford Hop-On Hop-Off B ...
2065OXF
time

40 minutes

time Free Cancellation
803
From
$24 /   Person
Oxford Sightseeing River Cruise Along Th ...
Likely To Sell Out
7418P3
time

50 minutes

time Non Refundable
517
From
$24 /   Person
Inspector Morse, Lewis and Endeavour Oxf ...
Likely To Sell Out
5936P28
time

1 hour 45 minutes

time Free Cancellation
490
From
$30 /   Person
Afternoon Tea Sightseeing River Cruise i ...
Likely To Sell Out
7418P6
time

1 hour 30 minutes

time Non Refundable
469
From
$68 /   Person
Oxford Harry Potter Insights entry to Di ...
22362P17
time

1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours

time Free Cancellation
353
From
$49 /   Person
Oxford | Alumni-Led Walking Tour w/opt N ...
246923P1
time

1 hour 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
267
From
$25 /   Person
Oxford Sightseeing Picnic River Cruise
Likely To Sell Out
7418P1
time

3 hours

time Non Refundable
240
From
$75 /   Person
River Cruise with Three Course Riverside ...
Likely To Sell Out
7418P2
time

2 hours

time Free Cancellation
185
From
$113 /   Person
Fun, Flexible Treasure Hunt Around Oxfor ...
274247P1
time

2 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
163
From
$30 /   Group
Extended: Oxford University & City Tour ...
22673P35
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
153
From
$101 /   Person
Gin Distillery Experience with Sky Wave ...
335887P1
time

1 hour 15 minutes

time Free Cancellation
145
From
$33 /   Person
Recently Viewed
Lost in Chiang Mai : Secret Village, Hot ...
91960P352
time

5 hours

time Free Cancellation
0
From
$107 /   Person
Connect with TravelOne
Louise Berg
Destination Expert
Customize Your Trip
TravelOne Subscribe
We organise unforgettable vacations.
Subscribe for trending deals.
© Copyright 2025 TravelOne Technologies Inc. | All Rights Reserved.
Visa Card Mastercard Maestro Amex Discover
TravelOne uses cookies to give you the best possible service. If you continue browsing, you agree to the use of cookies. More details can be found in our privacy policy.

Do you have a destination in mind, or should we recommend one?

Where do you want to go next?

Is this your first time visiting ?

When do you plan to travel?

Select the general vibe you're looking for on this trip

What theme best captures the vibe you want for this trip?

Choose your preferred travel flow

Customize your trip's activity flow

Who's traveling and how many of you?

Adults
Ages 12 or above
Child
Ages 8-12
Child
Ages 3-7
Infant
Ages 0-2
Women Only
Adults
Ages 12 or above
Child
Ages 8-12
Child
Ages 3-7
Infant
Ages 0-2
Women Only
Join A Group

What kind of accommodation do you prefer?

Preferred Star Rating?

Property Preference?

Property Location?

Preferred Hotel Chain?

Meal At The Hotel?

Choose Hotel Options

We’ll help find the meals that suit your taste

Which meal package would you like to choose?

What are your meal preferences?

Dining Style Preferences?

Cuisine Preferences?

Dining Atmosphere Preferences?

Preferred Meal Times?

Tell us how you’d like to travel between places

What are your preferences for Arrival/Departure Airport Transfers?

What are your preferences for internal transfers?

Select your preferred guide style

What kind of guide support do you prefer during your trip?

Preferred Language for Guide?

Preferred Type of Guide?

Group Size for Tours with Guides?

Desired Role of the Guide?

Specific Guide Personality/Style Preference?

Do you need dining recommendations/reservations support from the guide?

Let us know if you want flight assistance

What are your preferences for onward and return flights?

Cabin Class

Preferred Departure Time

Preferred Arrival Time

Preferred Airlines

What are your preferences for internal flight?

Cabin Class

Preferred Departure Time

Preferred Arrival Time

Preferred Airlines

What type of experiences do you seek while traveling?

Reset keyword
    Theme
    Adventure & Outdoor Activities
    Air & Water-Powered Thrill Rides
    Airboat Tours Flyboarding Jet Boat Rentals Jetpacks
    Climbing & Vertical Challenges
    Caving Climbing Ice Climbing Rock Climbing Sea Caving
    High-Adrenaline Aerial Adventures
    Air Tours Hang Gliding Heli-Hiking Helicopter Tours Helicopter Transfers Paragliding Parasailing Skydiving Ziplining
    Land-Based Extreme Driving
    4WD Tours ATV Tours Buggy Rentals Dune Bashing Go Kart Hummer Tours Motor Sports Motorcycle Tours Off-Road Tours Performance Car Driving Road Trip Vespa Rentals
    Sand & Desert Adventures
    Camel Rides Sandboarding
    Snow & Ice Adventures
    Dog Sledding/Mushing Husky Dog Tours Ice Fishing Ice Skating Snowboarding Snowmobiling Snowshoeing
    Unique & Unconventional Challenges
    Bungee Jumping Escape Rooms Flight Simulator Fun & Games Scavenger Hunts Shooting Shooting Ranges Tubing Zorbing
    Water & Surf Sports
    Freediving Kitesurfing Rafting Scuba Diving Surfing Lessons Wakeboarding Waterskiing White Water Rafting
    Theme
    Cruises & Water Journeys
    Classic & Scenic Cruises
    Canal Cruises Catamaran Cruises Dhow Cruises Gondola Cruises Sightseeing Cruises Water Tours
    Multi-Day & Extended Water Journeys
    Multi-day Cruises Ports of Call Tours Shore Excursions Worry-Free Shore Excursion
    Private & Adventure Boating
    Boat Rentals Power Boats Sailing
    Themed & Specialized Cruises
    Dinner Cruises Night Cruises Submarine Tours
    Unique & Alternative Water Travel
    Duck Boat Tours Ferry Services Pack Animal Tours Water Equipment Rentals Water Parks Water Transfers
    Theme
    Eco & Sustainable Travel
    Cycling & Eco-Friendly Transport
    Bike Rentals Bike Tours Cycling Cycling Classes E-Bike Tours
    Land-Based Exploration
    Hiking Tours Nature Walks Self-guided Tours Walking Tours
    Nature & Wildlife Conservation
    Eco Tours Nature and Wildlife Tours Wildlife Encounters Wildlife Watching
    Protected Natural Areas
    Involves Animals Involves Poverty Stricken Communities National Parks Nature Parks
    Sustainable & Responsible Travel
    Sustainable Tours Volunteer Tours
    Theme
    Food & Culinary Experiences
    Culinary Classes and Workshops
    Candy Making Classes Chocolate Tours Cocktail Tastings Mixology Classes Olive Oil Tasting Paella Making Classes Pasta Making Classes Pizza Making Classes Wine Making Workshops
    Dining Experiences and Meals
    Breakfast Brunch Dinner Dinner and Show Tickets Lunch Restaurants
    Food & Beverage Tours
    Beer & Brewery Tours Chocolate Tours Coffee & Tea Tours Culinary Tours Pastry Tours Sake Brewery Tour Sake Tasting Street Food Tours Taco Tours Wine Tours
    Food Tastings and Sampling
    Cocktail Tastings High Tea Olive Oil Tasting Sake Tasting Wine Tastings
    Food-Related Cruises
    Brunch Cruises Coffee Cruises Dinner Cruises Lunch Cruises
    Specialized Food Events
    Dining Experiences Dinner and Show Tickets
    Thematic Food Events & Experiences
    Donut Walking Tour Markets
    Theme
    Historical & Heritage Sites
    Classic & General History Tours
    Archaeology Tours Architecture Tours City Tours Cultural Tours Historical Tours
    Historical Landmarks & Sites
    Ancient Ruins Castles Tours Monuments and Memorials Religious Sites
    Industrial & Commercial History
    Factory Tours Plantation Tours
    Literature, TV & Film-Based Tours
    Game of Thrones Tours Harry Potter Tours Literary Tours TV Tours
    Museum & Cultural Institutions
    Attractions & Museums Museum Tickets & Passes Museums Planetariums
    Mystery & Dark History Tours
    Crime Tours Ghost Tours Underground Tours
    Observation & Structural History
    Classic Car Tours Observation Decks Skyscrapers & Towers
    Theme
    Local Culture & Traditions
    Art & Creative Workshops
    Art Classes Craft Classes Painting Classes Photography Tours Pottery Classes
    City Exploration
    Hop on Hop Off Buses Trolley Tours Tuk Tuk Tours
    Cultural & Heritage Experiences
    Costume Dress Up Experiences Cultural Tours Culture Fashion Shows Fashion Tours Lantern Festival
    Dance & Music Participation
    Dance Lessons Dance Shows
    Historical & Traditional Skills
    Archery Classes Swordsmanship Classes
    Language & Cultural Learning
    Language Classes Spanish Lessons
    Performing Arts & Live Shows
    Acoustic Concerts Ballet Tickets Ballroom Dance Shows Belly Dance Shows Broadway Shows Cirque du Soleil Shows Classical Concerts Classical Music Flamenco Performance Live Concerts Musicals Opera Performances Sufi Whirling Shows Tango Dance Shows Theater Shows Traditional Dance Performances
    Theme
    Luxury & Romantic Getaways
    Exclusive & VIP Experiences
    Once in a Lifetime Experiences Private and Luxury Viator Exclusive Tours Viator Experience Award 2022 Viator Experience Award 2023 Viator Experience Award 2024 Viator VIP Tours
    Private & Personalized Travel
    Private Day Trips Private Drivers Private Sightseeing Tours
    Romantic & Scenic Experiences
    Helicopter Tours Limousine Tours Luxury Car Tours Photo Shoots Romantic Tours Sunset Cruises
    Weddings & Special Celebrations
    Photo Shoots Wedding Ceremonies Wedding Packages Weddings & Celebrations
    Theme
    Nature & Scenic Experiences
    Adventure & Sports in Nature
    Horseback Riding Mountain Bike Rentals Mountain Bike Tours Sandboarding
    Boating & Cruises
    Glass Bottom Boat Tours Gondola Cruises Sailing
    Camping & Outdoor Stays
    Camping Honeymoon Packages
    Fishing & Marine Experiences
    Eco Tours Fishing Charters
    Hiking & Exploration
    Glacier Walks Hiking Tours National Parks Natural Attractions Nature Parks Nature Walks Outback Tours Parks
    Paddle & Active Water Sports
    Jet Ski Rentals Kayaking Tours Stand Up Paddleboarding
    Sky & Aerial Nature Experiences
    Hot Air Balloon Rides Northern Lights
    Underwater Exploration
    Scuba Diving Shark Diving Snorkeling Swim with Dolphins
    Wildlife Observation & Encounters
    Aquariums Bird Watching Dolphin Watching Safaris Shark Diving Swim with Dolphins Whale Watching Wildlife Encounters Wildlife Watching Zoos & Wildlife Parks
    Theme
    Nightlife & Festivals
    Dance & Cultural Party Experiences
    Disco Dance Shows Luaus Samba Dance Shows
    Festivals & Seasonal Celebrations
    Carnival Christmas Festivals Halloween Mardi Gras Oktoberfest Packages & Special Events
    Live Music & Performances
    Concerts Jazz Shows Live Concerts Music Tours Musical Shows Opera Performances R&B/Soul Concerts Rap & Hip-Hop Concerts Samba Dance Shows Theater Shows
    Nightlife & Entertainment
    Adults-only Shows Bar Tours Burlesque Shows Cabaret Casino Tours Comedy Shows Night Cruises Night Tours Nightlife Pub Tours
    Spectacle & Family-Friendly Entertainment
    Children’s Shows & Concerts Circus Shows Family-friendly Shows Fireworks Shows Shows
    Unique & Themed Experiences
    LGBT Friendly Tours Street Art Tour Theme Parks Universal Theme Parks
    Theme
    Seasonal & Holiday Trips
    Travel by Season
    Autumn / Fall Spring Spring Break Summer Winter Winter Sports
    Theme
    Spiritual & Religious Journeys
    Healing & Wellness Experiences
    Spas Thermal Spas & Hot Springs Yoga Classes
    Immersive Spiritual Experiences
    Light & Sound Shows
    Sacred & Religious Sites
    Religious Sites Religious Tours
    Spiritual & Cultural Rituals
    Easter Lunar New Year Sufi Whirling Shows
    Traditional & Cultural Bathing Practices
    Arab Baths Hammams & Turkish Baths Onsens
    Theme
    Sports & Active Travel
    Ball Sports
    Golf Tours & Tee Times Lacrosse Classes Softball Classes Tennis
    Combat & Tactical Sports
    Martial Arts Classes Paintball
    Extreme & Challenge-Based Sports
    Obstacle Courses
    Spectator Sports & Events
    Baseball Tickets Horse Racing Rugby Soccer Sporting Event Tickets & Passes
    Sports Training & Lessons
    Cycling Cycling Classes Sports Lessons
    Winter Sports
    Skiing Skiing Classes

    Choose your preferred travel flow