Current Displays and Exhibitions

Take a look at the special exhibitions and displays — and explore our online Galleries

Precious and Rare: Islamic Metalwork from The Courtauld - Cultures in Conversation

Immerse yourself in a selection of some of the world’s finest pieces of Islamic metalwork ranging from Iran to Egypt.

From stunning court fashion to intriguing astrolabes, these objects combine forms and decorations from very different places. Each one tells us a story which always starts and ends in a different place.

9 October 2020 - 10 January 2021

Entrance Gallery

Heartbeat of the City watches display (9) 1800 x 840 px

The Heartbeat of the City: 500 Years of Personal Time

Take a minute to go inside out with us this autumn.

Outside in the Sheldonian Yard, interact with a sculpture which draws on your footsteps to beat out the rhythm of our city.

Go inside (or online) to discover timepieces which each tell a personal story of human endeavour and engineering expertise.

Tuesday 27 October – Sunday 13 December

Basement Gallery

Photo Oxford 2020 Women in Photography Exhibition Banner 1800 x 840 px

Photo Oxford 2020: Women and Photography

From Anna Atkins' ground-breaking book of 'botanical blue' algae to Sarah Acland's pioneering colour photography, discover Oxford's rich history of talented, pioneering women photographers.

October-November 2020

Basement Gallery

Alice in Typhoidland: the past and present of typhoid

Explore the long history and cutting edge research behind typhoid vaccination and rollout.

21 January - 31 December 2020

Basement Gallery

Women and Science: Inspiring the next generation of scientists

A two-part display that looks at women and science, which will showcase the work of scientists, both past and present, who have made significant contributions to the realms of astronomy and astrophysics. ⁠

November 2019 - December 2020

Basement Gallery

Young Producers: 'Prayer'

Over the last year the Young Producers voluntary group at the History of Science Museum has been working with the collection of scientific instruments from the Islamic World display in the top gallery.

From September 2019

Top Gallery