Pitt Rivers Museum - Oxford
Welcome to one of the most unique and fascinating museums in Oxford! The Pitt Rivers Museum is a true treasure trove of artifacts from all around the world. From weapons to musical instruments, and from textiles to jewelry, this museum has it all.
As you step through the doors and into the museum, the first thing that you'll notice is the incredible dynamic display of over 22,000 items. The curated collection of artifacts showcases the diversity of human culture from around the world, and it's sure to take your breath away.
If you're interested in anthropology, exploring the cultures of different people or just want to have an educational trip, you can definitely find something unique and attractive here in the Pitt Rivers Museum. The museum is quite large, so it's presumed that you'll spend a good amount of time here learning about the world and its people.
The Pitt Rivers Museum was founded in 1884, which explains why the building has a classic feel to it which is a sight to behold. It has objects from virtually every continent in the world from Africa to Asia, and from Europe to Oceania. Every section has something unique and exciting to offer, with detailed descriptions and information provided to enhance your viewing experience.
You can learn everything about the world cultures, historical customs, and the way the artifacts and objects were utilized in the past. The Pitt Rivers Museum is a fascinating place to visit if you want to witness a plethora of exhibits, visit a unique attraction that'll make your day memorable, or if you're simply curious and want to engage with the world of anthropology from a different perspective.
The Pitt Rivers is one of the only museums of its kind in the country and is certainly one that’s well worth visiting. So, to learn more about what you’ll get up to at the Pitt Rivers Museum, it's time to dive deeper into its history, the objects that you'll find here, and how to plan your visit.
History of the Pitt Rivers Museum
The Pitt Rivers Museum was created through the vision of General Augustus Pitt Rivers, who acted as a collector and philanthropist. General Augustus Pitt Rivers was highly fascinated by ethnography and sponsored several anthropologists to all around the world to collect ethnographic items for his private collection.
When General Pitt Rivers felt that it was time to retire, he announced that his collection would be donated to Oxford University, where he had attended undergraduate school. His collection was then held at the Museum of Natural History in Oxford until it was moved to its current site in 1884.
Today, the Pitt Rivers Museum still operates under the philosophy originally envisioned by General Pitt Rivers. It aims to demonstrate the diversity of human culture, which is visually presented through his unique collection of ethnographic items. It’s an ideal place to witness and embrace the world’s diverse cultures all in one place.
What You Will Find at the Pitt Rivers Museum
As we mentioned earlier, the Pitt Rivers Museum has over 22,000 items, so it’s safe to say that the museum has a lot to offer. From musical instruments to weapons, pots to paintings, textiles, jewelry, and many more, all items tell a story of where they come from and their historical significance making it a wonder for the eyes.
The way each item is displayed is truly fascinating, revealing the unique designs and artworks of different cultures throughout the world. It’s truly amazing how it’s all been put together. Each display gives information on the items and their cultural and anthropological significance, providing an enjoyable and informative experience for the visitor. With so many objects available, it’s difficult to choose what to look at first.
The Pitt Rivers Museum has exhibits on every continent of the world, each with its unique offerings and items. The African culture exhibit, for instance, features masks and costumes which are used in traditional cultural ceremonies. The American cultures exhibit is filled with items from the native communities of North and South America.
Another side of the museum is dedicated to European cultures. It includes the iconic Missal, which is a book of Roman Catholic masses, and also several other European artifacts. The Asian exhibit, dedicated to the culture of the east, includes weapons, textiles, pottery, and artwork from various Asian countries. There is also an exhibit dedicated to the Oceania regions, showcasing items from the Pacific and Oceanic islands including Hawaii, Papua New Guinea, and many more.
Planning Your Visit
The Pitt Rivers Museum is open Monday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm. This is subject to change, so be sure to double-check the Museum's official website or social media pages for any changes, particularly during ongoing events and school holidays.
For visitors looking to get the most out of their visit, there are guided tours and a downloadable audio guide available. These resources allow visitors to fully appreciate the collections and provide in-depth explanations of the exhibits within the museum.
Children are welcome at the Pitt Rivers Museum and a special area dedicated to their interactive learning offers games, puzzles, and quizzes to keep them engaged and excited throughout your visit.
The museum has a café, which serves snacks and light meals, as well as a shop where visitors can buy books, souvenirs, and unique gifts. They also have facilities for disabled visitors, including access to wheelchairs.
FAQs
How long will it take to visit the museum?
It’s highly recommended that visitors plan at least three hours for their visit to fully appreciate the exhibits.
Is photography allowed in the museum?
Yes, photography is allowed in the museum. However, the use of flash photography or tripods is not allowed.
Is there a dress code for visiting the museum?
No, there is no dress code. However, visitors are recommended to wear comfortable shoes as there is a considerable amount of walking involved.
Are there discounts available for students and senior citizens?
Yes, discounted tickets are available for students and senior citizens. Be sure to bring your ID for verification purposes.
Final Thoughts
The Pitt Rivers Museum is a unique and interesting place to visit, with exhibits showcasing the diversity of human culture from around the world. If you're in Oxford, the Pitt Rivers Museum is a must-see attraction. It's ideal for visitors of all ages, from families to historians, and anyone looking to learn about the world's diversity and culture. Plan your visit today and learn something new about the world you live in!
Post a Comment for "Pitt Rivers Museum - Oxford"